2025 Salento Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Visiting the Kokura Valley felt like stepping into a magical world of natural beauty. I wandered between towering palm trees and endless green meadows. I saw the famous wax palm tree, one of the most precious palm trees in the sky. I enjoyed walking along the trails overlooking the valley and the mountain views. I climbed a nearby hill and enjoyed the stunning views of the magnificent landscape. I paused to take photos and meditate on the tranquility of the surrounding nature. The Kokura Valley was an enchanting sanctuary that reflected the pristine beauty of nature and offered visitors unforgettable serenity.

City: Salento, Colombia 🇨🇴 Where is it: north west of Bogota the capital, in the north of South America What’s special ✨: Finca means farm/local village. There are many local fincas in Colombia and this one in Salento is famous for its colourful buildings, its coffee farms and tranquility in the area. Shops close pretty early (it’s not a busy area and hence the quietness). Also if you like plants you can spot a lot here! #Finca #Salento #Colombia #latinamerica

FROM BEAN TO CUP ☕️.⠀ ⠀ Did you know that an average worker in a coffee farm can pick up to 100kg of ripe coffee cherries PER DAY?!⠀ ⠀ This is the staggering amount we learned is normally collected by individual pickers (by hand!) during the two picking seasons the Ocasa Coffee Plantation sees every year. We spent an afternoon exploring the sights, sounds and smells of the Ocasa Coffee Plantation to learn all about how our favourite cup o’ Joe is made. From planting the seed, to picking the ripe cherries and sorting the beans, we learned heaps about the process and admire the work that goes into producing coffee beans so much more!⠀ ⠀ 📍Ocasa Coffee Plantation, Salento, Quindio, Colombia⠀ #leaveyourmark

Valle del Cócora is famous for it's hiking. People come from all over the country to take advantage of the opportunity to hike in this famous valley located near Salento. It is not expensive to travel in this area which makes it popular with backpackers. #happynewyear #happynewyear

📍 Location: Salento, Colombia | La Carbonera & Cocora Valley If you were enchanted by the magical family story and dreamy natural landscapes in Disney's 'Encanto,' then visiting La Carbonera and Cocora Valley in Salento will feel like stepping into a living animated world! 🌴 La Carbonera: The Forgotten Paradise of Palm Trees ✨ Highlights: - Home to the world's largest and densest collection of towering wax palm trees (Colombia's national tree). - A secluded, serene paradise that feels like your private sanctuary. - Misty clouds weaving through the palm forest, creating a surreal atmosphere. 🚙 How to Get There: - Rent a **4x4 Jeep** from Salento for about a 1-hour drive. - Join a local day tour (La Carbonera Palm Tour), which often includes a guide, transportation, and a light meal. ✅ Tips: - Wear hiking boots or non-slip shoes as the trails can be muddy. - Bring a jacket as mountain weather can be unpredictable. - Charge your phone fully—this is a photographer's dream location! 🏞 Cocora Valley: The Popular Palm Tree Hiking Trail ✨ Highlights: - Home to some of the world's tallest palm trees, reaching up to 60 meters. - Perfect for hiking and horseback riding, with scenic bridges, cloud forests, and grasslands along the way. - Photo hotspots: Snap a shot with the towering palms or enjoy the misty summit views. 🥾 Trail Options: - Short Loop (Valley Circuit): 1-2 hours ★☆☆ Walk to the main palm tree area and return, ideal for those with limited time. - Long Loop (Full Circuit): 5-6 hours ★★★ Includes forest suspension bridges and Finca La Montaña, offering panoramic views of the entire valley. 🎫 Ticket Info: - Entrance Fee: Around 10,000 COP - Additional fees may apply for private sections like Finca Montenegro. Don't forget to explore Salento town! 📸 Photography Tips: - Early morning, when the mist begins to clear, is the golden hour for dreamy lighting. - Wear bright-colored clothing (e.g., red, yellow) for striking contrast against the palm trees. - Use a wide-angle lens or your phone's 0.5x mode to capture the grandeur. ✨ Suggested Itinerary: Activity Schedule | Location | Recommended Time - Morning: La Carbonera | 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Noon: Lunch in Salento | 12:00 PM - Afternoon: Cocora Short Hike | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

