Best Hotels in Salento: Easily Decide Where To Stay
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Planning to stay in Salento to explore the beautiful Valle del Cocora and wondering how to pick your hotel in this lovely, touristy colonial village? I’ve slept there many times, and my list of the best hotels in Salento will help you make the perfect choice.
Edit 07/2024: We’ve completely redesigned this article.
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THE BEST HOTELS IN SALENTO
To quickly decide where to stay in Salento
With family
TPMT note: 9.5/10
Reserva Guadalajara
A family stay at a farm near Salento among the horses.
Reserva Guadalajara is a classic farm in the Eje Cafetero. It is a spacious, typical single-story house in a tree-filled setting with livestock and horses. This finca, owned by the same family for a hundred years, is perfect for a peaceful, family-friendly stay in a rustic atmosphere. Kids will love interacting with the horses.
+ The finca is ideally positioned between Salento and Valle de Cocora, with easy access. Don Diego, the proprietor, is very welcoming and always on hand.
+ The accommodations are simple but clean and comfortable.
+ The finca organizes two magnificent horseback rides of 3 to 4 hours, including river crossings, panoramic views, and bird observation.
+ The homemade cuisine is absolutely delicious, especially the breakfast, and it’s an excellent opportunity to savor traditional dishes.
– The hot water is a bit slow to arrive, and a few rooms are short on space for luggage.
- If you visit La Reserva Guadalajara, don’t miss out on at least one of the two horseback rides; it’s a major highlight and a wonderful opportunity to explore the surrounding nature.
- If you’re traveling as a couple and looking for a farm holiday vibe, a cabin in the fields at Ecohotel Pinohermoso could be an appealing alternative.
Boutique
TPMT note: 9.5/10
Terrazas de Salento
A delightful boutique hotel in Salento, bathed in light and surrounded by greenery.
Peaceful yet near the center, Terrazas de Salento is a 7-room hotel centered around a charming patio brimming with tropical plants. A garden offering a great city view, traditional architecture bathed in light, and spacious rooms make it perfect for a comfortable and budget-friendly stay.
+ Everyone falls in love with Damary, the charming owner of this hotel, and the staff is attentive.
+ The breakfast is tasty and generous.
+ Solo travelers can book a single room at a low price.
– On rainy days, the more cold-sensitive might find the rooms somewhat cool.
If you’re traveling solo, the Coffee Tree Hostel is another great alternative with its social and friendly atmosphere.
High-end
TPMT note: 9.5/10
Kawa Mountain Retreat
A luxury hotel in Salento offering breathtaking views.
With its architecture blending modern and rustic styles, reminiscent of mountain chalets, and designed to make the most of the lush, beautiful surroundings, Kawa Mountain Retreat is the perfect choice for a comfortable, peaceful, and relaxing stay.
+ The view of the mountains and the valley is breathtaking.
+ The rooms are nicely decorated and cozy. Some have a fireplace or a private jacuzzi.
+ The cuisine is delicious, and the staff is very helpful.
+ The hotel is committed to eco-friendly practices.
– Access from the town is via a footpath (5 minutes) that has a slight incline and is not lit at night.
- If you want to make the most of the view, avoid the standard Queen room.
- For a high-end experience in a natural setting, Glamping Lumbre, with its cozy yurts, is another excellent choice.
Long stay
TPMT note: 9/10
Parallelo loft
A lovely, modern apartment in Salento at an affordable price.
Parallelo Loft offers modern, well-located apartments in the center of Salento. Functional layouts, lovely decor, and fully equipped kitchenettes make these comfortable and very clean accommodations an appealing option for an affordable stay.
+ The apartments, ranging from 36 to 68 m², are spacious and elegantly designed.
+ They have a private entrance and a secure parking space.
+ The hostess is easy to contact.
+ The apartments include 1 or 2 bedrooms and a large living room with a sofa bed, accommodating 2 to 6 people.
– There can be a bit of noise from the street.
For an equally budget-friendly option, Casa Salento is a charming family-run hotel in the center of Salento.
Quality/Price
TPMT note: 9/10
Gue Guatok
A peaceful wooden cottage surrounded by birds.
Hidden in a lovely garden, Gue Guatok is a cozy cabin with a well-equipped kitchenette and a terrace overlooking a bamboo grove. The sound of the river and the songs of the birds make it the perfect accommodation for couples seeking a charming spot in nature for an intimate getaway.
+ Access is easy and safe (if you have your own vehicle), and parking is just a few steps from the cabin.
+ While being very respectful of your privacy, the owners are attentive and offer great advice.
