Cali: Jepp, Wala. Food Sovereignty, Coffee Tasting, River

Cali, the vibrant heart of Colombia, beckons visitors with a unique cultural experience that celebrates its rich agricultural heritage. Tourists can enjoy the city’s coffee culture, exploring the flavors of locally grown beans while learning about the principles of food sovereignty. This captivating journey culminates with a refreshing swim in the Melendez River, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. But there’s more to discover – the tour’s Wala vehicle transports participants through lush landscapes, hinting at the deeper connections that await those who embark on this remarkable exploration.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Colombia.

Key Points

• The tour includes a scenic journey in a Colombian Wala vehicle, offering an authentic cultural experience.
• Visitors can explore local coffee producers, organic gardens, and engage with farmers to understand food sovereignty.
• The tour features a coffee tasting experience and the opportunity to swim in the Melendez River.
• The itinerary includes a guided tour of the Parque Temático de la DOBLE ESPIRAL with hiking and birdwatching.
• The tour provides a comprehensive culture, highlighting the local cuisine, coffee culture, and biodiversity of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers an 8-hour experience with a price starting from $71.36 per person.

Guests can opt for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later.

A live tour guide is available in both English and Spanish.

The tour includes transportation in a typical Colombian vehicle known as a Wala.

Participants will have the opportunity to taste coffee, go on a Jeep/SUV ride, and enjoy a guided tour with hiking and additional coffee tasting at the Parque Temático de la DOBLE ESPIRAL.

The itinerary also includes a break, photo stops, lunch, and wildlife viewing.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Parque de las Banderas, where participants start their 8-hour adventure.

They’ll enjoy a 15-minute coffee tasting, followed by a 1-hour Jeep/SUV ride.

The highlight is a 3-hour guided tour, hiking, and further coffee tasting at Parque Temático de la DOBLE ESPIRAL.

After a break, photo stop, lunch, and food tasting, they’ll have 3 hours for wildlife viewing.

An optional 1.5-hour dance show and workshop is available for an additional fee.

The tour concludes with a return to the Parque de las Banderas.

Experience and Activities

Visitors embark on a typical Colombian vehicle, known as a Wala, for their transportation during the tour. The experience includes visiting local coffee producers and organic gardens, as well as interacting with farmers and biodiversity guardians. Participants can also swim in the Melendez River and enjoy regional cuisine while bird watching.

Experience	Activities
Local Producers	Coffee Tasting
Organic Gardens	Wildlife Viewing
Farmer Interaction	Regional Cuisine

The tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the area’s food sovereignty and coffee culture, offering a well-rounded experience for travellers.

Important Information and Requirements

Participants meet at the Stadium bus station, near Parque de las Banderas, to begin the tour.

They’ll need to wear comfortable shoes and bring a change of clothes, cash, and items that can get dirty, like binoculars and a waterproof bag.

Insect repellent should be biodegradable.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, individuals with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, those afraid of heights, or people over 331 lbs.

Sandals, baby strollers, alcohol, drugs, chewing gum, electric wheelchairs, explosives, strong fragrances, and making fires are prohibited.

The maximum walking duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the itinerary may change, so participants should check availability for starting times.

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Restrictions and Guidelines

Typically, sandals, baby strollers, alcohol, drugs, chewing gum, electric wheelchairs, explosives, strong fragrances, and making fires aren’t permitted on the tour.

The maximum walking duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes. The itinerary is subject to change, so guests should check availability for starting times.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, individuals with back/heart problems, wheelchair users, those afraid of heights, and people over 331 lbs (150 kg).

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a change of clothes, cash, and trekking gear, and use biodegradable insect repellent.

Parque De Las Banderas

The tour begins at Parque de las Banderas, a bustling hub located in the heart of Cali. This is where participants gather and meet their guide before embarking on the day’s adventures.

The park is a vibrant gathering place, filled with local vendors, street performers, and the energy of the city. It serves as the starting point for the tour, providing a convenient and accessible location for everyone to come together.

From here, the group will set off to explore the lush coffee farms, organic gardens, and natural wonders that await them throughout the day’s itinerary.

Parque Temático De La DOBLE ESPIRAL

After the initial gathering at Parque de las Banderas, the tour takes participants on a journey to the Parque Temático de la DOBLE ESPIRAL.

At this thematic park, guests embark on a guided tour, hiking, and coffee tasting that lasts 3 hours. Visitors can interact with local farmers and guardians of biodiversity as they explore the organic gardens and learn about the region’s coffee production.

The tour also includes a swim in the Melendez River, allowing participants to cool off and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Throughout the experience, guests can savor regional cuisine and indulge in birdwatching, seeing the vibrant culture and biodiversity of the area.

Transportation and Cuisine

Transported in a typical Colombian vehicle called a Wala, tour participants embark on a scenic journey to the various destinations. Along the way, they get to experience the region’s renowned cuisine and local delicacies. A table outlining the culinary highlights of the tour is provided below:

Activity	Duration
Coffee Tasting	15 minutes
Regional Cuisine Lunch	1 hour
Food Tasting	30 minutes
Bird Watching	1 hour
Optional Dance Show and Workshop	1.5 hours

The tour also allows visitors to interact with local farmers and guardians of biodiversity, immersing them in the region’s rich culture and commitment to food sovereignty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a group size. It provides a private experience, allowing you to book your spot with no upfront payment and enjoy a live tour guide in English or Spanish.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. The tour overview states that there are photo stops throughout the itinerary, allowing participants to capture the scenic landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has age restrictions – it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old. However, there are no maximum age limits, as long as participants are physically able to complete the activities.

Can I Leave the Group at Any Point During the Tour?

Participants can’t leave the group at any point during the tour. The itinerary is set, and everyone must stay together for safety and logistical reasons. Leaving the group is not allowed, as it could disrupt the schedule and experience for the entire group.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Could Prevent Participation?

Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions. It’s not recommended for children under 10, individuals with back/heart problems, wheelchair users, those afraid of heights, and people over 331 lbs (150 kg).

Recap

cali’s vibrant culture comes alive through an immersive tour that transports visitors through lush landscapes, offering coffee tasting, a refreshing swim in the melendez river, and a deeper connection to the region’s agricultural heritage. the experience highlights the city’s unique wala vehicle, food sovereignty, and the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

You can check if your dates are available here: