Santa Elena Silletero Farms - Houses are nestled among trees on a hillside.
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Santa Elena Silletero Farms

4.5
·161 reviews·, Colombia

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Silletero culture, exploring historic farms adorned with stunning floral artistry and rich Colombian heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid crowds and enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
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Santa Elena Silletero Farms - Houses are nestled among trees on a hillside.

Santa Elena Silletero Farms

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid crowds and enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Silletero culture, exploring historic farms adorned with stunning floral artistry and rich Colombian heritage.

4.5
(161 reviews)

"A beautiful immersion into Colombian history and traditions, though organization can falter during peak times."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Ensure your group size is confirmed to avoid issues with welcome and service.

☕ Be Prepared for Coffee

Coffee quality can be inconsistent; some find it excellent, others like 'bean ink'.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Silletero Family History

Silletero Family History

Family House

Explore a beautifully conserved family home, offering insights into Colombian history and traditions through floral displays.

Reddit
Vibrant Flower Displays

Vibrant Flower Displays

Farms

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of meticulously arranged flowers, a hallmark of the Silletero culture.

Reddit
Local Culinary Delights

Local Culinary Delights

Farm Eateries

Sample traditional Colombian dishes and coffee, though quality can vary, especially during busy periods.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit outside of major festivals like Feria de las Flores for a more relaxed experience. Weekends can get crowded, leading to disorganization and long waits for food and facilities. Reddit

Understand the Experience

While some find it a wonderful immersion in Colombian history and flowers, others report poor organization and disappointing food, especially during peak times. Manage expectations based on recent reviews. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Avoid crowds and enjoy tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Outside festival season
Why
Better organization and service
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Ensure your group size is confirmed to avoid issues with welcome and service. Reddit

☕ Be Prepared for Coffee

Coffee quality can be inconsistent; some find it excellent, others like 'bean ink'. Reddit

🍽️ Food Expectations

Reviews on food quality, especially sancocho, are mixed; manage expectations. Reddit

💰 Entrance Fee

The entrance fee is around 20k COP, with various plans available. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours in Advance

Ensure your group size is confirmed to avoid issues with welcome and service. Reddit

☕ Be Prepared for Coffee

Coffee quality can be inconsistent; some find it excellent, others like 'bean ink'. Reddit

🍽️ Food Expectations

Reviews on food quality, especially sancocho, are mixed; manage expectations. Reddit

💰 Entrance Fee

The entrance fee is around 20k COP, with various plans available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(161 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are divided on their experience at Santa Elena Silletero Farms. While many praise the rich history, beautiful flowers, and conserved family homes, a significant number report issues with disorganization, poor food quality, and service, particularly during peak seasons. Managing expectations and visiting during off-peak times seem crucial for a positive visit. Reddit

"We absolutely loved it! It was part of a tour, and during the Feria de las Flores weekend, full of people and great food. The family house is wonderfully conserved, and the tour the offered between the flowers and the family history shows great Colombian history. We loved it and we will surely be back."

Juliana

"Love it this place must visit awesome experience"

Ronald

"Total confusion… many people present. The bathrooms are not open… confusion even buying coffee. They are not organized and not ready for the crowds…"

Sang Peiris

What People Like

Rich history and culture
Beautiful flower displays
Conserved family homes

What People Dislike

Poor organization
Inconsistent food quality
Crowded conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Most visitors access Santa Elena Silletero Farms via organized tours from Medellin, which often include transportation. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the North Terminal in Medellin towards Santa Elena. Once in Santa Elena town, you might need a taxi or local transport to reach specific farms. Reddit

If you're not on a tour, buses from Santa Elena town back to Medellin are generally available, but schedules can vary. It's advisable to check return times in advance, especially if visiting on a weekend or holiday. Reddit

Yes, driving is an option, and many farms have parking available. However, roads can be narrow and winding, and parking might be limited during peak times. Reddit

Accessibility can vary significantly between farms. Some family homes and pathways might be uneven or steep. It's best to inquire directly with the specific farm you plan to visit about their accessibility. Reddit

The journey from Medellin to Santa Elena typically takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific farm's location. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is reported to be around 20,000 COP per person. Many farms offer various plans that may include tours, food, and activities. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you are part of a large group or visiting during peak seasons like the Feria de las Flores. This helps ensure better organization and service. Reddit

Yes, farms often sell different plans that can bundle entrance fees with tours, coffee tastings, empanadas, or full lunches. It's worth inquiring about these packages upon arrival or when booking. Reddit

Operating hours can vary by farm and season. Generally, farms are open during daylight hours, but it's best to check with the specific farm you intend to visit for their current schedule. Reddit

