Salento & Cocora Valley
Salento is one of the most well trotted gringo infested pueblos in all of Colombia. But for good reason!!! It’s smack-dab in the center of Colombia’s coffee region and the jumping point for exploring Cocora Valley. Add it to your itinerary if you haven’t already.
How to Arrive
Step 1. Travel to Armenia or Pereira. Direct buses available from Cali, Bogota, Medellin, Neiva and Pasto just to name a few.
- From Cali – take one of the frequent buses from the main terminal to Armenia. $18,000COP ($6USD) for the 3.5 hour ride.
Step 2. Take shuttle from Armenia or Pereira to Salento.
- The shuttle from Armenia costs $4,200COP (~$1.50USD). 45 minute travel time
Best of Salento
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Valle de Cocora or Cocora Valley
– Part of the Los Nevados National Park. Home to Colombia’s national tree,The Quindio Wax Palm. The tallest of the palm species! Take a day trip through the valley or combine a multi day trek with some other trails in the park. To arrive at the valley take one of the shared jeeps $4,000COP (~$1.25USD). Entrance fee $3,000COP ($1USD).
–Check out my complete Valle de Cocora guide here
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Coffee Tours
– Are you a coffee connoisseur, a coffee addict, a once in a while endulger or maybe you’re one of the few coffee haters out there?! Haha, don’t worry whichever category you fall into this tour if for you. Tours are offered from dozens of fincas. If you’re a die hard I would recommend Plantation House $30,000COP ($10USD). I found the 3 hour tour a bit much but the coffee lovers in the group really enjoyed themselves!
Grinding coffee is a bit harder than she thought! 🙂
Story Time!
I tried my first cup of coffee at Plantation House tour in Salento at the age of 28. Everyone seemed so shocked when they found out I had never gave everyone’s favorite addiction a try. My explanation although flawed goes way back to a time when logic meant nothing. When I was 9 or 10 I asked my mother, “Hey mom, why are you so short”?! She stands at a whopping 4 feet, 11 ¼ inches. Yeah, that’s right if you don’t include the ¼ inch she will start yelling. Her explanation….she grew up drinking coffee from a really young age and claimed it stunted her growth. I carried that explanation throughout life and always steered clear of coffee. Because I wanted to be tall! Ha! It wasn’t until I was halfway through nursing school that I revisited her claim. And realized it probably has much more to do with her mother being the same height than it has to do with the coffee. 🙂
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Tejo
– Explosion and cold beers. What’s not to love?! This is a tradition bar game in Colombia. Kind of like corn hole or horseshoe. Players take the stone like throwing thingy and underhand it trying to get within the circle. You earn points playing against your friends and if you hit the ring at the right angle there’s a small gunpowder explosion scoring you extra points. You might take it lightly but if there are some locals there you’re in for a show. They take tejo super seriously & are super competitive with it. Los Amigos is the most popular place to play. It kind of has a dive bar feeling but that’s one of its charms!
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Pueblito Salento
– Spend a day wandering around Salento’s colorful houses. Wander up to the top of the hill left of the main square for an awesome aerial view.
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Los Nevados National Park
– There are a few different options for multi day hikes in the park. I have heard that it’s gorgeous. I opted out of exploring more because coming from the coast I was afraid of having problems with the altitude in the park.
Where to Stay
Salento is probably 80% hostels and hotels. My best advice is to show up without a reservation. As a walk in you’ll have a little room to negotiate. Consider a reservation during any of Colombia’s holidays.
- Casa La Eliana (top recommendation) – This place is awesome! Half restaurant and half accommodations. Dorms $10. Privates $22. The owner is great and knows everything about the region.
Where to Eat
Salento has all kinds of different foods. But believe it or not they are known most for their trout.
- La Gata Carola – Excellent place to try different trout recipes. Lunch specials $15,000COP ($5USD).
- Food Trucks – There’s a food truck lot next to Casa Eliana. Try the BBQ truck! Some of the best I’ve had in South America! If you’re a vegetarian. Try their grilled veggies plate, awesome dish!
- Brunch -Located at Calle 6 & Carrera 3. This place has all kinds of comfort foods. Try one of their insanely popular burgers! Don’t forget to ask about the free orange juice they offer for new customers.
Afterthoughts
Salento is another place I really loved. Sure it’s mostly a tourist haven at this point but for good reason. I absolutely recommend dropping in for a few nights!
