Colombia Coffee Region: Ziplining & Giant Butterflies

Posted March 6, 2012 by Rahul Aggarwal

The alarm went off at 6.30am, as we had another busy day ahead. Once breakfast had been devoured, it was off to the Bosques del Caman for some adrenalin activity – yes, ziplining! We donned our safety helmets and harnesses and were explained that we were going to be ziplining through the coffee plantations.

Like soldiers queuing up for battle, we each lined up one by one, displaying no fear (although some were more jittery than others) and on the count of three each one of us was transported at lightening velocity across the coffee plantations. It was a hair-raising but thoroughly exciting experience. In all, there were 7 ziplines, all of varying distance and height. It just goes to show there are other ways of enjoying coffee without having to drink it!

All energised from the experience, we headed off for the more subdued environment of the butterfly garden. Colombia, and in particular the coffee region, is blessed with a vast diversity of butterflies, and this particular garden hosted butterflies of all sizes and brightness. The girl guiding us was clearly well informed and passionate about the work done here to preserve these beautiful insects.

After another filling lunch, it was time to leave for the airport and leave this stunning part of Colombia behind, and head back to Bogota. It had been an action-packed 3 days in the coffee region, but full of amazing memories that will certainly stay with me forever.

The coffee region has something for everyone, not only will you immerse yourself in the coffee culture of this region, witness the hard work and dedication of its farmers and drink the best coffees the world has to offer, but even if you’re not a coffee drinker (like Stephanie in our group!) the region is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. I was extremely touched as well by the warmth of the people, and as Juan told us, it has been lonely the past few decades in Colombia, and Colombians need us to visit again. Colombia welcomes its friends from all over the world with open arms.

I’ve experienced the welcome, and I couldn’t agree more.

This blog is part of an Off-The-Beaten-Track Travel Diary. Click on the links below to navigate through this journey.