Quindío, Colombia: A Hidden Gem

Selecting a farmland property for ownership is never an easy task. Like any real estate opportunity, it requires significant due diligence, and part of that due diligence is to develop a thorough understanding of the opportunity’s location.

For Farmfolio, that location is Colombia. But Colombia is a massively diverse country, not only in terms of its people, but also in terms of topography, climate, culture, and much more. 

Today we’re going to take a look at Quindío, one of Colombia’s best-known and most attractive regions. At the heart of the country’s legendary Coffee Triangle, Quindío is a prime target for farmland real estate - here’s why.

Quindío's Geography 

First things first, a brief geographical review. Located in the heart of the Andes, the Quindío region is sandwiched between the Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Cauca River. Characterized by rolling hills, lush valleys, and breathtaking mountain vistas,Quindío is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a haven for eco-tourism. 

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The department is small, totaling just over 700 square miles, and the entirety of its area sits within Western range of the Andes mountains. This unique positioning helps create Quindío’s distinct climatic conditions, sheltering it from the prevailing winds and inclement weather off the Pacific coast, which is only around 100 miles away, as the crow flies. 

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The location of Quindío is strategic as well: in order to continue south from Bogotá or Medellín towards Ecuador or the major city of Cali, people and goods must pass through the department. Likewise, producers in the southern regions must reach Quindío to access other parts of the country. The proximity to Medellín and Bogotá, Colombia’s two largest cities, is also an advantage for Quindío, bringing in tourists both foreign and domestic. 

Climate

The Quindío possesses a unique climatological profile that is found in very few places on Earth - although it is squarely within the tropics, it sits at a high altitude, granting it a gentle, temperate climate all throughout the year. Average temperatures rarely fall outside of the range of 60°- 80° Fahrenheit, allowing for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. Although coffee is a major focus, the production portfolio of Quindío has expanded greatly in recent years to include guava, avocado, mango, and, of course, citrus. 

The proximity of the Amazon rainforest grants Quindío a high level of rainfall, roughly 1500 millimeters annually. Although there are no seasons in Quindío, or in the tropics generally, the weather does vary slightly throughout the year, with June being the wettest month and January being the driest. Nonetheless, the overall climate is extremely consistent and is ideal for both tourists and agricultural projects. 

History & Culture

Home to a pre-Columbian people known as the Quimbaya, best known for their intricate goldwork on display in the country’s top museums, Quindío was conquered and colonized by the Spanish beginning in the 17th century. 

Most of the colonists were Antioquians, that is, people from the Antioquia region of Colombia, who themselves are largely descended from the peoples of Extremadura and the Basque Country in Spain. This has left Quindío with the distinctive Paisa culture - people are sociable, energetic, and possess a highly entrepreneurial mindset. 

Virtually synonymous with coffee, the Quindío region has been at the heart of Colombia’s coffee production since the very beginning. Exports of high-quality coffee from the Quindío region have been documented from as early as the 18th century, first brought to Europe by Jesuit priests. Since then, the region has emerged as a premier producer of coffee, with around 30,000 planted hectares and an annual production that amounts to roughly 6% of the country’s total. 

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Tourism

A major economic activity in Quindío, tourism represents about 10% of the department’s GDP. The department receives around 2 million tourists a year, including domestic visitors, who flock to locales such as Salento, a charming town nestled in a lush valley, and the Cócora Valley, famous for its towering wax palm trees. 

The numerous national parks and theme parks are also among the main attractions, and include the Coffee Park (just down the road from Farmfolio’s Los Nevados farm), the Arrieros Park, the Quindío Botanical Gardens, and others. Agrotourism is also a staple, especially the ever-popular coffee tours that offer a glimpse into the life of the region’s coffee growers. 

Also worth mentioning is the increase in expats and foreigners seeking to buy property for personal residence in the region. There are now an estimated 60,000 U.S. citizens living across Colombia, largely in the major cities of Medellín and Bogotá. However, those who prefer a more rural lifestyle tend to seek out Quindío and other Coffee Triangle regions for their scenery and climate. 

Summary

A crucial part of any due diligence process is to gain a strong understanding of the target region. While not everyone can come visit Quindío, or the locations of Farmfolio’s other projects, you can arm yourself with knowledge about this incredible region and the plethora of opportunities it contains. 

The Quindío region is a unique combination of geographical, climatic, and historical factors. Its strategic location, year-round temperate climate, and long tradition of agricultural production make it among the best targets for farmland investment anywhere in the world. Add to that the increase in tourism and foreign interest, and you have a winning formula that will create wealth for generations to come. 

To learn how you can acquire farmland property in the Quindío region of Colombia, get in touch with our staff by clicking here.

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