Discover Barichara's coffee culture through an authentic, mindful experience that is deeply connected to the land. On this tour, you'll explore the soul of a living tradition that is cultivated with respect for nature and rural wisdom.
The adventure begins by leaving Barichara for the El Caucho hamlet, a peaceful spot on the outskirts of the town where the landscape changes and nature makes its way through dirt roads and native trees. We'll walk along trails that wind through the unique ecosystem of the tropical dry forest, admiring the biodiversity that characterises this region and understanding how this environment contributes to the special character of the coffee grown here.
Upon arriving at the farm, you'll be greeted by local smallholders and farmers, guardians of a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. With them, you'll learn about coffee planting, growing, and harvesting practices, from a deep respect for the rhythms of the land to the sustainable techniques they use to preserve the balance of the ecosystem. Here, coffee is not grown as a monoculture, but under the generous shade of caracolí trees, which form a protective forest where local wildlife, the scents of the countryside, and the song of the wind coexist.
The tour continues along these shady, cool paths, as you listen to stories about native customs and the traditional ways of working that are still preserved. This is an experience that goes beyond coffee: it's a window into the rural way of life in Santander, its identity, and its cultural resilience.
The second part of the tour will take you to another farm specialising in coffee processing and tasting. There, you'll take part in a guided tasting where you can try different brewing methods: French press, V60, Chemex, and more. Each cup reveals unique nuances, from fruity notes to earthy flavours, the result of careful and respectful cultivation. To round off the experience, you'll be served artisanal jams, fresh goat's cheese, and other typical products from the region, creating a harmony of flavours that celebrate the local produce.
Finally, we'll visit the processing plant, the heart of coffee bean processing. Here, you'll learn about the stages of de-pulping, fermentation, drying, and coffee selection. You'll learn how to differentiate between the types of beans and appreciate the meticulous work behind each cup. This moment brings the coffee cycle full circle, a journey that began with the seed and ends with the enveloping aroma of a shared brew.
This tour is much more than a sightseeing activity: it is a complete experience that celebrates Barichara's coffee culture, honours rural wisdom, and connects you with the land through flavour, history, and sustainability.
