Exploring Salento, Colombia, is the highlight of any trip to the Coffee Region, offering a perfect mix of high-altitude adventure and slow village life. Surrounded by the iconic wax palms of Cocora Valley and misty cloud forests, this small mountain village is where world-class coffee culture and raw nature meet
You’ll find men with sombreros sitting in the pubs, conversing over life and perhaps an Aguila beer or two. Every other weekend, you’ll encounter a farmers’ market with coffee, sweets and other produce from the area.
Salento works best if you enjoy nature, easy hikes, coffee culture, and small towns, and want a break from Colombia’s bigger cities without going fully off-grid.
Things to Know Before Going to Salento Colombia & Coffee Region
Salento is nestled in the Quindío department, part of Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle. It’s all lush green coffee plantations and stunning mountain views, tucked away in the Andes mountains, southwest of Bogotá.
Salento in Colombia has natural beauty, charming architecture, and a huge coffee scene. Locals here are warm and ready to share their culture with open arms. Plus, you can get a peek into the whole coffee-making process, complete with stories and traditions.
Getting to Salento, Colombia
From Medellín, you can either fly to Armenia in about an hour or take a direct bus, which takes roughly 5–6 hours. Flying is the better option if you’re short on time, while the bus is scenic and budget-friendly.
From Bogotá, direct flights to Armenia take around an hour. Buses are also available but take a full day, so flying makes more sense for most travelers.
From Armenia, Salento is an easy 30-minute drive by taxi, bus, or Willys Jeep.
If you’re on a tight 2-week itinerary, flying into Armenia saves time and energy. If you’re slow traveling, the bus routes are scenic and affordable, just plan for a full travel day.
How Many Days Is Enough for Salento, Colombia?
Plan to spend at least 3-4 days soaking up the charms of both Salento and the Coffee Region. That way, you can explore the town, visit some coffee farms, and take in some awesome hikes.
Where to Stay in Salento, Colombia for Nature & Village Vibes
Staying in town means easy access to restaurants and Willys Jeeps, while staying just outside puts you closer to nature, quieter mornings, and better views. If you’re visiting Cocora Valley early or want a slower pace, staying outside town is often the better choice.
If you want to wake up to sweeping valley views and complete mountain silence, book Kawa Mountain Retreat. It’s located just outside the village, giving it a true ‘hideaway’ feel that is perfect for couples or anyone looking to disconnect. The rooms open directly onto the landscape, making it the best spot for slow mornings and fresh mountain air.
For boutique comfort without leaving the heart of the town, reserve your stay at Cocli Hotel. It’s tucked away just a few streets from the main square, so you’re close to the colorful Calle Real but far enough to avoid the weekend crowds. It’s the ideal balance of style and location – perfect if you want to explore the village by foot.
If you’re a photographer or nature lover, secure your cabin at Birdglamping Los Arboles. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience where you wake up to misty forest views and over 250 species of birds. It combines rustic glamping with incredible wildlife access, right on the edge of town. It’s my top pick for a stay that feels 100% Colombian.
Book The Top Hotels in Salento Colombia Here
Salento is easy to explore independently, but certain experiences are much more rewarding with a local guide, especially if you’re short on time or want to go beyond the obvious stops.
Top Things to Do in Salento, Colombia
Cocora Valley is Salento’s most iconic landscape, home to the towering wax palms that Colombia is famous for. While you can visit independently by Willys Jeep, joining a guided tour adds context you’d otherwise miss.
If you’re visiting independently, you can take a Willys Jeep from Salento to the valley entrance and walk the main palm area. This is ideal if you’re short on time or mainly here for photos.
If you enjoy hiking, Cocora offers several longer trails, which makes this full-day Cocora Valley Climbing Tour ideal to take you deeper into the landscape. The most popular route leads to the Acaime hummingbird sanctuary and takes around 4–5 hours. A longer loop continues to Finca de la Montaña, where you’ll find refreshments and panoramic views over the valley.
Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora)
Located just a short 20-minute jeep ride from Salento, you’ll find one of Colombia’s best places to visit. The iconic Cocora Valley is famed for its towering 60-meter-tall wax palm trees, which are the tallest in the world. Furthermore, the area is famous for its lush cloud forests and picturesque hiking trails. It’s just a nature lover’s paradise, offering opportunities for the best hiking adventures and truly unique natural scenery.