+ It’s one of the few accommodations in Salento that accepts pets.
+ There is a gas stove on the terrace to enjoy the cool Salento nights.
– During rainy days, the cabin might seem a bit humid.
It’s better to have a car to visit Salento easily. The accommodation is more suitable for short stays (small refrigerator capacity). For a more extended stay, Parallelo Loft offers more comfort at a similar price, but it’s located in the center of Salento.
Luxurious
TPMT note: 9/10
Glamping lumbre
A luxurious and unique stay in the Valle de Cocora.
Near the Valle del Cocora, Glamping Lumbre offers luxury yurts and cabins. The magical surroundings, the serenity of nature, and the many activities available make it a perfect place for couples who want to enjoy a romantic night under the stars and wake up to birds singing.
+ The tents are very comfortable and tastefully arranged, with luxurious bathrooms.
+ There is a large picnic area, and the evening bonfire enhances the stay.
+ In addition to free short hikes around the site, you can choose from a variety of experiences (romantic dinners, planting a palm tree, massages, or sauna).
+ There is a restaurant on site.
– It can get hot in the tent during the day, and the Wi-Fi quality is not good.
- Remember to bring a jacket for the evenings, as the nights are cool.
- The price is somewhat high despite the magical experience. Kawa Mountain Retreat, with its fantastic view, is another excellent alternative, offering the same level of service at a more affordable price.
Affordable
TPMT note: 9/10
Casa Salento
A delightful hotel for a budget-friendly stay in Salento.
Casa Salento is a family-owned hotel featuring lovely, colorful decorations that add to its charm. Potted plants and small decorative touches create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. An excellent and diverse breakfast is included, making it an ideal option for budget travelers.
+ The owners are delightful and offer lots of tips. They can also lend you boots and umbrellas if needed.
+ The rooms are spacious and can accommodate up to 4 people.
+ Coffee, tea, and water are available all day long.
+ For some rooms, you can cancel your reservation for free on the same day (until 6 PM).
– Its downtown location means there can be noise, and some rooms lack natural light.
- Make sure to have enough cash on you, as the hotel does not accept card payments.
- If you want a bit more independence while staying in Salento, Parallelo Loft offers comfortable and well-equipped apartments for almost the same budget.
Fun/Social
TPMT note: 9/10
Ecohotel Pinohermoso Reserva Natural
A peaceful farm vacation in Salento.
This recently renovated old finca offers comfortable accommodation in rooms or cottages amidst fields where cows graze. With a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful, green, hilly setting, Ecohotel Pinohermoso provides an authentic and relaxing stay for nature-loving couples.
+ The finca is conveniently located on the way to the Cocora Valley, and the welcome is warm.
+ The cottages are simple but nicely designed and comfortable. They have a terrace with a small private pool offering a stunning view.
+ The breakfast is delicious, hearty, and varied, and you can even drink the milk from the farm’s cows if you like.
– The rooms overlook a patio; some lack natural light.
- If you enjoy farm stays and horses, Reserva Guadalajara is a great alternative.
Fun/Social
TPMT note: 8.5/10
COFFEE TREE BOUTIQUE
A large and friendly hostel in Salento.
Located peacefully at the edge of the village, Coffee Tree Boutique is a beautiful and impressive three-story house with large balconies and huge windows offering stunning views. The friendly atmosphere, charming staff, numerous common areas, and dormitories for 4 and 6 people all contribute to the social character of this hostel, which is ideal for interaction among travelers.
+ The rooms are spacious, and the showers have hot water all day long.
+ The hostel offers excursions such as coffee farm tours or hikes (mountain biking, horseback riding) and various activities (the famous game of tejo and salsa).
+ A lovely garden allows for a nap in a hammock.
+ Even though Coffee Tree Boutique is more of a social hostel than a party one, it’s a very pleasant place to spend good times in great company.
– The Wi-Fi can be quite unreliable.
- If you prefer peace and quiet, Terrazas de Salento offers budget rooms for solo travelers.
Best Hotels in Salento: Easily Decide Where To Stay
You now know my favorite hotels in Salento, but you might still be missing some details to make your choice. Let me give you some helpful information that will help you find the accommodation that best matches the way you envision your stay in Salento.
TOM’S TIP
Don’t forget to read my article on Salento and the Zona Cafetera before you head out. You can also include other destinations such as Filandia and Pereira.
Where to Stay in Salento: Choosing the Right Area
There are 3 strategic “zones” where you can book your hotel in Salento.