✨ This is not a fairy tale, but a real hidden palm tree paradise! 60-meter-tall wax palms pierce the clouds, a sea of green covering the valley, every shot looks like a scene from "Avatar"! 🔥 Why choose here? ✓ Only 5.5 hours direct flight from New York JFK, perfect for a weekend round trip ✓ More off-the-beaten-path than Bali, cheaper than Hawaii, enjoy for just $500 per person ✓ Two must-visit secret spots, 200% photo-worthy 📸 Top 2 must-shoot spots 1️⃣ Cocora Valley Palm trees in the morning mist look like an ink painting 2-hour easy hike, perfect for the lazy Best photo spot: valley entrance viewing platform 2️⃣ La Carbonera Palm trees are 10 times larger than those in Cocora! Sunlight filtering through the canopy creates stunning light and shadow All downhill route, easy to walk and shoot at the same time 🎒 Recommended 3-day 2-night itinerary Day 1: New York✈️PEI → colorful town of Salento Day 2: Cocora Valley + coffee plantation experience Day 3: In-depth tour of La Carbonera → return trip 💡 Travel tips ▪️ Be sure to get up early! The valley is most beautiful in the morning mist ▪️ Bring a waterproof jacket + non-slip shoes, mountain weather is changeable ▪️ Local prices are very low, remember to exchange enough cash 👉 Save now and set off on your next long weekend! New York surroundings #ColombiaTravel #OffTheBeatenPath #WeekendEscapePlan #HikingTrip

[Wabi Asian Kitchen | A hidden gem in Salento, authentic Japanese food] — A taste of "real Japan" in a foreign land that will satisfy both your heart and your stomach — "Wabi Asian Kitchen" is a small Japanese restaurant in the center of Salento. The owner and chef are Japanese, and the restaurant is loved by local regulars, creating a warm atmosphere that makes you feel like you're back home😊 . ⸻ 📍[Location] A hidden gem located quietly near the main street of Salento. There are limited seats, so it's a popular restaurant that is always crowded. 🕰️[Visiting points] Open for both dinner and lunch. The small restaurant is also great for spending time with local customers. ⸻ ✨Recommended points • I was really impressed by the authentic Japanese food at a reasonable price🥹. • The portions are plentiful and very satisfying! This price is amazing value for money • The owner, chef, and staff are very friendly and it's a very comfortable place😊  • There are many regulars, and the atmosphere is warm and local ⸻ 🎒 Tips • There are few seats, so it's recommended to go early or make a reservation • Cash payment is the norm, so it's a good idea to have a small amount of Colombian pesos ready • There is a vegetarian menu, and they will accommodate if you ask ⸻ 🌟【How to enjoy it to the next level】 The taste and atmosphere of the food are great, so it's a great idea to choose it as your "dinner before returning home" as a memory of your trip. It's a special experience to enjoy it among the locals! #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Colombia #Salento

[Cocora Valley | Wax Palm Forest] — A panoramic view of the world's tallest palm trees and mist — Cocora Valley, part of the Los Nevados National Park, is about 10 minutes by jeep from Salento, Quindío Department, Colombia, and spreads out at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,400 meters. This is a natural area that feels like another world, with the world's largest national tree, the wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense), standing tall. . ⸻ 📍[Location] 11km by jeep from the center of Salento (about 3,500 COP one way = about 1 dollar). It is easily accessible, with frequent departures from Plaza Bolívar . 🕰️[Viewing points] The round trip route and forest walk will take about 3 to 5 hours in total. You can choose the itinerary that suits you, such as a loop hike including a suspension bridge or a round trip course with an emphasis on photography. ⸻ ✨Recommended points • The “encanto”-like scenery of wax palms over 70m high and valleys is overwhelming! • Deep in the forest, coffee fields, bamboo, colorful flowers, and hummingbird cafes are scattered, allowing you to enjoy a variety of scenery. • Take the reverse route using a red card to enjoy the quietness and impressive views before the crowds! ⸻ 🎒Tips • There are suspension bridges and steep ups and downs. Sneakers or hiking shoes are essential. • The weather in the mountains is changeable, so it's a good idea to bring a rain jacket or a spare coat. • The last jeep service is around 18:00. It's best to leave by 7:30 in the morning. • You can take a short break while drinking coffee. We also recommend bringing snacks and water! ⸻ 🌟【How to enjoy it to the next level】 ・We recommend taking the reverse route (counterclockwise) including the suspension bridge to fully appreciate the tranquility and the moving scenery. ・It's also great to stop by the hummingbird sanctuary "Acaime" and observe the real hummingbirds while enjoying a cup of coffee.  ⸻ #CocoraValley #CocoraValley #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

