When most people think of Medellín, they picture colorful neighborhoods, street art, cable cars, and incredible food. But just beyond the city lies a completely different side of the region rolling green mountains, working coffee farms, and small family fincas that offer a glimpse into rural Colombian life.
During our time in Medellín, my husband and I wanted to experience something completely different, so we booked a beekeeping experience on a small finca in the countryside. It became one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in Colombia.
This isn’t your typical sightseeing tour. It’s personal, hands-on, educational, and gives you the opportunity to spend several hours with local beekeepers who genuinely love what they do.
A Brief History of Beekeeping in Colombia
Beekeeping has become increasingly important throughout Colombia over the last several decades. Honeybees play a vital role in pollinating coffee plants, fruit trees, and countless native flowers that thrive throughout the Andes.
Many small Colombian farms combine coffee production with beekeeping because healthy bee populations improve biodiversity while supporting local agriculture. In recent years, beekeepers have also become passionate conservation advocates as bee populations worldwide face growing environmental challenges.
This experience doesn’t just teach you about honey production; it also helps you understand how deeply connected bees are to the local ecosystem.
How to Get There
The beekeeping experience takes place on a beautiful finca tucked away in the mountains outside Medellín.
We took an Uber from Laureles, which cost around 75,000 COP. It was an easy ride that took us from busy city streets into the peaceful countryside.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can also take the local bus. One nice surprise was finding out that the bus stops directly in front of the finca. When our tour ended, we simply walked out to the road and caught the bus back into Medellín without any trouble.
Whether you choose Uber or public transportation, getting there is fairly easy.
A Warm Welcome at the Farm
The moment we arrived, Margarita and her beautiful dogs greeted us and immediately made us feel at home. They were incredibly friendly and happily wandered around the property while we settled in.
Before we even talked about bees, Margarita invited us onto a balcony overlooking the mountains. She encouraged us to simply relax, swing in the hammock if we wanted, or just take in the incredible views.
She brought us freshly brewed coffee grown right on the farm, and honestly, I could have sat there all morning.
The finca itself was stunning. Everything felt peaceful, the gardens, the mountain air, the sounds of birds in the distance and it was hard to believe we were only a short drive from Medellín.
Meeting Margarita
One of the things that made this experience so special was Margarita herself. She lives on the farm and has worked as both a veterinary assistant and beekeeper for more than six years.
Together with her husband, Antonio an agricultural engineer and agroecology expert they run the farm, produce award-winning coffee, and harvest products from their hives.
Throughout the morning, she shared the story of how they started both the coffee farm and their beekeeping operation. She spoke excellent English, answered every question we had, and never made the experience feel scripted. It felt more like spending time with friends than taking a tour.
Her passion for both bees and sustainable farming was impossible to miss.
Learning About the Tools of Beekeeping
Before heading anywhere near the hives, Margarita introduced us to the equipment beekeepers use every day.
She explained each tool’s purpose, how protective suits work, and how beekeepers safely interact with thousands of bees without harming them.
One of the most interesting parts was preparing the smoker.
Instead of simply demonstrating it, she had us help start it ourselves. We lit the fire and used coffee beans to create the cool smoke that calms the bees before opening a hive. It was fascinating to learn how such a simple tool plays such an important role in beekeeping.
Once the smoker was ready, it was time to suit up. Putting on the full beekeeping suit made everything suddenly feel very real.
Stepping Into the Apiary
Walking into the apiary, surrounded by thousands of bees, felt both exciting and surprisingly peaceful.
Once we were among the hives, Margarita reminded us to stay calm and move slowly. Bees respond to energy, and remaining relaxed helps them recognize that you’re not a threat.
Watching thousands of bees going about their work was mesmerizing. Then something incredible happened.
While inspecting one of the frames, Margarita suddenly became visibly excited. We had spotted the queen bee.
She told us she had seen the queen only twice that year, making it an incredibly rare moment. Her excitement made the experience even more meaningful. You could tell just how much these bees meant to her.
It felt like witnessing something very few visitors ever get to experience.
Fresh Honey Straight From the Hive
After exploring the hives, we changed and relaxed inside the house. Margarita had cut pieces of fresh honeycomb for us to try.
We also tasted the raw honey which was unlike anything I’ve tasted before, fresh, floral, and incredibly rich. We sampled different varieties while learning how each one develops unique flavors depending on where the bees collect nectar.
One Last Cup With a View
To finish the morning, we walked to another part of the property where Margarita brewed us another beautiful cup of coffee.
This viewpoint offered an entirely different perspective of the surrounding mountains. Sitting there with fresh coffee in hand after spending the morning learning about bees, honey, and coffee production was the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
What to Wear
You’ll be provided with a protective beekeeping suit, but it’s still important to dress appropriately underneath.
I recommend wearing:
- A long-sleeved shirt or lightweight sweatshirt
- Jeans or long pants
- Closed-toe boots or sturdy walking shoes
What to Bring
To stay comfortable during the tour, I would also pack:
- Sunscreen
- A hat or cap
- Insect repellent
- Water
- A camera or phone for photos (when appropriate)
- Extra room in your bag—you’ll probably want to bring home some coffee or honey.
Is This Tour Worth It?
Absolutely. I’ve done a lot of tours while traveling, but this one stands out because it never felt commercial. From relaxing with farm-fresh coffee on the balcony to standing among thousands of bees, tasting honey straight from the hive.
If you’re looking to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Medellín, this is one of the best experiences I’ve had. It’s educational without ever feeling like a lecture, hands-on without being intimidating, and hosted by people who clearly love sharing their farm with visitors.
It was one of the highlights of our time in Colombia and an experience we’ll be talking about for years to come.
