What if Colombia’s greatest treasure isn’t gold, but experiences? During the conquest, legends spoke of incalculable riches behind Gamonrrá mountain. The Spanish searched for precious metals, but the authentic treasure of Guática is much deeper: a living indigenous culture, exotic fruits that awaken the senses, and breathtaking landscapes. This cultural tour in the Coffee Axis is your map to discover this hidden jewel of Risaralda. We invite you on an adventure where wealth is measured in smiles, flavors, and human connections.
YOUR ADVENTURE THROUGH THE SANTAMARÍA VALLEY: ITINERARY OF A DISCOVERY
1. The Call of the Valley: Welcome to the Agricultural Pantry
Your journey begins as you cross the threshold of the Santamaría Valley. Here, the air smells of fertile soil, and crops of onion, blackberry, and coffee paint the landscape. Guática, formed by the towns of San Clemente, Santa Ana, and Guática, welcomes you as the main agricultural pantry of Risaralda. It’s the first clue that true abundance springs from the land.
2. The Encounter with the Guardians: Indigenous Culture and Exotic Fruits
The cultural treasure of Guática is revealed upon encountering the enduring indigenous traditions. Discover the care for ancestral seeds and let yourself be surprised by the flavor of exotic fruits like the güimo, cherimoya, and guama. This is a unique sensory test, a direct immersion into a gastronomic heritage that enriches the palate and the spirit.
3. The Test of Joy: Dance, Festivals, and Natural Beauty
Here, culture is lived with your feet. Guática is party and dance. Immerse yourself in the skill of its people dancing cumbia, salsa, or merengue during festivities like the Onion Festival or the Patron Saint Festivals of Santa Ana. It’s a test of joy where “beauty without surgery” and human warmth are the real spectacle.
4. The Traveler’s Refuge: Origin Coffee at Casa Elda
A well-deserved moment of pause. Casa Elda is a sanctuary for coffee lovers. In this traditional house, with large windows overlooking the valley, you will enjoy single-origin coffees produced locally, accompanied by traditional desserts. It’s the perfect place to absorb the experiences and prepare for the next stage of the adventure.
5. The Natural Odyssey: Adventure in La Cristalina Reserve and Las Peñas
For lovers of outdoor adventure, Guática is a paradise. Explore the biodiversity of the La Cristalina Reserve and the La Palmera property, a biological corridor to the Chocó. Travel its trails on foot, by 4×4, or by MTB to reach wonders like “Los Chorros,” a mighty waterfall, and “Las Peñas,” rock formations that rival the beauty of Guatapé’s Peñol in wild splendor.
6. The Gastronomic Elixir: Street Flavors and Town Traditions
The final reward is for your palate. Sample the authentic flavors of Guática: corn fritters (buñuelos), the Aloha drink or blackberry wines, blood sausage from “Las Chontaduras,” or the fried treats from “Manteca.”
“Chontaduras and Manteca”? Yes—this is another cultural example where families are better known by their nicknames than their surnames, one more sign of this land’s unique and uncomplicated identity.
IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?
- YES, if you are looking for… a deep and authentic cultural experience, far from mass tourism.
- YES, if you are fascinated by… unique gastronomy, living traditions, and contact with communities.
- YES, if you enjoy… nature and outdoor adventure with activities like hiking and MTB.
- This tour is NOT for you if… you prefer highly developed destinations and standardized experiences.
“Guática was the discovery of our trip to Colombia. It’s not a place, it’s a feeling. Andes Homos showed us the real treasure: its people.” – Sofia and David (UK)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Round-trip ground transportation for up to 4 people
- Travel insurance
- Optional: Up to 3 bicycles, available upon prior request
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Meals are not included; however, they can be reserved in advance at certain restaurants.
- If you wish to enjoy swimming in the rivers and waterfalls, please bring a change of clothes.
- In the event of changing weather conditions or risk advisories from IDEAM and other official entities, refrain from entering any bodies of water.
- Please pay close attention to the safety briefing provided at the start of each tour.
- The tours primarily take place in areas with limited tourist infrastructure. Please keep this in mind for restroom needs, among other things. We can make as many stops as required.
- The spaces we explore must be respected and cared for. Therefore, we request that you bring one or several trash bags to carry your waste out with you.
- For those who use the bicycle service, a support vehicle (“broom wagon”) will accompany the group. Please note: The vehicle will provide only one pick-up per individual.
- Although the tours are conducted by vehicle, we recommend participating only if you are in good health, due to the significant distance from medical centers.
- The nature, the people, and all other elements and subjects that make up the spaces we will visit deserve respect. This principle should always guide any and all interactions.
DURATION: 10 hours
PRICING & PICK-UP:US$200 for 1 to 4 people, with departure from Pereira, La Virginia, Viterbo and Dosquebradas
US$230 for 1 to 4 people, with departure from Salento, Filandia, Quimbaya, Montenegro, Armenia, Alcalá, Ulloa, Cartago, Manizales, Chinchiná, Palestina, Santa Rosa de Cabal and Marsella.
For departures from other locations, the pick-up point and any additional fee will be agreed upon with the customer in advance.
All prices include taxes.