Beyond conventional tourist destinations lies a secret Quindío, a place where the waters are born and the spirit of the Quimbaya culture endures. This adventure tour is an expedition to the origin. It will take you along gravel paths, through cloud forests and natural reserves, to connect with ancestral history, local art, and the most authentic gastronomy. Leave the ordinary behind and embark on a transformative journey through the paths of Santa Rosa de Cabal and Pereira. This is not just a hike; it’s a deep immersion into the heart of the Coffee Axis.
YOUR ADVENTURE ROUTE: FROM ASPHALT TO ORIGIN
1. The Call of the Gravel: Santa Rosa and the Samaria Village
You will cross the threshold in Santa Rosa de Cabal, leaving the asphalt for the gravel roads that wind towards the Samaria village. The clean air and the scent of the woody forest will be your first reward. Here, silence is only broken by the sound of nature, preparing you for the disconnection and adventure that awaits.
2. The Hero’s Choice: Monastery or San José River
The fork in the road represents your first challenge and opportunity. Will you climb towards the mystical peace of San José Monastery, a sanctuary amidst the forest? Or will you follow the course of the San José River, anticipating the Quimbaya archaeological secrets hidden in its stones? Each path offers a unique reward for the exploratory spirit.
3. The Encounter with the Guardian: Putamaes
After visiting the La Bruja waterfall, you will reach Putamaes, a farm named after Quimbaya ancestors. Its guardian, artist Leonardo Trejos, is an unexpected ally. His irreverence and art contrast with the history of the place, offering you a unique perspective and a conversation that could be one of the most memorable moments of your adventure in Colombia.
4. The Agricultural Heart: La Florida and Ancestral Flavors
The descent takes you to the corregimiento of La Florida, the region’s agricultural pantry. Here, the community resists by preserving its heritage. You will meet the Machete family, the last muleteers, and taste the delicious paramo cheese. You will also be welcomed by doña Nelsy and her Café Cine Club, where medicinal flavors and vinyl records create a unique sensory experience.
5. The Panoramic Reward: Manzano Alto Village
The subsequent ascent has a glorious reward: from the Manzano Alto village, the views of the Paramillo de Santa Rosa and the peaks of Tatamá are simply stunning. Keep your eyes wide open; howler monkeys often make an appearance in this biological corridor, culminating this natural odyssey with their powerful call.
6. The Final Elixir: Wood-Fired Lunch at “La Colombianita”
The climax of any gastronomic adventure. High on the mountain, doña Jazmín and her family await you with a typical lunch prepared on a wood-fired stove. Every bite, loaded with tradition and the “secret touch” of love, is the elixir that nourishes body and soul, connecting you deeply with the essence of the coffee land.
IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?
- YES, if you are looking for… a 100% authentic experience, far from any mass tourist route.
- YES, if you are passionate about… hiking, ancestral culture, local art, and gastronomy with history.
- YES, if you have… a medium physical condition to enjoy walks with ascents and descents.
- This tour is NOT for you if… you seek exclusive comfort and fast transfers; here the path and the slow experience are valued.
“This tour has it all: history, nature, art, and a meal that touches your soul. I felt I discovered the real Colombia.” – Elena R. (Spain)
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: 8 hours
PRICING & PICK-UP:US$170 for 1 to 4 people, with departure from Pereira, Dosquebradas and Santa Rosa de Cabal.
US$200 for 1 to 4 people, with departure from Salento, Filandia, Quimbaya, Montenegro, Armenia, Alcalá, Ulloa, Cartago, Viterbo, Manizales, Chinchiná, Palestina, La Virginia 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.