Salamina

Home » Colombia: A guide to travel smarter » Best Places To Visit in Colombia » Visit Colombia’s Zona Cafetera » Salamina

Salamina is a small colonial village full of charm. Hidden in the Coffee region, it is located 1 hour north of Manizales. Most travelers do not know this place. You will, therefore, live a truly authentic experience if you add this destination to your itinerary in Colombia. Besides its colorful facades and sculpted balconies, Salamina is the only access to San Felix and the “Valle de Samaria.”

But what is the “Valle de Samaria”?

It is a valley where the most towering wax palm trees in the world grow. And, unlike the “Valle de Cocora” of Salento, you can still see some of them in their natural state, that is to say, in the middle of the forest.

Don’t hesitate to go to Salamina rather than Salento if you want to add a destination off the beaten track to your stay in Colombia.

 

Getting to Salamina?

From Medellin to Salamina:

  • A few direct buses per day from the South Terminal. Ask the bus company for the time departures. | Expreso Sideral | 6-7 hours

From Manizales to Salamina:

  • Departures every 45 min from the terminal | 3 hours

Where's the terminal?

There is no terminal as such in Salamina. There are just two offices of transport companies located on “Carrera 6 between Calle 10 and 9a”.
It is a 10min walk to the main square of the village.

Table of Contents

Click on the orange links below ⬇️ and scroll down ⬇️ to read the chosen section.

Where to stay in Salamina

Salamina is a small colonial town with not many accommodation options. You will be able to find cheap but basic hotels if you show up directly in town. However, if you're looking for something a bit more upper class, we got two excellent addresses.

  • Casa Lola

    Boutique hotel - $$$

    Casa Lola

    Beautiful building with a vintage decoration & atmosphere. Spacious rooms and a patio. They offer tours.
    Get the best price
  • C. de cascadas

    Finca - $$$

    C. de cascadas

    10 min by car. Hotel with basic rooms but excellent facilities. Moreover, the view is fantastic. Food is delicious.
    Get the best price
  • Las Marias

    Hotel - $$

    Las Marias

    Hotel in the village square. Well decorated, in an old-classic style, with varnished wooden furniture. Good owner's advice.
    Get the best price

Things to do in Salamina

Although the main highlight is the Valle de Samaria, there are other cool activities you can do to spend 3 days in Salamina.

  • Walking tour

    3 hours | $$

    Walking tour

    Many famous Colombian thinkers lived in Salamina. Explore the city and learn about its passioning history.
    Learn more
  • Coffee Farm

    4 hours | $$

    Coffee Farm

    Visit a Colombian family who owns a coffee farm. Learn about the different stages to make a good coffee.
  • Panela Making

    5 hours | $$$

    Panela Making

    Panela is a natural sugar made of sugar canes. They use it to make delicious beverages. Learn about the process.
  • Valle de Samaria

    7 - 9 hours | $$

    Valle de Samaria

    A hidden valley to contemplate the tallest wax palm trees in the world. Go till the end of the road, called the Mirador.
    Learn more

Where to eat & drink?

For us, good restaurants and exciting nightlife are important when traveling. We gathered our favorite picks on an interactive Map. Download the APP "Mapstr" and look for "Colombia Insider"!

Download it for free <3

More places in the Coffee Region

Coffee Region

More Travel Guides

(Click on the Map)

Click to get back to the table of contents

Table of contents ⬆️

More Colombian destinations

More Colombian Destinations

Where to sleep? What to do? Where to eat? How do you get from one place to another?

Take Smart Decisions

The best Colombia travel guidebook you’ll find on the internet. We answer all your traveler’s concerns. 100% interactive. FREE.

Just one last step and you will be able to start reading our guidebook! You should receive an email soon to confirm your inscription. Please, check your email box (Don't forget the Promotion and junk boxes)