Written by Marcus Kayode, Marika Maslanka, Santiago Rodriguez
03/08/2025
Jess Londoño, Pexels
Salento, nestled within Colombia's coffee-growing region, offers a captivating experience of local culture and remarkable natural beauty. Here, one discovers the iconic towering wax palm trees of the Cocora Valley and engages in immersive coffee farm tours.
The vibrant main square, Plaza de Bolívar, serves as a central meeting point, bustling with local life, restaurants, and artisan shops. Travelers frequently connect with others at popular hostels, which often organize social events. Additionally, engaging in traditional Colombian activities like playing Tejo provides opportunities to interact with both fellow visitors and locals.
Top 6 Things to do in Salento
Salento offers a blend of natural exploration, cultural immersion, and adventurous pursuits amidst its picturesque coffee landscapes, ideal for a 2 to 3-day visit.
1. Hike the Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora)
Embark on a journey through the stunning Cocora Valley, home to the world's tallest wax palm trees, some reaching up to 60 meters. The full loop hike, approximately 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) and taking 4-7 hours, ascends into lush mountains and cloud forests, offering breathtaking views. Shorter routes are also available to reach the main viewpoints and palm groves. Be prepared for potentially muddy trails, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
Cost: Willy jeep from Salento: Approximately 9,000 COP (Colombian Pesos) per person for a round trip. Hike entrance fees: Expect to pay between 15,000 COP for a shorter route to viewpoints or up to 21,000 COP for the full loop, paid at various points along the trail. It is advisable to carry cash.
Transport: From Salento's Plaza de Bolívar, take a shared 'Willy' jeep. Jeeps depart when full, typically from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
2. Take a Coffee Farm Tour
Immerse yourself in Colombia's renowned coffee culture with a guided tour of a local 'finca' (coffee farm). You will learn about the entire coffee production process, from planting and harvesting the beans to their processing, drying, and roasting. Many tours conclude with a tasting session, allowing you to savor fresh Colombian coffee directly from its source. Popular farms include Finca El Ocaso and Las Acacias, offering different tour experiences.
Cost: Costs vary by farm and tour length. For Finca El Ocaso, basic tours can cost around 40,000 COP, with premium tours up to 100,000 COP. Las Acacias offers tours for approximately 20,000 COP. Some tour operators offer combined tours that include transportation, priced higher.
Transport: Many coffee farms are a short 'Willy' jeep ride or a pleasant walk from Salento town. For instance, Finca El Ocaso is less than 5 km away.
3. Go Horseback Riding
Experience the scenic landscapes of Salento and the Cocora Valley from a different perspective on a horseback riding tour. These rides typically take you through green meadows, past towering wax palms, across tranquil rivers, and to various viewpoints. It is a relaxing yet active way to cover ground and enjoy the natural beauty. Most tours cater to all experience levels.
Cost: Local 3-hour tours, such as those offered by Cabalgatas San Pablo, cost around 90,000 COP per person. Private full-day tours that often combine horseback riding with visits to the Cocora Valley can range from $152 USD and up. Transport to the starting point may be an additional cost, with some services charging around 60,000 COP each way for a group up to 10 people.
Transport: Many tours include hotel pick-up or start directly from Salento. Alternatively, take a 'Willy' jeep to the Cocora Valley and arrange a ride there.
4. Visit Mirador Alto de la Cruz and Mirador de Salento
Ascend to these viewpoints for panoramic vistas of Salento and its surrounding coffee-growing hills. Mirador Alto de la Cruz is easily accessible by a steep, colorful staircase at the end of Calle Real, offering views over the town's charming rooftops. A short path connects it to Mirador de Salento, which provides broader views of the countryside and plantations. Sunset is a particularly popular time for stunning photographs.
Cost: Free.
Transport: Both viewpoints are within walking distance from Salento's town center. Mirador Alto de la Cruz is at the end of Calle Real.
5. Play Tejo
Engage in Tejo, Colombia's national sport, an ancient indigenous game known for its unique element of gunpowder explosions. The game involves throwing a heavy metal disc (the 'tejo') across a court to hit targets (clay rings with 'mechas' or gunpowder triangles) that explode upon impact. It is a highly social activity, often accompanied by local beer, and offers a fun way to interact with both locals and other travelers.
Cost: Entry to a Tejo hall, such as Los Amigos, typically costs around 2,000 COP per game per person, with beer purchased separately.
Transport: Tejo courts are usually located within walking distance of Salento's main square.
6. Wander Calle Real
Stroll along Calle Real, Salento's most famous street, celebrated for its vibrant colonial architecture. The street is lined with brightly colored buildings, often adorned with intricate wooden balconies and blooming flowers, creating a picturesque atmosphere. It is a lively hub for souvenir shopping, discovering local artisan crafts, and enjoying a coffee at one of the many charming cafes.
Cost: Free to wander, costs depend on purchases made.
Transport: Located in the heart of Salento, easily accessible by foot from anywhere in the town center.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
