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
Photo by Uriel Figueroa, Salento, Quindío, Colombia
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 is one of Colombia’s most renowned coffee regions, and the area surrounding Salento features several coffee farms offering insightful tours, such as Finca Don Eduardo (Google Maps), Finca Entre Bosques (Google Maps), and the small family-run Finca Las Acacias (Google Maps).
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 the Coffee Triangle: Salento is the perfect base for exploring Colombia’s traditional Coffee Triangle, especially if you prefer a nature-oriented stay. Conveniently located between the larger cities of Armenia (45 minutes) and Pereira (1 hour), Salento also offers easy access to the picturesque town of Filandia, just about 30 minutes away by bus (see Rome2Rio). Read more about Pereira, Armenia and Manizales
Relax in spectacular hot springs: Near Pereira, you’ll find the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs, set amidst a breathtaking landscape. These thermal baths are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
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
Hiking in Valle del Cocora with its majestic wax palm trees is one of the most unique experiences I’ve had during my solo travels. The views opening up at every step are so incredible – it feels like being on a different planet.
There are several well-marked hiking trails with varying difficulty levels in the Cocora valley, from easy to challenging. The most popular route is the Cocora Loop, which takes around 5-6 hours to complete.
I hiked in the Cocora Valley back in 2011 and met a lovely couple in a jeep from Salento who I ended up hiking with. As a solo female traveler, I feel more comfortable hiking in nature with company. You can check out our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group to see if you can find people to hike with. (The group is primarily for solo female travelers.)
You don’t really need a guide to hike the Cocora valley, as the trails nowadays are well-marked. There are also park rangers around if you have any questions. You can find a few cafes and small restaurants along the trail where you can take a break and get a snack.
Valle del Cocora Hiking Trail
Photo by Riccardo Gazzin: Valle del Cocora Hiking Trail, Unsplash License
Salento in the Quindío region 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
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Last Update: January 31, 2025
Image credit: Title image on top by wallpaperflare.com, Valle del Cocora, Quindío, Colombia
© 2025 Travelhapp S.A.S., Bogotá – Colombia Travel Guide