STAYING IN THE VILLAGE OF Salento
I like to include this option in an itinerary if the traveler has limited time in Salento or if it’s a budget trip—a good choice is Parallelo Loft or Casa Salento.
This will allow you to enjoy the village atmosphere and head out early in the morning to the Cocora Valley with the famous Willys—departures from the main square.
However, don’t be surprised if you hear traffic noise from your room early in the morning. To avoid this inconvenience, you might consider choosing a hotel on the edge of the village, such as Kawa Mountain or Terrazas de Salento.
STAYING IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF SALENTO
The countryside around Salento is beautiful, and you’ll find excellent hotels perfect for a day of relaxation.
This option is ideal if you have at least 2 or 3 nights and want to book a comfortable hotel where it’s easy to organize activities or take walks around the property.
The area to the west of Salento (towards Boquía) offers many opportunities to visit coffee plantations and stroll along the river. However, you’ll be further from the Cocora Valley, so it’s better to have your own vehicle. I recommend the Gue Guatok cabin.
On the other hand, if you decide to stay to the east of Salento, you’ll find beautiful fincas along the road between the village and the Cocora Valley. These hotels can help you arrange transportation. I recommend Reserva Guadalajara.
Staying near the Valle de Cocora
You won’t be precisely in the Valle de Cocora, but it’s easily accessible. Take advantage of the proximity to visit early in the day. This option can be appealing if you’re not interested in exploring the village of Salento (which is pleasant but not extraordinary).
However, accommodation in this area is often a bit pricier.
I recommend Lumbre Glamping and La Reserva PinoHermoso.
The Features of Hotels in Salento
Here are a few tips to enhance your stay in Salento.
Find an unusual accommodation
If you want to experience the life of a “llanero” (cowboy), you’ll find your happiness among the horses at Reserva Guadalajara, and sleeping in one of the yurts at Lumbre Glamping is definitely one of the most immersive experiences.
THE BEST ECO-HOTELS IN Salento
An eco-hotel aims to minimize its impact on the environment. Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat upholds this commitment while offering a high-end stay and Ecohotel Pinohermoso Reserva Natural with an authentic farm experience.
Staying in Salento Without Breaking the Bank
A hotel in town will offer more dining options, allowing you to manage your budget better.
Coffee Tree Boutique and Casa Salento are two attractive budget-friendly options. If you prefer more independence, you can also choose Parallelo Loft with its fully equipped apartments and kitchenette.
hotels in Salento for solo travelers
If you’re traveling alone, you can choose between Coffee Tree Hostal, a friendly hostel with a pleasant atmosphere, or Terrazas de Salento, a charming hotel offering individual rooms.
The Weather and HIGH Season in Salento
Salento is at an altitude of 1,895 meters, and it often rains, especially in April-May and October-November. In the evenings and at night, it can be fresh and sometimes damp, especially if you choose accommodation outside the town. Be sure to bring a jacket or a sweater and a raincoat.
Salento is a popular tourist destination. Avoid visiting during peak season (December 20 – January 15), Easter, and weekends, especially those that extend into Monday. For your information, Salento’s anniversary is September 16. Depending on your itinerary, it’s a good idea to book in advance.
How long should you stay in Salento?
A stay of one or two nights is recommended to fully experience Salento and explore its points of interest, like the Cocora Valley.
GETTING AROUND IN Salento
The village of Salento is small, and you won’t have any trouble walking to your hotel from the bus terminal (which is not really a terminal, by the way). At most, you’ll walk for about fifteen minutes.
You can also take a taxi from the nearby airports: Pereira or Armenia—about 1 hour.
Locals use jeeps that leave from the village at set times to travel outside Salento. You can use them to visit coffee plantations or go to the Valle de Cocora.
Finding taxis in Salento to reach my hotel has always been challenging. If your accommodation is located outside of Salento, it’s a good idea to get their contact information in advance.
FAQ: Best hotels in Salento
Here are the most frequently asked questions by our readers about hotels in Salento.
Located in the heart of nature, Lumbre Glamping offers a stunning environment perfect for glamping.
Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat and Lumbre Glamping both offer high-quality accommodations and a unique stay.
Some rooms at Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat have a private jacuzzi. Lumbre Glamping offers a spa with massage services.
If you enjoy tranquility, the Gue Guatok cabin is an excellent budget-friendly option. Lumbre Glamping offers a romantic experience for a higher budget.
Reserva Guadalajara and Ecohotel Pinohermoso Reserva Natural are two beautiful, renovated former fincas offering a countryside experience.
Terrazas de Salento and Parallelo Loft both have parking facilities.
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