How to Get To Cocora Valley
To reach Cocora Valley from Salento independently of a tour, you can take a short jeep ride from the town’s main square to the entrance of the valley. These traditional Willys Jeeps are a fun and popular mode of transport in the area. I’d suggest you go as early as 6.30 am to be one of the first in the valley.
The price is 4000 COP (1 US$) for a one-way Willy Jeep ride.
To get back to Salento, you’ll find Willy Jeeps on the nearby parking area, leaving as they are full.
Cocora Valley has become more structured over the years, with marked paths and designated viewpoints. While it feels more organized than it once did, the scale of the wax palms and the surrounding landscape is still impressive, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Going early makes all the difference, both for photos and for experiencing the valley at its quietest.
Coffee Farm Tours
When in Salento, Colombia and the Coffee Triangle, you just have to join a coffee tour of one of the numerous coffee farms in the area. While some farms are reachable on your own, guided coffee tours offer hands-on experiences and direct access to small producers.
If you’re short on time, this hands-on Coffee Farm & Salento Walking Tour combines a farm visit with a guided walk through town, making it an efficient way to experience both without planning logistics yourself.
This is a great option if you want to visit a small-scale coffee farm that provides are more personal experience. You get to pick the coffee cherries, sample a freshly brewed cup and try some homemade Colombian lunch – it’s the best combination if you ask me!
Pro Tip: Visit Cafe Jesus Martin, it’s one of the award-winning cafes in the country! Another great one for coffee is Andariego! Coffee to go by the Plaza.
Wander Calle Real
When you’re in Salento, take a stroll down Calle Real – the main street lined with super colorful buildings. It’s the kind of picturesque street that just screams “Instagram-worthy.”
This bustling main street with its vividly painted buildings, charming artisan shops, and local markets is hard to miss. It’s a perfect place for leisurely strolls and to soak in the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
Mirador Alto de la Cruz
Head to this viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a great spot to capture stunning photos and appreciate the natural splendor of Salento – make sure to go early!
Birdwatching
Did you know that Colombia is the country with the highest biodiversity of birds in the world, with 1,900 species? The region boasts an impressive variety of bird species, including but not limited to the dazzling Andean cock-of-the-rock, the vibrant Golden-headed Quetzal and the striking Andean condor.
If you’re a bird-lover and fan of the local wildlife, make sure to reserve a spot on this traveler-favorite birdwatching tour. Birdwatchers can spot a range of hummingbirds, tanagers, and toucans among the lush foliage and many others.
Stay at Birdglamping Los Arboles finca which combines glamping with a true birdwatching experience. With over 250 birds living in the area, it is the ideal place to search, observe and capture rare and colourful birds. The highlight for us was spotting the Green Toucan and the Tiger Frog.
Slow Travel & Wellness in Quindío
If you’re looking to slow down between destinations, Bio Habitat Hotel is a beautiful option in the wider Quindío region. Surrounded by forest and rolling hills, it’s ideal for a one-night stay or wellness-focused stop, especially if you’re traveling onward toward Antioquia.
If you’re looking to end your trip with total immersion in nature, book Bio Habitat Hotel here. Located in the wider Quindío forest, this is sustainable luxury at its best. The architecture blends perfectly into the trees, and it’s the ultimate place for a wellness-focused stop before you head to your next destination
What Else Is There to See in Salento, Colombia ?
Salento pairs beautifully with other stops in Colombia’s Coffee Region, especially if you’re continuing north toward Antioquia. From here, it’s easy to continue to Jardín and Jericó, two of the most charming towns in the region and a natural next step in a longer Colombia itinerary.
Salento is one of those places that balances effort and reward perfectly. It’s easy to reach, visually striking, and rich in culture without feeling overwhelming. Whether you’re here for hiking, coffee, or simply to slow down for a few days, it’s a stop that earns its place on any Colombia itinerary.
Keen to see more of Latin America? Check out my other articles here:
Guyana – The New Adventure Destination & The Best Places to See
Have you been to Cuba? Plan Cuba, Havana Tips Guide To the 18 Best Things to Do
If you’re keen on more island life: Dominican Republic Itinerary + Gems to See!
For more Caribbean trips, head over to my Barbados Itinerary & The Best Eco Activities!
Explore exotic Venezuela with my 2 Week Venezuela Travel Itinerary
Women Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without
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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend services and tools I know and trust myself. Some of the hotels were sponsored stays, all opinions are my own.
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