| The National Coffee Park is located in Montenegro, | | | | Colombia and a positive contributor to social growth: |
| Quindío, about 160 miles north of Bogotá in the | | | | - The ecological attractions include shady bamboo |
| "axis" of the coffee region of Colombia. | | | | forests and tiny coffee nurseries where visitors learn |
| This park is an alternative amusement park to | | | | how beans go from the seed to the cup. |
| American style theme parks. It was founded in 1995 by | | | | - Visitors are directly exposed to coffee growing, |
| the National Federation of Coffee Growers of | | | | picking, de-pulping, drying, de-husking and export |
| Colombia and the Committee of Coffee Growers of | | | | preparations. |
| Quindío. The mission of the nonprofit organization | | | | - Colombian and international tourists walk trails reading |
| that manages the park is to preserve the cultural | | | | signs and learning all about the coffee beans. There |
| heritage and history of coffee in Colombia. | | | | are extensive and varied flower gardens everywhere. |
| What makes this park different from any others? | | | | - The museum has several rooms with very complete |
| What has made it a success as a local and national | | | | information and displays about the coffee culture and |
| attraction? | | | | trade. |
| - The park is located in a small and beautiful valley. To | | | | - The museum also showcases a very good 3D |
| reach the park, visitors take a cable car offering a | | | | movie about the daily life of a Colombian coffee |
| magnificent view of the entire area. | | | | grower. This is a unique way to feel like a Juan Valdez |
| - The rolling hills are planted with coffee, bananas, fruit | | | | in the pictures, if only for a short while! |
| trees, flowers and other local plants. | | | | - Of course, what would an amusement park be |
| - The farmers in the area have developed the best | | | | without the rides? |
| techniques of coffee cultivation, harvesting and | | | | - The Coffee Park features all the expected rides and |
| processing. | | | | attractions for those adults seeking thrills and for |
| - They have also kept the lifestyle and traditions of the | | | | children as well. |
| early settlers that Juan Valdez represents with | | | | - For example, the Cyclone rollercoaster ride is a very |
| authenticity. | | | | exciting. |
| - Visitors can walk along a trail that allows them to | | | | - There are carrousels, bumper boats, bumper cars, |
| touch, smell and feel up close all the varieties of coffee | | | | single go-karts, double go-karts and the "Cumbre" free |
| plants grown in Colombia plus many others from many | | | | fall rides. |
| countries around the world. The trail splits at the end. | | | | - There is also a train ride which is very appropriate |
| One way leads to the auditorium where twice a day a | | | | since train transportation was a principal means and |
| dance troupe performs the typical dances of the | | | | transportation for coffee development. |
| region. The other way leads to several stations where | | | | - The panoramic gondola lift is a great way to view |
| visitors learn all about coffee cultivation. | | | | the entire park and enjoy the beauty of the |
| - Both directions eventually converge on a big colonial | | | | surrounding mountains and valley region. |
| square featuring many statues and stores. | | | | - There are children's attractions with usual mascots |
| - At different times of the year, the square is where | | | | wearing costumes of popular television and show |
| celebrations for different festivities take place. | | | | characters. |
| - Christmas time is a beautiful time in the park, including | | | | - One interesting musical show has colorful animatronic |
| live Nativity scenes and lights everywhere. | | | | orchids. The orchid is the national flower of Colombia. |
| - As is customary with any amusement park, each | | | | - The "lake of the legends" is a where visitors can |
| section has different names. | | | | enjoy boat rides and water thrillers. |
| - The "Zona Cafetera section" (the coffee zone) | | | | - This is also an interesting area to learn about the |
| features a Coffee Show, Ecological Trail and the | | | | myths and legends associated with coffee plantations, |
| Coffee Museum. | | | | many of which are part of local story telling. |
| - The folkloric "Show del Café" has lively, talented | | | | Of course, any visit to the park includes stopping to |
| and colorful dancers who portray the history and | | | | enjoy one of the many coffee houses scattered all |
| cultural traditions of coffee.It is heartwarming to see | | | | over the park. |
| the crowds react with enthusiasm, pride and patriotism | | | | Sipping a "tinto" (the name for a cup of regular coffee) |
| during the show. | | | | and enjoying coffee candy. |
| Coffee is a very important part of the economy in | | | | So, ready for a cup of Colombian Supremo? |