Typically, entrance fees are per farm. If you wish to visit multiple farms, you will likely need to pay the entrance fee for each one, unless a specific tour package includes access to several. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Engage with the farm owners and guides who share stories about their family history and the traditions of the Silleteros. Participating in tours that explain the flower cultivation and the history of the 'silletas' is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, most farms offer guided tours that delve into the history of the Silletero families and their connection to the flowers. These tours are often a highlight of the visit. Reddit

Activities often include walking through flower fields, learning about Silletero traditions, enjoying local coffee and snacks, and sometimes participating in workshops or demonstrations. Reddit

The farms can become very crowded, especially during the Feria de las Flores and on weekends. This can lead to disorganization, long waits for food, and a less intimate experience. Visiting on a weekday outside of festival times is advised for a quieter visit. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on uneven terrain and potentially walking through fields. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the climate. Bringing a hat and sunscreen is also a good idea. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Traditional Colombian dishes like sancocho, empanadas, and local coffee are commonly offered. However, reviews suggest that the quality and availability of food can be inconsistent, particularly during busy periods. Reddit

Reviews are mixed. While some visitors have loved the food, others have found it disappointing, with specific complaints about the sancocho broth and the preparation of empanadas. Reddit

Yes, snacks like empanadas and drinks such as coffee and sometimes beer are usually available for purchase. However, during peak times, there might be limited availability or long queues. Reddit

Traditional Colombian cuisine can be meat-heavy. It's advisable to inquire directly with the farm about vegetarian or vegan options when booking or upon arrival, as they may not be readily available. Reddit

Prices for food items like empanadas and coffee are generally reasonable. Full meals, such as sancocho, will naturally be more expensive. Specific pricing varies by farm. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant flower arrangements, the traditional Silletero attire, the conserved family houses, and the scenic countryside views offer excellent photo opportunities. Reddit

Generally, yes. Visitors are encouraged to capture the beauty of the flowers and the farm landscapes. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of people or their private spaces. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to avoid intrusive photography, especially during guided tours or when interacting with residents. Some private areas within the family homes might have restrictions. Reddit

Morning light is often ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the flowers without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour light. Reddit

Drone usage is generally not permitted in most tourist attractions without prior authorization due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Santa Elena Silletero Farms can be a visually stimulating experience for children, with colorful flowers and open spaces to explore. However, the mixed reviews on organization and food quality mean parents should be prepared for potential challenges. Consider booking a tour that includes transportation and a structured itinerary to minimize logistical stress. Reddit

Focus on farms that are known for being more family-friendly or inquire about specific activities suitable for younger visitors. While the history might be complex, the visual aspect of the flowers and the rural setting can be engaging. Pack snacks and drinks, as food availability and quality can be unpredictable, especially during busy periods. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The entrance fee of around 20,000 COP is a reasonable starting point, but be mindful that additional costs can add up if you opt for various plans or purchase food and drinks. Look for farms that offer simple entrance without overly expensive bundled packages if you're on a tight budget. Reddit

Consider packing your own snacks and water to save money on onsite purchases, especially given the mixed reviews on food quality and price. Public buses from Medellin's North Terminal are the most budget-friendly transportation option. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Silletero Tradition

The Silleteros are a unique cultural group from the Santa Elena region, renowned for their intricate floral arrangements, known as 'silletas'. These silletas are traditionally carried on the back during parades, most famously during Medellin's Feria de las Flores (Flower Fair). The tradition dates back centuries, originating from a time when flowers were transported to market on these elaborate floral carriers. Visiting the farms offers a chance to understand the deep-rooted history and artistry behind this vibrant cultural practice. Reddit

Many farms are family-run businesses that have preserved this heritage for generations. Visitors can learn about the cultivation of specific flowers used in silletas, the techniques involved in their assembly, and the stories passed down through families. This provides a tangible connection to Colombian history and a deeper appreciation for the dedication involved in maintaining this tradition. Reddit

While the Feria de las Flores is the peak time to witness the silletas in their full glory, visiting the farms outside of this period allows for a more intimate and educational experience. You can often see the flowers growing, learn about the preparation process, and interact more closely with the Silletero families who are the custodians of this cultural legacy. Reddit

Navigating Crowds and Service

A recurring theme in visitor feedback is the significant impact of crowds on the overall experience, particularly during peak times like the Feria de las Flores or weekends. Reviews highlight instances of disorganization, long queues for food and services, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed by the number of visitors. Reddit

This can lead to a less than ideal experience, with some visitors reporting issues such as unavailable food items, poor quality coffee, and a lack of attentive service. The contrast between highly positive reviews and strongly negative ones often hinges on whether the visit occurred during a busy or quiet period. Reddit

To mitigate these issues, it's strongly advised to plan your visit for weekday mornings and outside of major festival dates. If a weekend visit is unavoidable, arriving early might help, but be prepared for a potentially bustling atmosphere. Confirming group bookings in advance and managing expectations regarding food quality during busy spells are also key strategies for a more enjoyable visit. Reddit

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