Buying Coffee in Colombia as a Foreigner

As a foreigner in Colombia, finding the right coffee can be a bit tricky. With a variety of options available, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will give you all the information you need to make buying coffee in Colombia as a foreigner a breeze.

Types of Coffee in Colombia

Colombia offers a range of coffee options, from traditional Colombian coffee to more international options. Some popular types of coffee in Colombia include:

  • Colombian Milds: A type of coffee known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile.
  • Colombian Supremos: A high-quality coffee grown in Colombia, known for its unique flavor and aroma.
  • Organic Coffee: Coffee that is grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Where to Buy Coffee

You can find coffee sellers in most cities in Colombia as some examples:

  • Mercado Central: A popular market in Bogota that has a wide variety of coffee sellers offering fresh coffee.
  • Ferias de Agricultores: Farmer’s markets that can be found in cities like Medellin and Cali. They offer fresh coffee from local farmers.

Top 10 Coffee Brands in Colombia in 2023

  1. Juan Valdez: This is one of the most well-known and respected coffee brands in Colombia. With a wide variety of blends, from Colombian Milds to Supremos, it is known for its high-quality beans and traditional roasting methods.
  2. Tostao: This is a Colombian brand that offers a wide range of coffee options, from Colombian Milds to Supremos, catering to different preferences and taste.
  3. Koffee: This Colombian brand is committed to sustainability and sources its beans from small family-owned farms. With a wide range of blends, it’s a great choice for coffee enthusiasts looking for ethically-sourced coffee.
  4. El Cielo: This Colombian brand is known for its high-end coffee beans and unique blends. They specialize in premium coffee and offer a wide range of options, from Colombian Milds to Supremos, catering to different preferences and taste.
  5. Santander Coffee: This Colombian coffee brand is widely known for its high-quality beans and traditional roasting methods. They source their beans from the best coffee regions in Colombia and are known for producing a wide range of blends, from Colombian Milds to Supremos, catering to different preferences and taste.

Common Questions and Phrases

Here are some common questions and phrases you can use when buying coffee in Colombia:

  • ¿Qué tipos de café tienen? (What types of coffee do you have?)
  • ¿Cuál es el tipo de café más popular aquí? (Which is the most popular coffee type here?)
  • ¿Tienen café orgánico? (Do you have organic coffee?)
  • ¿Cuál es el precio del café? (What is the price of the coffee?)
  • ¿Puedo comprar café Colombian Milds/Supremos? (Can I buy Colombian Milds/Supremos coffee?)
  • ¿Este café es recién tostado? (Is this coffee freshly roasted?)
  • ¿Puedo comprar café para llevar/empacar? (Can I buy coffee to go/pack?)
  • ¿Tienen algún tipo de café especial hoy? (Do you have any special coffee today?)
  • More ways to ask for coffee in Spanish can be found here.

With this information, you’ll be well on your way to buying coffee in Colombia as a foreigner like a pro. Don’t forget to try some traditional Colombian coffee drinks such as tinto (black coffee) or café con leche (coffee with milk).

Now that you know how to buy coffee in Colombia, learn how to buy eggs, bread and arepas.