The Government of Huila launched ‘The Magic Route of Coffee’ as part of its strategy to boost tourism in the department, increase the number of visitors and bet on agrotourism development.
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This layout is intended make visible and enjoy the quality of coffee in the region“since the optimal soil and climate conditions result in a coffee with an intense fragrance and aroma, with unique fruity and caramel sensations appreciated throughout the world, which have made the department have the largest number of cups of excellence and with denomination of origin from all over the world”, indicated the Government.
In addition, the route has the natural and cultural wealth of the municipalities of Gigante and Garzón, areas less known for tourism in the region. “Most of the tourism in the department was concentrated in two points, to the north in the Tatacoa desert and to the south in the municipalities with a rich archaeological culture such as San Agustín and Isnos,” said Luis Enrique Dussán, governor of the department.
With this project, Dussán hopes to increase the number of national and foreign visitors by up to 40% by the end of 2022. To achieve this goal, the department, through international cooperation and different entities, has invested nearly 500 million pesos in the implementation of this strategy that celebrates one year of being created as a destination brand.
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The route in this time has allowed more than 88 agritourism farms and more than 30 gastronomic establishments to generate nearly 900 direct and indirect jobs during the weekends, the days when more people make this route.
With this boost in tourism, the hotel infrastructure has been developed in Huila, generating an increase of 116% in Gigante and 87% in Garzón. This has resulted in tourism revenues in the department increasing by 52.4% compared to the same period in 2021.
“Tourists can get up close to these stories full of mysticism, enjoy the best coffee in the world, learn more about Huila’s coffee culture and tour a privileged geography through the beautiful landscapes of our municipalities,” said Nelsy Tovar, secretary of Culture and Tourism of Huila.
And although the department expects to grow in the number of visitors, it works hand in hand with sustainability and environmental responsibility so as not to impact the environment.
“Something that we are very proud of with the ‘Magic Coffee Route’ is the commitment to caring for the environment, with a focus on ecotourism and having more than 18 ecosystem protection groups in the area and also with the use of all natural resources through the circular economy, so much so that we reuse the coffee zoka, when its trunk is no longer productive, for the construction of the rural hotel infrastructure that is located along the route”, stressed the secretary department culture.
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The ‘Magic Route of Coffee’ focuses on its route through the municipalities of Gigante and Garzón and towns in the middle such as Tres Esquinas and Zuluaga, being able to transiting it completely takes between 2 or 3 days in which tourists can enjoy ecological rural accommodation, experiences around coffee growing available throughout the week.
“The visitor can enjoy walks to the coffee plantations, learn about both traditional and state-of-the-art coffee plants, walks and horseback rides, enjoy privileged views and from emblematic viewpoints, taste the typical gastronomy of the region and learn about the origin of many of the legends that are national tradition.
Tourists who come to our magical lands come from Bogotá, Neiva, Valle del Cauca, the Caribbean Coast and the Eastern Plains and this route is open to continue receiving both Colombians and foreign tourists who are looking for different, unique and exotic destinations. and the best, that they do it around the undoubtedly best coffee in the world, our coffee from Huila”, concluded Luis Enrique Dussán, governor of Huila.
What would they do during the coffee tour?
‘The Magic Route of Coffee’ focuses on the municipalities of Garzón and Gigante, in Huila. Tourists have the possibility, in addition to enjoying views from its emblematic viewpoints such as the Mano del Gigante, the Brisas de Mirtayhu or the famous Balcón del Huila, to take nature tours through the El Carriquí Nature Reserves, the Barranquero or through the foothills of the Miraflores National Park, all places to go bird watching and ecological walks, enjoy different barista shows, try the wide gastronomic variety of the place, get to know the tourist rings of these municipalities and their rich cultural heritage.
This through responsible tourism with the environment since they have ecosystem caretakers and take advantage of nature’s waste and care is part of the experience.
Paula Galeano Balaguera
BRIEFCASE
