Salento is a colorful colonial town in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, and nearby Valle de Cocora is its top attraction. Valle de Cocora is an extremely beautiful valley with immense wax palm trees where you can hike for hours while enjoying incredible vistas.
As a seasoned female solo traveler exploring the globe for over 25 years, I’ve encountered a lot of breathtaking landscapes. Yet, Valle del Cocora holds a special place in my heart, offering an unparalleled otherwordly beauty and tranquility.
Photo by Marcelot87, Valle del Cocora near Salento
The cute little town of Salento enchants with its picturesque streets, colorful colonial architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. When I visited, the town felt peaceful and safe. It’s a really nice place to spend some time!
There are plenty of things to do in Salento and its surroundings, so you won’t get bored easily. Here are some suggestions:
Explore Valle del Cocora (of course!): The Cocora Valley isn’t just a great place for hiking; it’s also a haven for birdwatchers. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might catch a glimpse of Colombia’s majestic national bird, the giant Condor. Horse lovers will enjoy exploring the valley on horseback.
Visit a nearby coffee plantation: Delve into the fascinating world of coffee cultivation and indulge in delightful coffee tastings. Quindío stands proudly as one of Colombia’s premier coffee regions, renowned for its exquisite coffee full of rich flavors and aromas.
Cherish Salento: Take leisurely strolls along Salento’s colorful streets, unwind in cozy cafes, and explore vibrant local markets. Plus, rum enthusiasts can delight in trying Colombian rums from Medellín and Caldas.
Hike to Alto de la Cruz: From Alto de la Cruz you can enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Salento landscape. The hike to the top takes just about 30 minutes starting from the town center and the trail is well marked. Usually there are vendors at the top selling refreshments.
Visit the Quindío Botanical Garden near Salento: This amazing botanical garden is home to over 1000 species of plants and flowers. It’s divided into several parts. In the ethnobotanical part you can learn about plants used by indigenous people for food, medicine, and rituals. Amidst the serene beauty of the Quindío Botanical Garden, you can also observe the colorful dance of butterflies and the delicate beauty of hummingbirds.
Explore other cities and towns in the Coffee Triangle: Salento is just 45 minutes away from charming Armenia and 1 hour from urban Pereira. Read more about things to do in the coffee triangle near Pereira, Armenia and Manizales to discover treasures like the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs and colonial gem Filandia.
Photo by Daniel Pelaez Duque: Colibris
The easiest and fastest way to get to Valle del Cocora from Salento is by jeep. Jeeps leave regularly from the main square in Salento and take around 30 minutes to get to the valley.
Experienced hikers can also walk from Salento to the Cocora Valley, but consider that hiking to the valley takes about 5 hours and is challenging at times. So, there is a chance you will be already exhausted when you arrive at Valle del Cocora and won’t be able to enjoy the hike in the valley itself as much.
Photo by Nicolas Pratlong (mod.): On the way to Valle del Cocora
As mentioned before, in my opinion, hiking in the Valle del Cocora is one of the truly unique experiences Colombia has to offer. There are several hiking trails through the Cocora Valley with different difficulty levels, from easy to challenging. The most popular hiking trail is the “Cocora Loop,” which takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The scenery is so incredible that you can’t stop taking photos. There are several restaurants and cafes along the way.
I, as a solo female traveler, started off for Cocora Valley alone but met a nice couple in the jeep and we ended up hiking together. For me that was a more relaxed way to enjoy the hike, which is quite long. So, if you feel more at ease in company, it’s a good idea to team up with someone. You don’t necessarily need a guide, though, since the trails in Valle de Cocora are well-marked. Usually there are also park rangers around. Join our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group to find people to team up with.
Valle del Cocora Hiking Trail
Photo by Riccardo Gazzin: Valle del Cocora Hiking Trail, Unsplash License
Salento is well connected to the major cities in the Coffee Triangle and to Medellin.
From Medellin to Salento by bus: Buses depart from the Terminal del Norte bus station in Medellin and take around 5-7 hours to reach Salento. It’s a comfortable way to travel to Salento, especially if you have a window seat and can enjoy the views of the beautiful scenery outside. Tickets cost around 15-20 USD. Check bus companies, timetables and ticket prices for buses from Medellin to Salento on Rome2Rio.
From Armenia to Salento by bus: The bus from Armenia to Salento takes approximately 45 minutes. See Rome2Rio
From Pereira to Salento by bus: You can easily reach Salento from Pereira in approximately 1 hour by bus. See Rome2Rio
Read more:
Colombia Travel Inspirations: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
Colombia Travel Tips: General Information and Travel Advice for Solo Travelers
Colombia Slow Travel Itineraries: Discover Colombia by bus and overland
Best Places to Visit in Colombia: Ideal Bases for Solo Travelers