BIRDING AND COFFEeING

The Experience

Step into a world where nature’s first light meets the perfect brew. Designed for the discerning traveler, Birding & Coffeeing is more than a tour—it is a sensory journey through the high-altitude cloud forests southwest of Medellín. At the organic sanctuary of Corazón de León, we combine the patient art of birdwatching with the refined science of specialty coffee.

Birding & Coffeeing at Corazón de León

An Exclusive Pitangus Travel Signature Experience

The Three Stations of Our Tour

The Morning Chorus (Birding): Begin your day in the quiet mountain air as the forest awakens. Guided by our expertise, you will observe a vibrant array of local species attracted to the farm's 100% organic ecosystem. This is "Slow Birding" at its finest—unhurried, intimate, and deep in nature.
The Gourmet Midday (Lunch): Transition from the forest to the table for an exclusive lunch featuring local, farm-to-table flavors. Relax in the authentic atmosphere of the farm's traditional "Fonda," enjoying a meal curated for a high-end palate.
The Art of Coffeeing (The Deep Dive): After lunch, immerse yourself in the world of specialty coffee. From the organic nursery to a professional cupping session, you will learn to identify the complex flavor profiles and acidity that define this high-altitude bean. This is not just a walk-through; it is a masterclass in the craft of coffee

General Itinerary

The Dawn Departure

Your journey begins at 5:30 AM, as your private chauffeur and expert specialist guide arrive at your hotel. As the city of Medellín sleeps, you will enjoy a comfortable 30-minute drive to the gateway of the Southwest mountains—the entrance to the legendary Corazón de León organic farm.

The Morning Chorus: 150 Species of Wonder

The morning is dedicated to the birds. We embark on a gentle 2.5 kilometer trek (Difficulty easy-moderate) along an ancient dirt road that winds through shifting microclimates. This region is a biological treasure; while over 150 species call this farm home, the shifting seasons may allow you to spot up to 50 to 80 distinct species before we even reach the farmhouse. From vibrant tanagers to elusive endemic species, your bilingual expert will ensure you don't miss a single flash of color in the canopy.

A Pre-Hispanic Midday

At noon, we arrive at the heart of the farm for a culinary step back in time. You will be served a traditional Tamal—a masterful pre-Hispanic dish inherited from Colombia's indigenous ancestors. This hearty, slow-cooked meal is the perfect fuel for the afternoon ahead. (vegeterian tamal available)

Rest & Reflection

Following lunch, enjoy a "slow hour" to breathe in the mountain air. Wander through the farm’s historic architecture or visit the Boutique Coffee Store, where you can browse curated, hand-made souvenirs and the farm’s finest private-label roasts.

The Masterclass: The Five Pillars of Coffee

In the afternoon, we transition from "Birding" to "Coffeeing" with a 3-to-4-hour deep dive into the soul of the bean:

The Origin: Begin at the nursery to understand the delicate genetics of the seeds and the life cycle of the trees.
The Harvest: Learn the art of selective picking—finding the perfect cherry at its peak.
The Alchemy: Witness the depulping, washing, and selection process before the beans are laid to rest on African drying beds.
The Transformation: Enter the roasting area to learn the secrets of removing the parchment and the precise science of the roast.
The Extraction: The grand finale. You will taste several specialty coffees and discover how a single bean can reveal entirely different flavor profiles depending on the extraction method used

The Golden Hour

Before we depart, we head to the upper reaches of the farm for a final hour of birding. As the light changes, different species emerge, offering a final "encore" of nature’s beauty. Your private driver will be waiting at the farm's edge to return you to your hotel in total comfort.

All-Inclusive Premium Package:

Private Transportation: Chauffeur-driven car from door to door.
Expert Guidance: Professional bilingual specialist (English, Spanish, French, or German).
Specialized Gear: High-end birding equipment and custom species checklists.
Gourmet Provisions: Traditional lunch, snacks, fresh water, and unlimited specialty coffee.

Why This Tour is Different

Tailor-Made Exclusivity: As a Pitangus Travel product, this experience is private and limited to a few guests to ensure the highest level of service.
Eco-Conscious Luxury: By choosing Corazón de León, you are supporting a farm that protects bird habitats through chemical-free, organic practices.
The Pitangus Touch: Every detail, from the specialized birding gear to the final cup, is designed to meet the standards of a premium, specialized travel agency.

