The Sierra Nevada Craft Beer Festival: Hidden Brewers and High-Altitude Flavors

The origin of the festival: how it was born on the coffee farms of the Sierra

A few years ago, when Sierra Nevada coffee was already famous worldwide, a group of homebrewers from Minca and Bonda got together on a farm to taste their first batches. They didn't have fancy labels or commercial distribution. What they had was mountain water, cane honey, and an obsession with fermenting things that tasted like the region. That's how what is now called the Sierra Nevada Craft Beer Festival was born, an event that started with three tables and a pot of sancocho, and by June 2026 already brings together more than fifteen producers in the high hamlets of the Sierra.

The first edition, in 2019, was held on a coffee farm on the outskirts of Minca. The farm owners themselves, who also roasted coffee, invited four friends who made beer in their kitchens. The idea was simple: to show that the Sierra not only tastes like coffee, but that the water from its streams and the crops of cacao, panela, and tropical fruits could bring unique beers to life. The event spread by word of mouth, and the following year there was already a line to get in.

Today, the festival takes place in two or three rotating locations, always between Minca and El Campano. The exact date changes each year, but it usually falls on a weekend in July or August, when the weather in the mountains is less rainy. The organizers, who are still the same founding brewers, purposely keep the event small: they don't want it to become a massive fair. They prefer that people arrive on foot or by motorcycle, get to know the producers, and sit on the grass to chat.

Fun fact: in the first edition, one of the brewers used a fermenter that had previously been used to make corn chicha. The result was a beer with an acidic touch that no one expected, and which today is one of the most requested at the festival. That beer is called "Chicha Brava" and is only available there.

Participating breweries: small names, surprising flavors

What sets this festival apart from others in Colombia is that you won't find large national brands. Here, the protagonists are microbreweries that produce between 50 and 200 liters per batch. Many don't have a physical store or a website. They exist because their owners believe that the Sierra Nevada deserves a beer that tastes like it. Here are the ones you can't miss:

Cervecería de la Montaña (Minca)

They are the historic hosts. They work with organic panela from the El Campano hamlet and hops that they grow themselves in a greenhouse at 1,200 meters altitude. Their most famous beer is "Cumbre Dorada," a golden ale with a sweet finish that pairs perfectly with grilled costeño cheese. Reference price at the festival: $15,000 COP for a 350 ml glass.

Cerveza Kankuama (Bonda)

This is the only brewery at the festival run by an indigenous woman from the Kankuama community. She uses Sierra cacao and native bee honey. Her "Cacao Stout" is thick, with notes of dark chocolate and a smoky touch. It's not for everyone, but if you like strong coffee, you'll love it. It is recommended to try it with a piece of bocadillo veleño. Price: $18,000 COP.

Cerro Quemado Brewing (El Campano)

Two brothers who left their jobs in Bogotá to return to their grandmother's farm. They make an IPA with sour guava that they call "Guayaba Punch." It's sour, refreshing, and has a mild bitterness. Perfect for the mountain heat after a hike. They also have a "Sierra Pale Ale" with mandarin lime. Price: $14,000 COP.

La Chicha Brava (Minca)

I mentioned it before. It's the beer born from the chicha fermenter. Today it is produced by a collective of four friends who take turns on the brewing shifts. Its flavor changes with each batch, but it always has that acidity reminiscent of traditional chicha. They only sell it at the festival and at a bar in Minca called "El Refugio." Price: $12,000 COP.

Cerveza Nevado (Santa Marta city)

Although they are not in the mountains, they are the only ones who bring beer down from the city. They specialize in European styles: a "Hefeweizen" with regional banana and a "Porter" with Sierra coffee. They are the easiest to find after the festival, as they have a sales point in the Historic Center of Santa Marta. Price: $16,000 COP.

In addition to these, there are usually special guests from other regions of Colombia. In 2025, a brewery from Jardín, Antioquia, came that made a "Sour" with gulupa. For 2026, the organizers confirmed that there will be a participation from a microbrewery in San Gil, Santander. It's always worth arriving early because the batches run out quickly.

The setting: farms or hamlets where the event takes place

The festival doesn't have a fixed venue. Each year they choose a different farm, but always in the Minca or El Campano area. These are the two main locations that have been used and will likely be repeated:

Finca La Aurora (Minca)

This coffee farm has a terrace with a view of the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra at the same time. It's an incredible place to watch the sunset while having a beer. The farm produces organic coffee and has a small ecological trail you can walk between tastings. The festival is set up around the main house, with brewers' tents and long wooden tables. There are portable toilets and parking for motorcycles and cars, although space is limited.

