Private Tour: Peacebuilding in Antioquia – From Coca Fields to Cocoa!

In Medellín, Colombia, a transformative private tour takes visitors on a journey of peacebuilding and sustainable development. Exploring the region’s transition from coca cultivation to cacao production, this 10-hour experience immerses participants in the local community’s resilience and economic empowerment. From hands-on chocolate-making workshops to traditional lunches, the tour highlights the impactful shift towards social cohesion and post-conflict recovery through sustainable agricultural practices. This intriguing tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of grassroots initiatives in fostering lasting change.

About Your Stay

• Explore local cacao farms and community projects to understand the transition from coca to cacao and its impact on post-conflict peacebuilding.
• Engage in a hands-on cacao-making workshop and savor a traditional Colombian lunch to immerse in the region’s culinary heritage.
• Gain insights into the United Nations-supported initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and social cohesion in the Antioquia region.
• Experience a private tour with a bilingual expert guide, inclusive of transportation, entrance fees, and additional amenities for a hassle-free journey.
• Discover how agriculture-based peacebuilding strategies can contribute to economic development and food security in post-conflict communities.

Tour Overview

This private tour, "Peacebuilding in Antioquia – From Coca Fields to Cocoa," offers a 10-hour exploration of cacao cultivation and production in Medellín, Colombia, specifically in the San Francisco region.

Participants will visit local cacao farms and community-run projects supported by the United Nations, participate in an exclusive cacao-making workshop, and enjoy a traditional lunch.

The tour focuses on understanding local conflicts and community impacts from the civil war.

Transportation, coffee breaks, water, and family-friendly options are included.

Guided by a private, bilingual expert, the tour provides insights into the region’s peacebuilding efforts.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with visits to local cacao farms and community-run projects supported by the United Nations, where participants can gain firsthand insights into the region’s cacao cultivation and production. Guests then participate in an exclusive cacao-making workshop, learning the intricacies of transforming the beans into chocolate. A traditional lunch with a dish of the day and lemonade is provided, followed by a coffee break. The activities aim to immerse visitors in the local culture and explore the impacts of conflict on the community.

| Activity | Description | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Cacao Farm Visit | Explore local cacao farms and community projects | 2 hours |

| Cacao-Making Workshop | Hands-on experience crafting chocolate | 2 hours |

| Lunch | Traditional dish of the day and lemonade | 1 hour |

| Coffee Break | Refreshment and relaxation | 30 minutes |

| Roundtrip Transport | Hotel/apartment pickup and drop-off | Varies |

Inclusions

The tour package includes a private expert bilingual guide to accompany guests throughout the experience.

The tour also includes:

1. All entrance fees for the various stops on the itinerary.

2. Travel insurance and taxes to ensure a hassle-free journey.

3. A complimentary bottle of water (350ml) to stay hydrated.

4. Family-friendly options and vegetarian meal choices to cater to diverse dietary needs.

These inclusions aim to provide a well-rounded and inclusive experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the exploration of cacao cultivation and the local community’s peacebuilding efforts.

Pickup and Accessibility

For the pickup and accessibility of the tour, guests can be picked up at their hotel or apartment lobby, though an additional charge may apply for locations outside the urban perimeter. The tour starts at 8:00 AM, and the transportation is wheelchair accessible, with stroller accommodation and infant seats available. Service animals are also permitted.

| Pickup Location | Start Time |

| ————— | ———- |

| Hotel/Apartment | 8:00 AM |

| Urban Perimeter | Additional Charge |

| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |

| Stroller Accessible | Yes |

Booking Information

The tour is priced from $256.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the group size.

Bookings can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Upon request, guidance is available in German, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

The tour’s booking information highlights several key details:

1. Flexible pricing based on group size.

2. Liberal cancellation policy with no penalties.

3. Immediate booking confirmation.

4. Multilingual support for international travelers.

This comprehensive booking process ensures a seamless and accessible experience for all participants.

Reviews and Ratings

Though the tour has only one verified review, it has earned a stellar 5.0 rating on both Viator and Tripadvisor.

The lone review praises the knowledgeable guide, fascinating historical insights, and eye-opening exploration of the region’s transition from coca to cacao. Reviewers highlight the opportunity to connect with local communities and gain a deeper understanding of the complex sociopolitical landscape.

The tour’s inclusivity, with family-friendly and vegetarian options, is also noted. While a limited number of reviews exists, the exceptional rating suggests an impactful and transformative experience for those who’ve undertaken this unique peacebuilding journey.

Community Impact and Peacebuilding

As the tour delves into the region’s transition from coca to cacao, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the community impact and peacebuilding efforts in Antioquia.

The tour highlights how local cacao farms and community-run projects, supported by the United Nations, have been instrumental in providing alternative livelihoods and fostering stability after years of civil conflict.

These initiatives have:

1. Empowered farmers to shift from illicit coca cultivation to sustainable cacao production.

2. Promoted social cohesion and reconciliation within communities impacted by the war.

3. Contributed to economic development and food security in the region.

4. Demonstrated the potential for agriculture-based peacebuilding strategies.

Sustainable Cacao Production

Sustainable cacao production lies at the heart of this transformative tour, as the local farms and community-run projects showcase innovative approaches to cultivating this valuable crop.

Participants will witness first-hand how the United Nations supports these initiatives, empowering communities to shift away from coca cultivation and towards more ethical, environmentally-friendly cacao farming.

The United Nations empowers communities to transition from coca to sustainable, eco-friendly cacao farming, as witnessed firsthand by participants.

Through an exclusive workshop, guests will gain insights into the intricate process of cacao production, from harvesting to processing.

This immersive experience not only highlights the region’s resilience but also the potential for sustainable development in the face of past conflicts.

Questions About Your Stay

What Safety Precautions Are in Place for the Tour?

The tour offers travel insurance and allows service animals. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, and provides infant seats. Safety is a priority, with precautions like round-trip hotel transport and a private expert bilingual guide.

Is There an Option to Extend or Modify the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended or modified. Travelers can request longer or shorter tours, and the tour operator will accommodate their preferences within reason. Additional charges may apply for customized tour lengths.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a traditional lunch and coffee break are already included in the tour package, so bringing additional items may not be necessary. The tour provides all necessary refreshments.

What Currency Is Accepted for Payment, and Is Tipping Expected?

The tour price is quoted in US dollars, and payment is accepted in cash or credit card. Tipping the guide is optional but appreciated, typically 10-15% of the tour cost.

Are There Any Restrictions or Special Requirements for the Cacao-Making Workshop?

The cacao-making workshop has no special requirements, but participants should be prepared to actively engage in the hands-on experience. No prior knowledge is necessary, and the workshop is suitable for all skill levels.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This private tour in Medellín, Colombia offers a transformative experience, showcasing the region’s transition from coca cultivation to sustainable cacao production. Participants engage with local cacao farms, community projects, and a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, while learning about post-conflict recovery and community resilience. The tour highlights economic development and social cohesion through ethical agricultural practices, providing an impactful glimpse into the peacebuilding efforts in Antioquia.