Salento – Home to the World’s Largest Palm Trees

Nestled in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, the vibrant town of Salento beckons travelers with its charm, captivating scenery, and rich coffee heritage. Known for its postcard-perfect surroundings, Salento is a haven for nature enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. Whether you’re drawn to the coffee plantations, the valley filled with tall wax palm trees, or the warmth of its local community, Salento offers a diverse combination of experiences. In this guide, we will share everything we learned about Salento and why it was one of our favorite places in Colombia!

How to get to Salento

By Plane

Salento can be accessed by plane, although it doesn’t have its own airport. Visitors often fly into nearby cities such as Pereira or Armenia, which are the closest airports to Salento. Several domestic airlines operate flights from major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellin, and Cartagena to Pereira or Armenia. From there, travelers can take ground transportation, such as buses or taxis, to reach Salento, which is approximately an hour’s drive away. You can usually book transportation through your accommodation or use 12GO for a hassle-free journey.

By Bus

From Other Colombian Cities: Salento enjoys good connectivity by bus to various cities across Colombia. Travelers can easily find buses departing from cities like Bogotá, Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena heading towards Armenia or Pereira. Once arriving in either of these cities, frequent and comfortable bus services are available to reach Salento. Check out 12GO for all your options.

We took an 11-hour bus from Bogotá to Pereira and then transferred to a smaller bus to Salento. From the bus station at Salento’s entrance, all accommodations in town are just a walk away. There were no taxis waiting when we arrived, so we had a 20-minute walk to the other side of town. The total cost was €25 per person.

What to do in Salento

Colombia’s Cocora Valley, Salento, and their neighboring towns offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. From hiking between the tallest palm trees in the world to savoring freshly brewed coffee and immersing yourself in the local culture, this region presents an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s diverse offerings.

Hike through Cocora Valley

Take a willy (shared 4WD jeep) to Cocora Valley in about 30 minutes. The first willy leaves at 7 am, and although there are official times, they basically leave whenever full from Plaza de Bolivar.

There are two possible routes: a longer and a shorter route, both available on the app MAPS.ME. The longer route takes you along the river to amazing viewpoints, with an optional extension to Casa de los Colibris for a hot drink and a view of countless hummingbirds. The shorter route, about 2 hours, takes you directly through Valle de Cocora, the highlight of this hike.

Valle de Cocora is famous for its wax palm trees that can reach up to 60 meters. Walking through the valley, you’ll be surrounded by these impressive trees. On the way back, visit Truchas Cocora, a trout farm, for a meal.

Play Tejo

Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport involving metal discs (‘tejos’) thrown at targets filled with gunpowder, creating loud noises. It’s a fun game to play with new friends or locals, accompanied by drinks and music.

Visit a Coffee Farm

No trip to Colombia is complete without experiencing its famed coffee culture. Salento offers authentic coffee farm tours where you can learn about the coffee-making process, from picking coffee cherries to roasting and brewing. These tours often include coffee tasting and insights into the cultural and economic significance of coffee in Colombia.

Enjoy the Town of Salento and its Market

Salento is renowned for its colorful architecture and laid-back atmosphere. The streets are lined with vibrant houses, artisanal shops, and cozy cafes. Exploring Salento’s daily market is a must-do activity, showcasing indigenous crafts, fresh produce, and traditional Colombian snacks. Engage with locals, sample exotic fruits, and browse handmade souvenirs, textiles, and artwork.

Explore the Neighbouring Filandia

A short distance from Salento, Filandia is a picturesque town offering an escape into Colombia’s rural life. Admire stunning colonial architecture, stroll along peaceful streets, and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of this charming town. Filandia is one of the most colorful villages we’ve ever visited.

Where to eat in Salento

Etnia Arte y Sabor (Salento) – This restaurant got pretty famous with travellers in the area. Make sure you get here early, otherwise you might have to wait a while for a table. The set menu is a great and affordable option. This restaurant is popular for a reason and the fact that this is a pretty small place makes it an even more special dining experience.

Cocina de la Loca (Filandia) – A true gem in Filandia and a must try if you are around. The chef really makes it worth you while with delicious tacos, trout, and even great desserts. You will not regret a dinner here.

Where to stay in Salento

Viajero Salento Hostel is a very sociable hostel with great views of the area. There is a large patio with lots of activities and friendly personnel. The willys to Cocora are just a short walk away. Dorm bed start at €15 per night and double rooms start at €50 a night.

A bit more upscale is Hotel El Mirador del Cocora with great views of the Cocora valley that you can enjoy during breakfast or when you get back from a great hike. Just out of town, but still in a very walkable distance to the city center this hotel offers double rooms starting at €55 a night.

If you fancy a bit more of a retreat, then Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat is your way to go. In the middle of the fantastic nature that this area offers, with facilities like a jacuzzi and a sauna, this is a place to relax after some fantastic activities in the area. Double rooms start at €80 a night.