[Ocaso Coffee House | FincaElOcaso Coffee Tour] — Green hills and stunning views, a “Coffee 101” experience that combines learning and taste — “Ocaso Coffee House (Finca El Ocaso)” is located on the outskirts of Salento, surrounded by hills. Surrounded by coffee plantations and mountain views that stretch as far as the eye can see, the “Coffee 101” tour for beginners teaches you carefully about the entire coffee process, from harvesting to roasting and tasting  . ⸻ 📍[Location] About 10 minutes by “Jeep Willy” or 40 minutes on foot from the center of Salento. The farm cafe, with its orange and white motif, has an atmosphere that makes it easy to drop in. 🕰️[Points to visit] About 1 to 1.5 hours with a guide. There is also an English tour, and all participants can participate in a harvesting experience and roasting demonstration . ⸻ ✨Recommended points • The “Fantastic views” overlooking the farm and the mountain range are a view that will make your heart melt • In the Coffee 101 tour, you can learn all the processes from harvesting, drying, roasting, and extraction in a well-balanced way • The finish is a tasting of various extraction methods. You will be impressed by the difference in taste and will be able to understand it deeply ⸻ 🎒 Tips • The tour is about 1.5 hours. Mornings and early afternoons are comfortable, and the scenery is beautiful • The tour fee is about 6 dollars (40,000 COP) 📌 Cash payment on site is the basic method   • It is safe to check in advance whether there is an English tour! • You can also purchase the farm's original beans (single origin) as a souvenir ⸻ 🌟 [How to enjoy it one level up] The Premium tour (about 3 hours / about 75,000 COP) is a small group tour with in-depth commentary. Recommended for those who want to listen carefully #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

[Mirador de Salento | The top of the adventure stairs overlooking the city and valley] — Worth the breathless climb! A panoramic spot in Salento where spectacular views and rewards await — A long stone staircase stretches out from the end of Salento's main street, Calle Real. Beyond that is a panoramic view of the city and valley, wrapped in color and greenery. Mirador de Salento is a popular observation deck that captivates both locals and tourists as a spectacular spot overlooking the entire town and the Cocora Valley 🌿✨ ⸻ 📍 [Location] The top of Calle Real. It's a 15-20 minute walk from the city, and you'll need some physical strength to climb the stone steps, but it's more than worth it! 🕰️ [Viewing point] You can enjoy the view that changes depending on the time of day, from morning to dusk. The early morning is quiet and clear, and the dramatic sunset in the evening is the best 🌄 ⸻ ✨Recommended points • A spectacular view spot where you can see the cityscape of Salento, colorful roofs and the spreading mountains. • The scenery you can enjoy after the climb and the sense of accomplishment is the reward of the adventure 💪 • At the observation deck, there are plenty of cold juices and snacks sold by locals! Salpicón (fruit mix) is perfect for hydration 🍹 • It's perfect for taking photos, as well as taking a short break on a bench. ⸻ 🎒Tips and advice • The stone steps are long and sloping, so sneakers are recommended! Even if you're not good at exercise, it's OK if you climb slowly😊 • It's cool and easy to climb in the morning and evening, but the sun is strong during the day, so it's reassuring to have a hat and sunscreen☀️ • Most snacks at the observation deck are cash only, so it's convenient to have some coins • It can be windy, so it's a good idea to bring a thin jacket◎ ⸻ 🌟【How to enjoy it to the next level】 Starting from the observation deck, you can extend your walk to the greenway behind it (Mirador Alto de la Cruz) to find a quieter and more mysterious view🍃 ⸻ #Salento Observatory #Colombia #Salento #Absolutely Free Trip

