This tour had many problems and was very disorganized; it was improvised every step of the way. Keep in mind : we had a manager of this tour company with us on the tour in addition to the driver and the guide.
1. Pick up was half an hour late (pretty standard with these tours.) However, we got to the plantation four hours later than on the itinerary.
2. When we finally got to town, we missed the tour we were supposed to go on at 11am and had to wait until 2pm for the next one. We did not "enjoy typical snacks" in the town and went straight to lunch.
3. Lunch food was good.
4. Plantation tour: this was the best and worst part of the whole experience. This plantation is absolutely stunning, beautiful views and many exotic plants. HOWEVER. The guide from the plantation itself speaks no English, so our guide was supposed to translate for us. Our guide spoke absolutely minimal English, definitely not at the level to conduct these types of tours. For instance, he didn't know the words "dry" "roast" "shell", and many others which are critical to understand the process. He kept asking a bilingual person on our tour to translate for him - what??
It was very upsetting to pay so much money for this tour to get this level of English.
5. We did not go to the Museum of Gold, but to a different random Cafe. This was a good tasting and latte art demonstration. The people at the Cafe spoke much better English than the guide.
Overall, this was very stressful and frustrating. I recommend just hiring a translator and a cab to take you directly to the plantation, as it will be much faster and cheaper. It should only be about 1.5 hour drive and the tour at the place itself is much cheaper. This plantation is located in a safe area.
Operator response
Hi Laura & Mariia,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We welcome all sort of feedback since it helps you see things that you might not realize due to bias or something of that sort. However, let us address each point you've made. Second, it's a pity that due to the reasons mentioned here, the itinerary wasn't met as supposed to and you didn't feel comfortable. Everything that Parche Cachaco Tours wants for its visitors is to be happy, and have a memorable experience. (Check out our other dozens of reviews)
1. Upon booking, I asked you for the exact location. You said it was Calle 187#45-57 nearby Centro Comercial Santafé, but it turned out to be wrong. It was actually Calle 187#57-45. So, it logically follows that it's going to take some time to (1) figure out the actual meeting point and then (2) get there (over 40 minutes).
The guide took a photo of the actual meeting point to ensure that perhaps it had been my fault. No, it wasn't. I still have the conversation via WhatsApp with the wrong pickup details you provided on May 11, 1:38p.m—just in case TripAdvisor's team need/want to see it, or anyone who's curious.
[A] Therefore, it cannot be said that it was improvised.
2. Interestingly enough, you didn't mention your friend had a stomach issue. Of course, it's going to take even more time to (1) find her a restroom somewhere by the road and then (2) wait until she felt better. Our manager asked if you wanted to eat some snacks and you said no; you had bought some on your own and said those were enough. As you said, the next tour at the plantation starts at 2 pm. So, why not taking lunch first to save time? Otherwise, it would've been at 4:15 pm or so.
[B] Therefore, it cannot be said it was disorganized or that we left out something included in the price. Besides, you were offered some cake at the Cafe in Bogota, and you said no anyway. The others did enjoy the cake!
4. The plantation does have a bilingual tour guide. However, he's not available on Mondays (May 13). Although, you're right in saying those are critical words to have an in-depth understanding of the process. Does that mean that someone who has been speaking English for the entire day is defective at the language?
5. The Gold Museum closes on Mondays and Cafe San Alberto is located inside the facility. So, we took you to the other San Alberto Cafe located in Usaquen, which is way closer to the place you were staying at and were picked up. I mean, the correct one.
[C] Therefore, it cannot be said that it was a "random Cafe."
Very surprisingly, everyone was able to understand the stressing situation at the beginning—given by the fact that you provided the wrong information, which caused the issue, and had an unpleasant attitude during the tour. We all tried to contribute with a positive attitude; including the Canadian traveler who was on this tour as well, except you. I apologize if my argument sounds a little gruff, but I can't allow a negative review stain the name/brand we've worked hard to build so far, especially if it's been put forward out of context.
Best regards,
Miguel Q.
Sales & Marketing Department
