Cacao Tour at the Hacienda Bambusa (exclusively for Bambusa guests)
If you are staying Bambusa, explore the gorgeously verdant plantations and sprawling grounds of the Hacienda. Walk around the rich plantations of cacao, plantain, tangerine and exotic fruit orchards. Learn all about growing and processing the ‘Food of the Gods’ – chocolate – from the humble cacao seeds. Cacao is the principal crop grown at the Hacienda Bambusa, apart from coffee and other commercial crops. The cultivated fields of Bambusa give way to slices of preserved forested areas and beautiful nature trails. Learn about the native plant and animal life of the region from your local guide, who is also an expert biologist. Visit the lush bamboo groves skirting the plantation, which hosts more than 150 bird species. Bird lovers will have a field day spotting exotic local birds like the Spectacled Parrotlet, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and the Fork-tailed Flycatcher! (Activity together with other Bambusa guests; Duration: around 2 hrs; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes)
Finlandia, Cocora Valley and Salento Tour
Begin the day visiting the lovely town of Finlandia before heading to the Cocora Valley to discover the QuindÃo wax palm tree, Colombia’s national symbol and tree. Set at an altitude of over 2,000 meters (above 6,500 feet) this beautiful cloud forest is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. Discover the heart of this valley on horseback. You can take a lunch break in a charming little restaurant overlooking the valley, on your way down. Feast on freshly cooked trucha al ajillo (grilled trout in garlic sauce) before heading back up to the picturesque little town of Salento. Take a leisurely walk through the streets to reach up to the vantage point of Alto de la Cruz, for a mesmerizing, panoramic view of the Cocora Valley spread out beneath, surrounded by the Andean mountains of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. (Full Day, Morning Tour; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch not included; Fitness Level: Easy/Moderate; Please bring comfortable clothes for horseback riding).
Colombian Coffee Tour
Take an informed, deliciously caffeine-induced journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site at Colombia’s Coffee Region. Learn everything there is to know about the globally loved Colombian coffee on this guided day tour. The region’s altitude, soil quality, moisture levels and a host of other geographical factors make it the best stretch of plantation land for growing the aromatic, mild and balanced coffee beans that the country is known for. Get to know all about planting, harvesting and processing Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in these lovely plantations. Sample a variety of this well-loved beverage and learn to recognize distinct coffee bean characters and tones under expert guidance. Savoring a steaming cup of coffee could never get better than this! (Half Day, Morning Tour; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy with stair climbing; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).
Botanical Garden & Butterfly Park Visit
Indulge the nature enthusiast in you at this alluring slice of preserved forest area in the fragrant Coffee Region. The region’s Botanical Garden and Butterfly Park is a paradise for nature and bird lovers. The forested area is home to trees nearly two centuries old and 600 species of plant life! Visit the Insect Zoo, which offers a panoramic view of layers upon layers of vegetation from a 7-storey high viewing balcony. Make your acquaintance with a hundred avian species that reside on the highest treetops. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the fantastic Butterfly Park that holds almost two thousand butterflies of 50 different species. Make your way through innumerable, exotic flower-lined walkways in this wonderland. (Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).