[Salento | Ancient capital of the coffee region] — A hill town surrounded by color and greenery, a place where you can experience nature and coffee with excitement — Built on a hill at an altitude of about 1,895m, Salento is one of the oldest towns in Colombia's Quindío department. It is known for its beautiful colonial architecture registered with UNESCO and as the gateway to the Cocora Valley, where the world's tallest wax palms spread. ⸻ 📍[Location] 24km northeast of Armenia, can be reached by plane or bus from Quito. The city center is compact and can be explored in about 15 minutes on foot. 🕰️[Sightseeing points] ・Walking around the city: Enjoy colorful buildings and cafes in about 1 to 2 hours. ・Cocora Valley trekking: About half a day to a full day. Choose the distance that suits you from multiple marked routes. ・Coffee plantation tour: About 2 to 3 hours. By touring the farm and experiencing the roasting, you can learn about the beans before drinking them, and you can enjoy the coffee to its fullest. ⸻ ✨Recommended points • Cityscape: The colorful doors and windows on the white walls are vivid! It's perfect for taking photos . • Cocora Valley: The fantastic landscape with the world's largest wax palms standing in a forest is breathtakingly beautiful. • Coffee tour: A full range of experiences run directly by farmers. You'll be amazed at how the taste changes completely from the cultivation of the beans to roasting and tasting. • Mirador (observation deck): You can get a panoramic view of the city, and you can take fantastic photos at sunrise or sunset. • Chocolate and tiejo experience: There are plenty of activities such as a tour of local chocolate workshops and the Colombian version of curling, "Tejo". ⸻ 🎒Tips and advice • The average temperature is 17°C, and it gets cold in the mornings and evenings, so a light jacket is essential. • Travel to Cocora Valley and the farms by Jeep Willy. Plan your trip with plenty of time for the round trip. • Coffee tours are popular, so we recommend making a reservation in advance. • There are few people on Calle Real (the main street) before 8am, so you can take photos in peace. ⸻ 🌟【How to take your fun up a notch】 You can go on a full-scale trekking trip into the depths of Cocora Valley (Paramillo del Quindío, etc.), or take a day trip to nearby Filandia. You can immerse yourself in the quiet Colombian atmosphere. ⸻ #Salento #Colombia #Salento #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Salento in Colombia is famous for its cute, colorful townscape. When you walk around the town, you'll see that the doors and walls of every house are brightly colored, with a design that is very typical of Colombia. In addition to Salento, there are other colorful townscapes like this in Colombia.

Salento, a small town at the foot of the Andes in central Colombia, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "cultural landscape of coffee-producing areas." It is a famous spot among Western backpackers, and is known as a town where you can experience both beautiful nature and culture. ⸻ 📍Main activities ・Coffee farm tour (Finca tour) 　→ You can experience harvesting, refining, and tasting Colombian coffee 　→ Access by shared van from the square in the center of Salento 　→ Tour fee: 40,000 pesos (approx. 1,500 yen) / round-trip transfer 8,000 pesos (approx. 300 yen) ・Valle de Cocora hiking 　→ A spectacular spot where the world's tallest palm trees, "wax palms (up to 60m)," stand in a forest 　→ The view of the green mountains and palm trees stretching up into the blue sky is overwhelming 　→ There are walking or horseback riding courses (half-day to full-day) ⸻ 🕰️Visiting period All year round/Dry season (December-February, July-August) is comfortable Early morning to morning is recommended for hiking and coffee tours 💸Estimated cost ・Accommodation: Approximately 30,000 to 60,000 pesos per night (cheap to middle-class) ・Coffee plantation tour + transfer: Total of around 48,000 pesos (approx. 1,800 yen) ・Shared jeep to Cocora Valley: 4,000 pesos one way (approx. 150 yen) ⸻ 🌟Points ・The whole town is colorful and cute, and even just walking around is relaxing ・As it is the home of coffee, there are many cafes that are particular about each cup ・The altitude is high, so it is cool and comfortable/Be careful of weather changes ・The town is not too touristy, and has just the right balance between locals and travelers ⸻ #Salento #Salento #Colombia trip #World Heritage coffee culture #Cocora Valley #South America hiking #Around the world

