Olivanto Orchard (Olive Farm) - Private Tour
Embark on a unique and immersive journey through the heart of Olivanto, the olive orchard closest to the Equator, located in the majestic region of Boyacá, Colombia. Just 8 km from Villa de Leyva and surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Alto Ricaurte region, Olivanto invites you to discover the fascinating world of sustainable agriculture, the history of the olive tree, and the artisanal process that transforms olives into gourmet products of the highest quality.
Your experience begins with a warm welcome at the farm, where you will be greeted by specialized guides who will accompany you throughout the entire tour. From the very first moment, you will immerse yourself in the ancient history of the olive tree, an ancestral tree that has accompanied civilizations for thousands of years, from the Caucasus to the shores of the Mediterranean. In Olivanto, this sacred tree finds its home in Colombian soil, in an ideal terrain 2,108 meters above sea level.
As you walk through the orchard, you will stroll among more than 1,450 olive trees planted across 3 hectares of land. During this tour, your guides will tell you about the sustainable farming techniques used to grow olives in this region. You will learn how land that was once eroded has been regenerated thanks to environmentally respectful methods, such as responsible water use, crop rotation, and practices that conserve local biodiversity.
During the walk, you will have the opportunity to see the olive trees up close at various stages of their production cycle. From the small shoots that are just beginning to grow to the mature trees that are already bearing fruit, each tree has its own story and contributes to the farm's ecosystem. The mountainous landscapes and panoramic views that surround you will allow you to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the place, creating the perfect environment to relax and learn.
Your next stop will be the harvest area, where you will delve into the process that turns fresh olives into exceptional quality products. Olivanto uses a manual harvesting process, selecting only the olives that have reached their optimal maturity. Here, you will learn about the differences between green olives, ripe olives, and those used to make extra virgin olive oil.
Next, you will be guided to the modern mill where the olives are taken to be processed. Here, you will witness the cold extraction process, a key technique for obtaining extra virgin olive oil with an intense flavor and healthy properties. You will see how the olives are pressed, separating the juice from the oil without the need for heat, which preserves all the nutrients and flavor of the fruit. You will be amazed at the efficiency and technology behind this artisanal process, which ensures a flawless final product.
At the end of the tour, a gourmet tasting of olive-derived products awaits you, where you can savor the fruits of the work done at Olivanto. You will taste freshly extracted extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by crunchy bread to enjoy its pure, fruity, and smooth flavor. Additionally, you will have the chance to taste artisanal products such as olive paste, tapenade, and other delicacies that showcase the versatility of the olive.
Each bite is an opportunity to discover the flavor nuances that only high-quality olive oil can offer. Your guides will explain how the different olive varieties, the region's climate, and the extraction process influence the oil's final flavor, providing you with a unique educational and sensory experience.
At the end of your journey, you will be able to purchase Olivanto's products at the farm's store, such as extra virgin olive oil, olives, and gourmet products made with the highest quality standards. You will take home a piece of the farm, an authentic memento of your visit, and perhaps also a new appreciation for this ancient crop and its impact on the environment and local gastronomy.