Visit the map of our tour

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Click on the image to see the interactive map of the tour. Once in the map, click on the green icon at the entrance and in the description you will have a link to the bird list made by ebird for the farm

Technical Route Information

Total Duration: 6 to 8 hours

Location: Corazon de Leon Farm

Tour Type: Birdwatching, Nature Interpretation and coffee tour

Ecosystem: Tropical humid forest

Route Characteristics

Total Distance: 3 km
Duration: 6–8 hours of hiking (difficulty easy-moderate)
Minimum Altitude: 1.620 m above sea level (park entrance)
Maximum Altitude: 1.800 m above sea level (ranger station)
Total Elevation Gain: 180 m
Terrain: Eeasily accessible dirt road

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Detailed Itinerary:

5:30 AM – Hotel pick up and transfer to the farm

6:15 AM – Welcome & Introduction

Guests arrive at Corazón de León Farm.
Meet your expert local guide and receive a light package with snacks for you birding trail
Receive binoculars, a bird checklist, and a field guide.

6:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Guided Birdwatching Walk (4/5 hours)

Embark on a scenic walking tour through lush trails, forests, and coffee fields.
Spot over 100 species of birds, including toucans, tanagers, motmots, hummingbirds, and possibly even the elusive quetzal.
Your expert guide will help identify birds by sight and sound, share facts about their behavior, and point out endemic and migratory species.
Several rest stops at birdwatching stations with excellent viewpoints and photo opportunities.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Traditional Farm-to-Table Lunch

Enjoy a hearty traditional lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, including organic produce from the farm.
Vegetarian and vegan options available.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Complete Coffee Experience (3 hours)

Become a coffee expert as you follow the bean’s entire journey:

Planting & Growing:
- Learn about the coffee plant’s life cycle, from seed germination to cultivation.
- Visit the seedling nursery and mature coffee fields.
Harvesting:
- Try your hand at picking ripe coffee cherries during the harvest season.
- Learn how to identify quality beans and understand the importance of sustainable farming practices.
Processing:
- Explore the wet and dry methods used to process coffee.
- See depulping, fermentation, washing, and drying in action.
Milling & Roasting:
- Witness the hulling, sorting, and grading process.
- Participate in a live roasting session and discover how roasting profiles affect flavor.
Tasting & Brewing:
- Engage in a coffee cupping (tasting) session with a trained barista.
- Learn about different brewing techniques like pour-over, French press, and espresso.
- End with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee – made by you!
- Browse the farm’s shop for fresh coffee beans, artisanal crafts, and souvenirs.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Birding afternoon

After the coffee experience it is time for a second shorter birding trail to finish up the afternoon. This time you shall bird through the coffee plantation to find the afternoon birds foraging and getting ready to go to sleep

6:00 PM: Return to Hotel

What’s Included:

Professional bilingual guides (birding & coffee experts)
Binoculars and field guides for birdwatching
Breakfast, lunch, and multiple coffee tastings
All equipment and materials for coffee experience
Entrance fee to the farm
Insurance

What to Bring:

Comfortable walking shoes or boots
Hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Camera or smartphone for bird photography
Rain jacket (weather dependent)

Tour Duration:

Full Day | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Group Size:

Small groups for a personalized experience (max. 08 participants)

Location:

Corazón de León Farm

Pricing in COP:

1 pax 1.100.000 pp

2 pax 700.000 pp

3 pax 600.000 pp

4 pax 450.000 pp

5 + pax 400.000 pp

Join us for an unforgettable day in the heart of nature and tradition at Corazón de León Farm. This unique full-day experience combines the thrill of birdwatching with the rich aroma and taste of artisan coffee production. Located in a biodiverse region teeming with wildlife and fertile volcanic soil, the farm offers visitors an opportunity to connect deeply with both nature and culture.

In short, Café Corazón de León is more than a farm: it's a living family legacy, an educational window into the traditional farm coffee process, a space for communing with nature, and a complete sensory experience that honors the heart of Antioquian coffee culture.