A taste of Café Colombia

Oh honey, buckle up and grab your best espresso martini—because I’ve just returned from a whirlwind Colombian adventure that was richer than a freshly brewed cup of arabica and spicier than a salsa night in Cartagena. This wasn’t just any getaway; this was the 6-night Café Colombia trip with Intrepid, and let me tell you—this journey brewed up joy, culture, and just the right dash of sass in every city.

Daniel, our tour leader (aka human espresso shot), brought the heat, the history, and all the heart. His passion for Colombia had us leaning in like we were sipping tinto at an abuelita’s kitchen table. With his stories steeped in pride and rhythm (and yes, even Joropo beats!), we danced through the soul of Colombia, one city at a time.

☕ Bogotá – The High Altitude Heartbeat

Sitting pretty at 2,644m above sea level, Bogotá is where our caffeine-fuelled adventure kicked off. This city is a whole mood—where colonial charm collides with urban hustle. Think cobbled streets, cozy cafés, centuries-old churches, and street art that slaps harder than your first morning brew.

La Candelaria? Chef’s kiss. We wandered through its vibrant streets on a walking tour that hit all the foodie sweet spots—fresh exotic fruits at the market, Obleas Caseritas oozing with caramel, and sips of fermented Chicha that’ll have you swaying before the salsa even starts.

And if you think the legends stop there—baby, we chased El Dorado like the caffeinated conquistadors we are. The sacred Laguna de Guatavita was pure magic, steeped in Muisca myth and golden dreams. Then, deep into the salt-rich heart of Zipaquirá, we descended into the mind-blowing Salt Cathedral—a Roman Catholic marvel carved straight into halite rock. It was like stepping into a glittering underground world where even the walls were blessed with divine flavour.

Oh, and Theatron? Let’s just say it’s not just South America’s largest gay club—it’s a technicolor caffeine rush of lights, music, and fabulous chaos. 13 themed rooms. Multiple dance floors. Zero regrets.

🍓 Salento – Coffee, Colour & Cheese-Drenched Trout

Next stop: the rainbow-hued town of Salento, where the architecture is brighter than a bag of Colombian beans and the trout is slathered in garlic-cheese heaven. We strolled the candy-coloured streets, tried our luck (and lungs) at tejo—Colombia’s explosive bar game—and soaked in the paisa charm.

Then came Cocora Valley, where wax palms stretch toward the heavens like they're reaching for the ultimate cup of joe. Hikes were optional but honey, if you made it to Acaime Reserve and saw the hummingbirds flutter like caffeinated fairies? Worth every sweaty step.

🌱 Coffee Estancia – Brewed Bliss in the Andes

Now this—this was the crema on top. We spent two nights at a lush coffee estancia deep in the Colombian countryside. The landscape? Green velvet. The vibe? Farm-chic. We dove deep into the bean-to-brew process: planting, harvesting, roasting, and grinding. Then came the best part—tasting. Each cup we sipped felt like a love letter written in arabica.

And did I mention the cacao? Because we got our chocolate fix too. The combo of rich coffee and decadent chocolate had me in a perpetual state of buzzed bliss. Colombia doesn’t play around when it comes to the good stuff.

🌸 Medellín – The Comeback Queen of Colombia

From bean fields to big city, we rode into Medellín, the phoenix that rose from its ashes and into a whole new era of cool. Once infamous, now irresistible, Medellín is bursting with life, art, and innovation.

We soared over the city in cable cars like caffeinated eagles and landed in Santa Elena, where flower farms bloom and the mountain air is as crisp as a cold brew. The barrio transformation tour was deeply moving, showing how community, art, and resilience can totally rebrand a city.

And let’s just talk about dinner: the Michelin-starred ElCielo. A sensory tasting menu that literally had me closing my eyes in delight. I don't remember all the ingredients—I was in a food trance—but I do remember the feeling: culinary euphoria.

🌴 Cartagena – Where the Vibes Never Quit

Finally, we flew into Cartagena, where the Caribbean breeze kisses your cheeks and the music never stops. The walled city is like stepping into a painting: pastel buildings, sun-dappled plazas, and energy that radiates from every cobblestone.

We wandered through Getsemaní, danced with locals in Plaza de la Trinidad, and if you didn’t end your night sipping cocktails in a breezy rooftop bar, did you even Cartagena?

And for the bold—mud bath at Volcán de Lodo El Totumo, baby! Nature’s spa day, Colombian-style.

☕ Final Sip

From bold Bogotá to sultry Cartagena, this trip was a full-bodied brew of culture, cuisine, history, and heart. Colombia poured us rich cups of experience and spiced it up with salsa, street art, and soul. Whether you’re here for the coffee, the culture, or just the chaos of colourful life—trust me, this country serves it piping hot.

So here’s to Colombia: vibrant, velvety, and unapologetically delicious. Until next time, my caffeine-loving heart will be dreaming of wax palms, tinto, and tejo.

Stay bold. Stay buzzed. Stay curious.

☕💃🇨🇴

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departuresXdean - an independent agent with Personal Travel Mgmt BC Tour registration #2806, TICO #50025786 proud members of the IGLTA and the Ensemble Travel Group.

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