Vereda El Campano (20 minutes from Minca)

Higher up than Minca, at about 1,400 meters altitude, is El Campano. Here the climate is cooler and the landscape is pure cloud forest. The farm where the festival has been held is called "El Mirador del Campano," and it has a main cabin with hammocks and a wood-fired stove. The event here is more rustic: there is no electricity everywhere, so the brewers use generators. But that gives it an authentic atmosphere. People arrive on foot from Minca (an hour uphill) or by motorcycle taxi.

For 2026, it is rumored that the festival could be held on a new farm near the Quebrada de los Pájaros, on the road to San Lorenzo. The organizers want to try a place with more space for camping. If that is confirmed, it will be an ideal option for those who want to stay overnight under the stars.

Regardless of the venue, the festival is always outdoors. Bring repellent, sunscreen, and a light jacket because the temperature in the mountains drops quickly at sunset. There is no roof, so if it rains, the event moves to the farm's corridors. But the locals say that the fine Sierra rain gives a special touch to the beer.

Perfect pairing: local dishes that accompany the beers

The festival wouldn't be complete without the food. The brewers themselves invite local cooks from Minca and Bonda to set up food stalls. Don't expect a gourmet menu; here things are rustic and tasty. These are the pairings recommended by the organizers:

• Pork crackling with fried yuca + Cumbre Dorada Beer: The crispy crackling and soft yuca contrast with the sweetness of the panela in the beer. A classic that never fails.
• Grilled costeño cheese with bocadillo + Cacao Stout: The salty cheese and sweet bocadillo balance the bitterness of the cacao. Ask for the cheese to be well toasted on the outside.
• Shrimp ceviche with lemon + Guayaba Punch: The acidity of the guava in the IPA combines with the citrus of the ceviche. It's a refreshing pairing for midday.
• Arepa de huevo with costeño suero + Sierra Pale Ale: The crispy arepa and creamy suero call for a light, full-bodied beer. The Pale Ale with mandarin lime is perfect.
• Chicken sancocho + La Chicha Brava: The thick broth and tender meat go well with the acidity of the chicha beer. This dish is only served if there is enough time, because the sancocho takes a while to make.

Food prices range from $8,000 COP for an arepa to $25,000 COP for a plate of sancocho. Bring cash, because not all stalls have a card machine. Internet signal in the mountains is bad, so don't count on Nequi or Daviplata to pay.

How to get there and where to stay: ecotourism options near the festival

How to get to the festival

The festival takes place in the Minca or El Campano area, about 30-40 minutes by car from Santa Marta. These are the options:

• By motorcycle taxi: From the Public Market in Santa Marta, motorcycles leave that take you to Minca for $20,000 COP per person. The trip takes 30 minutes and is a climb with curves. If you've never been, hold on tight.
• By private car: Take the road to Minca from the Troncal del Caribe. There is parking at the farms, but it is limited. Arrive before 10:00 a.m. to secure a spot.
• By bus: From the Transport Terminal in Santa Marta, buses leave that pass through Minca. Ask if the bus goes all the way to the festival hamlet. If not, you'll have to walk the last few kilometers.
• On foot: If you are in Minca, you can walk to El Campano. It's about 5 kilometers uphill. Bring water and comfortable shoes. The path is beautiful, through coffee plantations and forest.

Where to stay

If you want to live the full experience, stay near the festival. These are ecotourism options in the area:

• Hostal La Aurora (Minca): It is on the same farm where the festival is sometimes held. It has shared rooms from $40,000 COP per night and private rooms from $80,000 COP. Includes breakfast with coffee from the farm.
• Cabañas El Campano: In the El Campano hamlet, there are wooden cabins with a view of the valley. They cost around $120,000 COP per night for two people. They don't have wifi, but there is a bonfire and hammocks.
• Ecohotel Minca: A 10-minute walk from the town, this hotel has a natural pool and restaurant. Rooms range from $150,000 to $250,000 COP. It's more expensive, but it has hot water and a good bed.
• Free camping: If the festival allows it, you can set up your tent on the farm. Ask the organizers beforehand. Bring your own equipment and a flashlight.

