Eje Cafetero, Colombia’s Coffee Region

Colombia’s coffee region, otherwise known as the Coffee Triangle, rests in the rural Paisa region of the country. The unique altitude and climate of the area allows it to produce some of the finest coffee beans in the world. Though it only accounts for 1 percent of the country’s total landmass, it produces nearly half of Colombia’s annual coffee crop and is one of the largest coffee exporters on Earth.

Eje Cafetero spans three Colombian states: Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío. Within them you’ll find dozens of coffee plantations where you can learn how the coffee is planted, picked and produced. Guides at each of these plantations will walk you through the history of the region while also offering plenty of samples — you’ll be hyped up on so much coffee by the end of it you probably won’t sleep for days.

Not only are there plenty of plantations and farms to visit, but there are also numerous small pueblos and large cities in the region to explore. A combination of mild temperatures, lush valleys and an impressive array of snow-capped peaks create a wildly beautiful landscape quickly becoming a favorite destination among travelers in South America. The coffee region is truly one of Colombia’s most spectacular attractions and a must for anyone not simply interested in coffee, but also the history of the country’s economic growth and culture.