La Union Coffee Farm

La Unión Coffee Farm – Stay, Coffee Tour, and Cycling in Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape

Location and setting

Nestled between Pereira and Salento, La Unión Coffee Farm lies within UNESCO’s Coffee Cultural Landscape. Consequently, trails pass a bamboo grove, tall walnut trees, and fruit orchards alive with birdsong. Moreover, the hills open to wide views that frame every walk and ride.

Hosts and story

Arvey and Elizabeth left city careers to live on the land and share specialty coffee. Today he guides nature-and-culture trips with Retrociclas Tours; meanwhile, she leads women’s empowerment in special coffee processes. Together, they represent a third generation of Colombian coffee tradition and, importantly, run the farm with a modern, sustainable approach.

Daily seed-to-cup coffee tour

First, you germinate seeds and see how young plants are raised. Next, you walk shaded plots of Castillo and Colombia varieties to learn how altitude, soil, and shade shape flavor. Then, you practice selective picking of ripe cherries with careful, farmer-taught technique. Afterwards, you follow wet milling, fermentation, drying, and meticulous sorting; as a result, the cup becomes cleaner and more aromatic. Finally, you roast, grind, and brew your own coffee. In addition, guides pace the route for questions so you finish with a clear, practical understanding of the entire process.

Farm stay and comfort

In La Union Coffee Farm, The farmhouse keeps traditional architecture; however, rooms are updated for comfort. There are four private rooms of about 18.5 m² each with hot-water bathrooms and dependable Wi-Fi. Furthermore, meals feature fresh local food and fruit grown on site. Evenings are quiet under bright stars; likewise, mornings begin with excellent coffee and birds over the hills.

Cycling adventures

Estación Pereira & Cocora (3 days): Day one brings you by Jeep Willys for a coffee immersion; then day two rides through coffee hills to the Cauca River, boards the Brujita rail platform, crosses by Garrucha cable basket, and ends with a waterfall swim. On day three, you hike among wax palms in the Cocora Valley and, afterwards, visit Salento for lunch and artisan streets.
Immersion in the Coffee Cultural Landscape (multi-day): After a warm-up around Alto del Nudo, you ride to the protected Otún River reserve with native forest, birds, and—if lucky—howler monkeys. Later, a mountain route reaches Santa Rosa de Cabal for natural hot springs. Subsequently, valley stages include Ulloa and Quimbaya with fruit tastings; then Filandia’s panoramic lookout and craft shops; then Salento and Cocora’s cloud-forest trails; and, finally, a return ride to Pereira through farms and eucalyptus groves.

Sustainability in action

Farming choices balance environmental, social-cultural, and economic pillars. Therefore, practices protect soil and water, support community, and keep quality high. Reviews consistently note clear teaching, thoughtful pacing, abundant birdlife, and, above all, delicious coffee.

Practical details

Bring comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket; additionally, the team adjusts cycling distances to fitness and weather. Transfers and timing are coordinated so you can focus on the experience. For availability and planning, contact the farm directly.