Book in advance, because during the festival, accommodations in Minca fill up quickly. If you can't find anything, you can always return to Santa Marta by motorcycle taxi at the end of the day, but keep in mind that after 8:00 p.m. it's harder to find transportation.

Local tips to enjoy the festival like a samario

• Arrive early: The festival opens at 10:00 a.m. and the most popular beers run out before 3:00 p.m. If you arrive late, you'll miss out on trying the Chicha Brava.
• Bring your own cup: Some brewers give out disposable cups, but if you bring a thermos or a reusable cup, you'll save time in line and help the environment. Also, glass is not allowed on the farms.
• Talk to the brewers: Unlike big festivals, here the producers are sitting next to their barrels. Ask them how they make the beer, what ingredients they use, and which is their favorite. They'll tell you stories you won't read on the internet.
• Try before you buy: Almost everyone offers free 50 ml samples. Don't commit to a large glass without first knowing if you like the taste. The Cacao Stout, for example, is very intense for some.
• Don't get drunk too fast: Craft beer has more alcohol than industrial beer (between 5% and 8%). Drink water between each glass. The farm's water is drinkable if it's from the stream, but if you don't trust it, bring your own bottle.
• Respect nature: Don't leave trash. The farms are fragile ecosystems. Use the garbage bags provided by the organizers and don't stray from the marked paths.
• Prepare for the weather: In the Sierra, it can rain at any time, even in summer. Bring a raincoat or a jacket. The sun is also strong at midday, so sunscreen and a hat are mandatory.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Sierra Nevada Craft Beer Festival in 2026?

The exact date is confirmed two months in advance, but it traditionally takes place on a weekend between July and August. As of June 2026, the organizers have not yet announced the date. It is recommended to follow the social media of the participating breweries or ask at craft beer stores in Santa Marta. You can also write to the email that appears on the event flyers, although we don't have the exact information here.

Can I buy beer to take home?

It depends on the brewery. Some sell bottles or growlers (reusable containers) to take away, but batches are limited. Chicha Brava and Cacao Stout usually sell out on the same day. If you want to take some, arrive early and ask if they have containers available. You can also contact the breweries after the festival to see if they make deliveries in Santa Marta.

Is the festival suitable for children?

Yes, the festival is family-friendly during the day. The farms have space for children to play, and there are non-alcoholic food options like natural juices and lemonade. However, after 5:00 p.m., the atmosphere becomes more adult, with louder music and higher alcohol consumption. If you bring children, plan to leave before sunset. There are no organized activities for them, so bring games or books to keep them entertained.

Historical or contextual introduction

The Sierra Nevada Craft Beer Festival not only celebrates local beers but also pays homage to a tradition that has been growing in the region. The history of craft beer in Colombia is closely linked to the resurgence of interest in local and sustainable products, especially in areas like Minca and Bonda, where the climate and biodiversity offer an ideal environment for producing quality beers.

Since its inception, this event has been a meeting point for emerging brewers seeking to experiment with native ingredients and traditional techniques. The influence of coffee, which has already put the Sierra Nevada on the world map, has been key to inspiring these artisans to create unique beers that reflect the essence of their land. Instead of following global trends, these brewers have chosen to explore flavors that resonate with the local culture.

The festival is not limited to beer tasting; it also includes workshops, talks, and a variety of activities that invite the community to get involved in the process of making and appreciating craft beer. This has fostered a growing beer culture in the region, where visitors can discover not only the variety of flavors but also the stories behind each bottle.

If you plan to attend this festival, consider that it is an excellent opportunity to connect with the producers and learn more about the sustainable practices they are implementing in their processes. Don't hesitate to try beers that incorporate local ingredients, such as the region's exotic fruits, which add a special twist to traditional flavors.

What to do

Visit the brewers' farm

At the farm where the Sierra Nevada Craft Beer Festival was born, you can meet the brewers behind these unique beers. Take the time to chat with them about their brewing process and the particularities of the local ingredients. Insider Tip: Don't hesitate to ask them for recommendations on pairings with typical dishes from the region, such as sancocho or fried fish.

Tour of Minca

Minca is an ideal place to enjoy nature and the local coffee. In addition to the craft beer offerings, you can visit coffee plantations and nearby waterfalls. Insider Tip: Bring your swimsuit and take the opportunity to cool off in the natural pools found after a hike to the Marinka waterfall.