🚶‍♂️Want to experience the natural wonders of Colombia without spending too much time and money? 🏰Then Cocora Valley, near the town of Salento, is definitely the place for you! Known for its towering wax palm trees, the valley offers spectacular views and is known as the "Lost Valley of South America." 🌟 The tallest palm trees in the world, reaching up to 60 meters high! A thrilling experience like walking through Jurassic Park! 🌱Entrance fee: COP 15,000 🌻Tips to avoid pitfalls (important): 🌷Hiking route options: Short route (2 hours): Excellent scenery, low difficulty, free, highly recommended! Long route (12 km, 6 hours): Average scenery, lots of gravel roads, streams, slippery, some narrow sections, poor experience, and requires an additional COP 8,000, not recommended! 🥾Hiking direction: Clockwise is recommended, but many people get it wrong. Be sure to check the direction on Google Maps in advance to avoid going counterclockwise!  The essence of Cocora Valley lies in the short route, which takes less time, has beautiful scenery, and offers great value. The long route is relatively less appealing and not recommended. 🌟Remember, clockwise is the right direction! Have a great time in Cocora Valley!

The valley of the highest palm trees in the world is located in Colombia and it's called Cocora 🌴 Although in the past years it became more popular and touristy, it is still breathtaking with its natural beauty and the amazing green nuances 💚 A circular itinerary takes about two hours walk and is highly recommended 👍 #naturalbeauty #cocora #colombia #columbia #palms

#Overseas travel On my trip to the Cocora National Valley in Colombia, I enjoyed a special experience in the heart of picturesque nature. I wandered among the huge and impressive palm trees that are the symbol of the region, 🌴 and saw breathtaking views of Colombia's natural beauty. I had an adventure walking the nature trails surrounding the valley and enjoyed seeing rare birds and colorful plants that grow in the humid environment. I felt calm and peaceful while I was in this wonderful place, and I left with beautiful, enjoyable, and unforgettable memories of my trip to the Cocora Valley.

#Overseas Travel My visit to Valle de Cocora was an amazing and fascinating experience. Valle de Cocora, located in Colombia, is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Colombia. I had a great time looking around the green valleys and wide grasslands. The landscape was amazing and spectacular, with waxy trees rushing into the sky, forming a breathtaking scene. The land was covered with beautiful green grasslands and colorful flowers, giving the place a charming and inviting atmosphere. I took a walk to explore the nearby farms and fields. Many wild animals such as birds and rare birds live in this area. It was a great experience to see these animals in their natural environment. Overall, my visit to Valle de Cocora was an unforgettable experience. I was amazed by the beauty of nature, the magic of the waxy trees, and the beautiful salinas. If you are considering visiting Colombia, I highly recommend visiting Valle de Cocora to experience this charming landscape.

#Overseas Travel While visiting Colombia, I decided to explore the natural beauty of the Valle de Cocora region. This region is located in the Cocora Valley in the Quequera region and is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. I started my trip by walking the trails that run through the Cocora Valley. The atmosphere was refreshing, the air was clean, and the experience was very enjoyable. I enjoyed wandering among the giant trees, green meadows, and colorful flowers that lined the trails. I continued walking until I reached her palms. This area was amazing with a row of giant palm trees scattered along the valley. The view was amazing and took me to another world. I took many pictures of this wonderful view and enjoyed the peace and tranquility that this place offered. Visiting the Valle de Cocora was an unforgettable experience. I enjoyed the natural beauty and tranquility that this place offered. This visit gave me the opportunity to relax, refresh my soul, and discover the picturesque natural beauty of Colombia. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet, a visit to Valle de Cocura is the perfect choice.

