Bike tour in the coffee triangle

The story behind the scenes

A bicycle tour in the coffee triangle is the perfect way to get to know the beautiful countryside and friendly people. Read the behind-the-scenes story here, from “bike crazy” entrepreneur Ivan.

We biked through the village of Bella, rode past haciendas, stopped at a watershed, bought delicious Macademia nuts topped with arequipe, and on the way back enjoyed a malt beer and ice cold Coke on a patio.

Meeting in Bogotá
We met Ivan at the Anato in Bogotá, the most important fair for the tourism sector in Colombia. Ivan was there on behalf of RBC bicycle tours, from Calarcá in the coffee triangle. We were there for inspiration, before we were going to spend a week traveling in the coffee triangle.

Because of his energetic appearance, Ivan quickly caught our eye and a chat was quickly made. When we mentioned that we were going to visit the coffee triangle after the fair, there was a complete click. We agreed to get in touch as soon as we got to Calarcá and meet up for a bike tour. Ivan’s family’s finca -where the bike tours start- is close to the hotel we had booked, so that worked out perfectly.

Family finca
Ivan came to pick us up at the hotel and took us to his parents’ finca. There he gave us a brief tour. We were introduced to several animals, including the pig George (who, according to Ivan, thinks he is a dog -).

Coffee plantation
On the property is a small coffee plantation and there are fruit trees. Ivan’s father used to have a large coffee plantation, but due to the coffee crisis and low payments for the beans, the plantation has thinned out considerably. Fruit trees such as oranges and lemon trees have now been planted. The modest harvest of coffee beans is for home consumption and what is left over is sold to local restaurants.

The reception
At the plantation you will be warmly welcomed with coffee, brewed with Agua Panela (sugar water). Then it’s time to choose the bikes and, if necessary, the height of the saddle will be adjusted for you. The tour can begin!

    Customized bike tour
    The regular bike tours take about 4 hours. We thought that was a bit much, so Ivan put together a shortened tour especially for us. We cycled through the village of Bella, drove past haciendas, stopped at a rapids, bought delicious Macademia nuts topped with arequipe (caramel) and on the way back enjoyed a malt beer and ice cold coke on a terrace.

    Man with a mission
    During the bike tour, we got to know Ivan as a man with a mission. Not only is he the owner and guide of RBC (Ruta Bicicleta Colombia), he is also the manager of the 8 bike routes in the Calarcá area. He is hugely committed to conservation and passionate cyclist; cycling is his lifestyle.

    Award winning entrepreneur
    In 2018, Ivan received an award from Fondo Emprender for best entrepreneur. With this cash prize, he was able to invest in new bikes and setting up a reception, to welcome cyclists. And to think that Ivan studied to be an engineer in Bogotá! Instead of pursuing a career in the big city, he chose to follow his passion. He went to live in the countryside and was able to raise his small children in the middle of nature.

    Cultural trip
    A bicycle tour with Ivan and his team is also a cultural trip, with lots of interesting insider information. There are frequent stops to explain the coffee process, the history of Calarcá, conservation and the many species of birds in this area.

    Passion
    After the bike tour, we had lunch together at our hotel. Here it was good to sweat it out and chat some more. As often in Colombia, we were impressed by the passion of this entrepreneur!

    Travel date March 2019
    Updated June 2024

    #NaarColombiaTips

    If you want to know more about Ivan’s tours, take a look at his facebook page: Bike tour Colombia (Ruta Bicicleta Colombia). Ivan also offers bike tours from Salento, such as this cultural coffee/cycle tour.

    Check out our travel guide Coffee Triangle for more information on this region.