Published on Jul, 2023
Neither words nor pictures can fully describe this experience with Arvey and Elizabeth, a dynamic duo who is not only passionate about growing and brewing the best cup of coffee, but also sustainable and organic farming. This tour is more than just about coffee, but don’t worry you will definitely learn how coffee goes from bean to tree to washing or fermenting to roasting and make a few cups to taste. The tour is also about sustainable farming, learning about the plants and trees that are local to the land, and if you’re lucky tasting some fruit right off the tree.
The tour begins the moment you meet Arvey. As he takes you out of the bustling city of Pereira through the whining mountain side, you learn about coffee, the region and the small farm he, a former accountant, started with his wife, Elizabeth, a former engineer. He is quick to correct you if you call it “his farm”. “It is our farm; my wife, Elizabeth and mine.”
After a 40ish minute ride, when you arrive at the farm, you make your first cup of coffee with Elizabeth’s guidance. Then the real tour of the farm begins where you learn about coffee and the many other trees and plants like citronella, cotton, mangos, three varieties of avocados, pineapples, bananas, plantains, chocolate, guanábanas, and many more that are grown on then property. They all have their purpose such as cotton to attract birds who use it to build their nests (Arvey and Elizabeth estimated that the types of birds they’ve seen since they started the farm has increased from 30 to 120 species) or trees that are home to iguanas. And of course, some of the plants are grown to produce fruit to eat or have medicinal purposes. While you explore the farm you’ll meet Toby and Lola, the couple’s adorable dogs who wouldn’t mine your love and attention. You’ll also meet the roosters and chickens who produce the farm’s eggs and you’ll see many species of birds.
As you near the end of the tour, you’ll learn about the quality control and fermenting and washing process that produces three types of beans - washed, honeyed, and natural. Then, you will return to a refreshing drink - ours was lemonade made from fresh lemons on the farm - and some fresh patacones. You’ll end your tour by making two more cups of coffee with Elizabeth’s direction and learn about the roasting curve.
Arvey & Elizabeth’s passion of coffee and sustainable farming makes you feel as if you are family. The tours are small and because the crops fruit during different times of the year, you’re guaranteed a unique experience.
A couple of notes - there are bugs (it’s a farm) and I would recommended wearing mosquito repellent/lotion and a good portion of the farm is wheel chair and blind accessible.
I highly recommend visiting Arvey and Elizabeth’s farm and supporting sustainable coffee farming. You will learn about coffee and much more.