Salento is absolute beauty, colourful streets, a lot of cool restaurants and amazing food

Name of place 🔖: Salento, Colombia 🇨🇴 Access🚗: It’s between capital Bogota (6 hours car) and Medellín (5.5 hours car), but absolutely worth it What’s special✨: the town is very quiet and the vibe is relaxing, even the air seems to be fresher (and often blended with the aroma of nicely brewed coffee). The houses are colourful but all of sightly different pattern. It is almost impossible to find identical houses. #Colombia #colourful #latinamerica #Salento

Name of place📍: Salento, 🇨🇴 Famous for ✨: being colourful 🌈 everywhere 🏔️ the hill that gives you a panoramic view to the small town ☕️ coffee farm experience and aromatic coffee in any cafe you hop in ⚜️ handicrafts - from crafted wooden decoration to hand-knit handbags, the local artisans’ talents are impressive 🍻🥂🍷🥃 bars with cheerful and friendly people - the town is small but there is a good selection of bars in various corners #Colombia #latinamerica #Salento #smalltown

Name of town: Salento, Colombia 🇨🇴 Famous for ✨ 🌈 its low-density, colourful houses, gardens, cafes, decorations and everything. No matter where you go, there must be multiple colours. Even the ATM on the street (photo 3 - it doesn’t open 24 hours daily so when it is closed, it is locked behind colourful bars). Coffee ☕️: everywhere in Colombia is famous for coffee, but Salento has its own coffee farms that are famous for coffee tours. One can book a day trip there and experience the life of a coffee farmer from planting, picking, peeling, washing, drying to roasting coffee beans! Real fun! #Salento #colombia #coffee #colourful

Name: Brunch Club, Salento Famous for✨: this recommended brunch place is an international traveller’s gather place - I met so many tourists from different nationalities. Everyone is free to draw or leave a message on the walls of the restaurant. The multi-language mural immediately becomes a cool part of the diner. The owner is an innocent and cheerful person who always tries to lighten people’s day by making their food cartoonish (like my Mickey pancake in the last photo). #Salento #latinamerica #Colombia #brunch

Name📝: Salento Famous for✨ This small town is known for many things, all good for touristy experience: 1- its nature 🏔️ , mountain trails and caravan holiday. One can pay as little as USD70 for a night at the caravan in the first photo 2- its coffee ☕️: Colombia is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world and many towns are famous for planting coffee beans 3- its colourful everything 🌈: from the houses to the dishes you order, they make everything look bright and pleasant. You just feel happy when you see everything Highly recommended holiday destination! #Salento #Colombia #latinamerica #CaravanHoliday

Address: Salento, Colombia Atmosphere/Facilities: A town surrounded by nature Recommended points: A place where the air is delicious and relaxing. The coffee and chocolate are delicious and I want to eat them every day☕️🍫. The people are all kind and there are lots of cute stray dogs😍 Average price: Budget per person: Around 3,000 yen for a day's stay Rating: Excellent (10/10) #Colombia #Salento #Coffee #Chocolate #Travel #Couple trip #Nature #Relaxation

It is the most stunning view I have ever seen although the photos maybe underrepresenting it. The sky is always blue with a lot of sun, that’s why trees are tall and various plants flourish. Horses are happy there and even the air is fresher. Definitely worth going and trying the coffee from one of the world’s biggest coffee exporters!

From full-on lessons in producing, growing, roasting and brewing Colombian coffee to night markets filled with stall-upon-stall of local bites, Salento was a charming and picturesque introduction to Colombia’s infamous coffee triangle. Despite being just a tiny town within the Quindio department, the quality of coffee that can be found here (alongside the beautiful Cocora Valley) is what put this place on the map. With its rolling green hills, bustling nightlife, beautiful hilltop views and colourful buildings, I couldn’t get enough! Be sure to take the time to explore both during the night and day! #createwithtrip

From coffee farms and coffee beans to coffee sweets and coffee sauce - for three days during my trip through Colombia, my life was filled with coffee at every turn. Is there any better way to spend a holiday? If visiting Salento, you'll also find that coffee is absolutely everywhere - from your drink to your food - and this dish was no exception. Frying up a local Mojarra fish, Acaime douses it in a sweet coffee sauce for added flavour. This wasn't one of my favourite dishes as the sauce was a little too sweet for my liking, but thought it was worth a mention because of the sheer originality and link to Colombia's coffee culture. The dish is accompanied by deep-fried yuca sticks and salad. What I ate: Mojarra en Salsa de Cafe Price: 27,000 COP Find it: Acaime, Salento, Colombia #createwithtrip