Where Paisa heritage comes alive through nature, tradition, and unforgettable experiences.
Medellin, Colombia
Where Paisa heritage comes alive through nature, tradition, and unforgettable experiences.
Monte & Panela, our family farm with nearly a century of history, is nestled in San Antonio de Prado, just 50 minutes from Medellín in the central Andes. Founded in 1930 by our grandfather Jorge Velásquez as a thriving dairy farm, it has evolved into a welcoming space where visitors can immerse themselves in Paisa culture and traditions.
Surrounded by lush nature and ancient paths once traveled by indigenous peoples, colonial settlers, and muleteers, these historic routes connected Medellín with San Antonio de Prado and Heliconia. Our grandfather used them to deliver fresh milk to Medellín, and they continue to carry the spirit of Antioquian muleteering.
Mules and horses, vital to the region’s development, remain essential on our farm, reflecting a rich legacy of respect for animals and the land—values passed down by our grandparents. Our grandmother Amanda Martinez, who graced this world for 96 years, left behind treasured traditions, including recipes shared through a farm-fresh breakfast.
Today, the third generation carries forward this heritage, blending our roots with new experiences. Monte & Panela invites you to connect with nature, savor our gastronomy, and celebrate rural life through moments crafted to showcase our farm’s beauty and culture.
We invite you to spend a day like we do in the countryside. Just like our grandparents used to — riding horses, milking cows, picking eggs, and sitting down to a good home-cooked meal. It’s simple, it’s special, and it’s something we love sharing with you.
We kick things off the best way we know how — with a hot cup of real Colombian coffee served with creamy raw milk and sugarcane on the side, just like our abuelos used to drink it. Not a coffee person? No worries — we’ve got fresh herbal teas from our greenhouse too
Collect fresh eggs straight from the coop — simple and just how it’s always been. Our pasture-raised chickens give us the ingredients for a real farm breakfast. Vegan? We’ve got tasty plant-based options too.
This was our grandfather’s daily ritual — every morning, rain or shine. It’s a tradition we’ve kept alive, still done by hand, just like he taught us. We’ll show how we get fresh milk the old-fashioned way, and how we use it to make the most delicious cheese on the farm
Our calves aren’t just fed by their mothers — they also get a little extra love (and milk!) from us. When they see the bottle, they come running with their wobbly legs and curious eyes. You’ll get to feed them by hand — it’s a simple, hands-on moment that always brings smiles.
Get ready for a real countryside breakfast, made with love by Stella using ingredients from our own land. These are the same recipes our grandmother used to cook — homey, hearty, and full of tradition.
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Colombian Andes on one of our free-roaming, well-cared-for horses. They live in open pastures, run freely, and grow up socializing with the herd — which makes them calm, happy, and a joy to ride.
You’ll follow the same trails our grandfather once rode as an arriero, on paths used for generations by muleteers and indigenous communities. Whether you’re a first-time rider or more experienced, we’ll pair you with the perfect horse for a safe and memorable ride through history and nature.
Take a break with your horse in the middle of the mountains. We’ll stop to let them rest and graze while you share a few carrot treats with your new four-legged buddy. Then, relax in a hammock with a fresh fruit bowl and soak in the quiet beauty of the landscape — just you, the view, and your horse nearby.
We wrap up the experience with a toast — a shot of aguardiente, Colombia’s traditional liquor, and a countryside-style lemonade for those who prefer something fresh. We’ll also share some of our favorite savory snacks, the kind we grew up loving. The perfect way to wind down, relax, and take in the last moments of a beautiful day in the countryside
Colombia is a land full of life. From wide open plains to golden deserts, from jungles that meet the sea to green mountains that seem to breathe — this country overflows with beauty, culture, and the warmth of its people.
For many years, though, much of that beauty was hidden behind a difficult past. Decades of violence, drug trafficking, and negative headlines painted an image of Colombia that didn’t reflect who we really are. The world saw only a shadow of our true story.
But things have changed. Colombia has risen — strong, proud, and full of hope. Today, travelers from around the world come here to experience something real: rich flavors, music that moves your soul, stories that connect generations, and people who welcome you like family.
That change — that rebirth — is what inspired us to create Monte & Panela.
We wanted to tell a different story. A true story. The one we live every day in the countryside of Antioquia. One filled with traditions, hard work, kindness, and deep roots.
At Monte & Panela, we don’t offer just an activity — we open the doors to our family, our land, and our way of life. We believe in conscious tourism, in real connections, and in showing the heart of Colombia as it really is: resilient, diverse, joyful, and full of soul.
Because when you experience a place with your heart, not just your eyes — you don’t just visit it. You become part of it.
Colombia is a land of extraordinary beauty, where life flourishes in infinite forms—through its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and the genuine warmth of its people. From the vast plains to golden deserts, from jungles that kiss the ocean to lush, green-covered mountains, our country is a treasure waiting to be shared with the world.
For decades, however, Colombia’s brilliance was overshadowed by a history of social and political challenges. Since the 1920s, and particularly through the 80s and 90s, violence, drug trafficking, and global stigma distorted our identity. The world saw only fragments of our story, far removed from the vibrant reality of who we are.
But those days are behind us.
Today, Colombia is rising, stronger and brighter than ever. We have become a must-visit destination—South America’s hidden gem revealed. Travelers from across the globe come here to experience something authentic: a symphony of flavors, music, history, and soul.
This transformation—this rebirth—inspired us to create MONTE & PANELA.
Our mission is simple: to tell the world the true story of Colombia. To invite travelers to immerse themselves in the heart of rural Antioquia, to feel the warmth of our people, to savor the richness of our traditions, and to wander through mountains steeped in history.
At MONTE & PANELA, we celebrate Colombia’s resilience, diversity, and vibrancy. We champion conscious tourism—the kind that connects, transforms, and inspires. And we do it with pride, love, and an unwavering commitment to showcase the most authentic side of our country.
Because we believe that once you truly experience a place, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.
At our farm, the well-being of our animals is at the heart of everything we do. All of them are treated with care and respect, and they live in a safe, comfortable, and most importantly, cage-free environment.
Our horses roam freely across open pastures, with the space to run, rest, and socialize naturally. This freedom helps them stay calm, healthy, and happy — and you’ll feel that connection the moment you meet them.
Our hens enjoy a dedicated outdoor area where they can roam, forage, and peck freely throughout the day — living the way chickens are meant to.
Our cows are raised with the same care and attention, spending their days grazing, resting, and living calmly in open spaces. We care for every animal as part of our family, and their well-being is a big part of what makes this place feel alive.
Creado por La 12. Todos los derechos reservados.