Casa Rivera del Cacao

I am visiting Columbia for the first time. True embodiment of the Columbian culture, kindness, knowledge were all truly embodied by Jose and Anna. I had an amazing experience! If you want a place to get away and relax this is it! It was like staying in a place of such natural beauty and all the Columbian biodiversity represented all in one place. The rooms were super comfortable and clean. The property is beautiful for exploring and relaxation. The meals were fresh from farm and home cooked with amazing taste, near Michelin level food! Jose and Anna were extremely and genuinely kind and caring and knowledgeable about all aspects of Columbia as well as of course the history of chocolate. I discovered the exciting and delicious process of making chocolate from seed to bar, and the process of making a high quality chocolate. The love and care they have for their property as well as their guests is evident in everything they do. In addition, any questions about things to do in Periera, Jose and Anna have your back! I will definitely come back and stay when I come back to visit Columbia!

Casa del Rivera is much much more than a hotel. It was a delight of the senes, a chocolate epiphany and a call back to a kind of hospitality that feels rare these days. Throughout the stay, Don Jose and his wife made us feel like we were old friends visiting instead of paying tourists. They also created a great environment with the other travelers - “family meals” that encouraged story swapping and relaxation in the evenings. We stayed for 2 days as part of a road trip through coffee region in Colombia with our family (including a 6 year old and an 8 month old). Don Jose and his wife were so warm and welcoming, filled with wonderful stories and information about the region and about cacao. Make sure to plan enough time for a chocolate experience - the tour of the land and hand-making high quality chocolate is a fascinating (and delicious) experience! We also did the tasting menu one night which was a great journey through the cuisine of Colombia. There was plenty for our daughter to explore on the farm and she enjoyed playing with the friendly dogs, tasting the cacao fruit and grinding her own beans. The rooms are comfortable of course and the food is delicious but the real draw is the experience. Also, quick plug for Alejandra and the Wake Up Coffee Tour which includes exploring Pijao and a trip to Don Leo’s farm for a real picture of how the best coffee is made (which is saying a lot), all of which is close to Casa del Rivera and is much less touristy than Salento and the rest of the coffee route.