More Than a Brew: Freddy Rojas and the Coffee-Infused Life
“We grow up surrounded by coffee, but we only ever use it as a drink. What if it could be more?”
Freddy Rojas isn’t your typical assistant. During the GCAG coffee course in Bucaramanga, Colombia, he helped with everything—from running logistics to picking out local fruits for the cupping table. But beyond his helpful hands and bright spirit is someone deeply connected to the land, the people, and the possibilities coffee can bring.
A Life of Many Passions
Freddy is a chemical engineer by profession and a chef by heart. He’s also a trail runner, a tour guide, a nature lover, and a content creator (@frojas06) who finds joy in documenting his outdoor adventures.
“I love to show visitors the beauty of Santander,”
he says. “We have incredible places like the Chicamocha Canyon and the Páramo de Santurbán—two natural gems that couldn’t be more different.”
Whether guiding a hike or climbing a mountain, Freddy brings the same curiosity and love of life to every corner of his work.
Freddy Rojas at GCAG
His journey into coffee started recently, driven by a desire to understand more than just flavor. Introduced to the GCAG course through a local foundation, he immediately said yes.
“I’ve always been passionate about coffee, but this was something special. The idea of learning from international trainers and brands was exciting, and the fact that the course was hands-on made it even better.”
Throughout the workshop, he absorbed everything—from brewing methods and extraction techniques to tasting protocols and regional profiles. But more than that, he found something deeper: connection.
“It wasn’t just about learning, it was about connecting—with others, with coffee, with ourselves.”
Freddy noticed how each participant brought something unique—farmers from rural villages, baristas from the city, and curious minds like his own. Everyone contributed. Everyone learned.
Through the practical exercises, he discovered how to maximize the flavor potential of regional coffees and how sensory exploration transforms the experience from routine to ritual.
Freddy Rojas’s world
Coffee, Running, Cooking—and Creating
For Freddy, coffee isn’t just a beverage. It’s a fuel for trail runs. A flavor to explore in his desserts. A note to elevate a savory dish. A theme for his next video.
He experiments with coffee in the kitchen, adding it to sauces, pastries, even cocktails. “Coffee has aromatic and flavor notes that you can’t find anywhere else,” he says. “It deserves to be explored beyond the cup.”
His love for mountain sports also ties in. He drinks coffee before his runs, during long distances, and even incorporates it into recovery meals. When he’s not training or cooking, he’s out capturing the beauty of Santander’s landscapes, from cacti in the canyons to frailejones in the páramos.
Like many Colombians, Freddy grew up drinking coffee. But he now sees the drink in a new light.
“We’ve been living in a bubble. Colombia produces some of the best coffee in the world, but we grow up drinking the lowest quality. This course helped me understand how to appreciate our own treasure.”
He’s no longer just drinking coffee—he’s seeking out the best, savoring every note, and sharing what he learns.
A Message from the Mountains
“To anyone working a job they don’t love, I say this: change it. Life is too short not to do what you love. Do sports. Eat well. Visit Colombia. And enjoy our coffee—not just as a drink, but as a way to connect with nature, culture, and yourself.”
Freddy Rojas’s story is a reminder that coffee isn’t just grown in Colombia—it grows with Colombians. And through initiatives like the GCAG coffee training program, more people like Freddy are finding their voice, their path, and their own flavor of purpose.
Editor’s Note
Freddy Rojas isn’t a barista, roaster, or farmer — but that’s exactly what makes his story special. His passion for coffee comes from curiosity, creativity, and the way he connects it to running, cooking, and the natural beauty of Colombia.
His generous help during the GCAG training in Bucaramanga made him an essential part of our charity project, proving that everyone has a role to play in the coffee community.
For us, Freddy is more than a participant — he’s now a friend. If you ever find yourself in Bucaramanga, Colombia, reach out to him. Not only does he know coffee, he knows the mountains, the markets, and the hidden gems of Santander like no one else. He’ll be the guide who shows you that coffee is more than a drink — it’s an adventure. Follow Freddy (@frojas06) on Instagram.
