Salento

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Salento is one of those charming colonial villages in the coffee region. The facades of the houses are colorful, jeeps drive around and men with hats are everywhere. The shopping street leads to a viewpoint that offers a superb view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

With the “Valle de Cocora” nearby, Salento has become famous and therefore extremely popular with tourists. Unfortunately, most of the inhabitants have left the village for economic reasons and/or nuisance. This municipality has lost some of its authenticity. Avoid going there during the high season. If the sight of Valle De Cocora is a must on your tour in Colombia, you don’t have to sleep in Salento. Choose to stay in Filandia. You can easily plan a day trip to discover the giant wax palms.

In Salento there are 3 main activities:

  • Visit Valle de Cocora
  • Hiking for several days in the mountains of Los Nevados
  • Take a coffee tour

The coffee towers are very different from each other. Choose your tour according to what you are looking for. A simple tour of a family coffee farm, an in-depth explanation of the coffee-making process followed by a coffee tasting…

“Valle de Cocora” is one of the Colombian sites where you can observe the highest palm trees in the world (40 – 60m). The village of Salamina with “Valle de Samaria” may be an excellent alternative if you are looking for a less touristy place.

When you are in Valle de Cocora, take the path on your right and enter through the blue door. Walking in this direction, you will end up in the valley and enjoy incredible views.

Essential things to know about Valle de Cocora:

  • It’s an easy-medium 5 hours hike, and you won’t find shops on the way. You can order a sandwich to take away at Brunch in the morning.
  • Start early as the weather is often better. The first jeep leaves at 5h30 am | 20 min drive
  • The last jeep leaves at 6 pm
  • Take some money with you. Entrance + Jeep + Acaime
  • Acaime is a hummingbird sanctuary. It’s 100% worth it. Going down from Acaime, don’t turn right after the wood fence! It’s a path leading to Los Nevados. Just go straight.

Articles to read before coming to Salento:

 

Getting to Salento?

From Filandia to Salento:

  • There are Willy jeeps leaving every 1-2 hours from the main square. Ask the departure times to your hotel. | 30 min.

From Pereira to Salento:

  • Buses every hour from 6 am to 6 pm from the terminal | Expreso Alcala | 1 hour

From Armenia to Salento:

  • Buses leave every 20 mins from the terminal | 1 hour

From Medellin to Salento:

  • Direct buses leaving from the South Terminal: 8am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm. Double-check the schedule with the bus company. | Flota Occidental | 7-8 hours

From Jardin to Salento:

  1. Take the Chiva Bus to Rio Sucio that leaves at 8 am. Schedule. Double-check with your hotel. | Cootransrio | 3 hours
  2. A direct bus should leave around 12h30 pm to Salento | 4h30

If you miss it, you can still take one of the many buses going to Pereira and then a bus to Salento.

Where's the terminal?

The bus terminal of Salento is at the entrance of the village, 10min walk from the main square.

Be careful, jeeps for Valle de Cocora leave from the main square.

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Where to stay within Salento

There are many accommodation options in Salento and for every budget. The town isn't big, and you won't need a taxi to move around. However, be aware that Salento can be a bit noisy because of the tourists and vehicles. Avoid staying on the main square or in Camino Real street.

  • Casa de Lili

    Hostel - $

    Casa de Lili

    Casa de Lili is a small hostel located in a quiet street. The host is friendly and gives tons of tips. Delicious Breakfast.
    Get the best price
  • Tree boutique

    Hostel - $$

    Tree boutique

    Coffee tree boutique is a lovely house, with gardens and trees. Cool design. Excellent value for money.
    Get the best price
  • Terrazas S.

    Hotel - $$

    Terrazas S.

    Located in a quiet street. There is a lovely patio with spacious and beautiful rooms. The staff is welcoming.
    Get the best price
  • Mirador del C.

    Hotel - $$$

    Mirador del C.

    Comfy bedrooms with a fantastic view of the valley. Delicious breakfast and friendly staff. You will love it.
    Get the best price
  • Terasu

    Upscale hotel - $$$

    Terasu

    Fantastique hotel in the outskirt of Salento. Spacious bedrooms, delicious breakfast, and good facilities.
    Get the best price

Where to stay outside Salento

It's easy and cheap to pay for a taxi or a jeep and reach the hotels outside Salento. Some of them are quite incredible! It's the perfect option if you want to stay in a peaceful place, surrounded by birds and trees. Check out the untypical options I found for you.

Things to do in Salento

There are not tons of activities to do around Salento. Pick a good Coffee tour and wake up early to hike to Valle de Cocora.

  • Valle de Cocora

    7 - 8 hours | $

    Valle de Cocora

    Jeeps leave from the main square. It takes 20 min. It's an easy-medium 5h hike to see tall wax palm trees.
    Learn more
  • Acaime

    1 hour | $

    Acaime

    Acaime is a hummingbird sanctuary on the way to Valle de Cocora. It's 5000 COP. You got chocolate with cheese too.
    Learn more
  • Mountain bike

    7 -8 hours | $$$

    Mountain bike

    Explore the surroundings on your mountain bike. Many different routes and good bikes. Be ready. Lots of fun!
    Get the best prices
  • Los Nevados

    2 - 7 days | $$$

    Los Nevados

    Los Nevados is a famous national park. There are many multi-day treks through the paramos.
    Learn more
  • El Mirador

    1 hour | Free

    El Mirador

    Climb the stairs at the end of the street "Calle real". There is a lovely viewpoint to contemplate the surroundings.
    Google Map
  • Horse riding

    3 - 4 hours | $$

    Horse riding

    If you don't like hiking, you can organize a horse riding trip through the Valle de Cocora. There are many agencies.
    Get the best price
  • Coffee tours

    Culture

    Coffee tours

    There are many coffee tours in Salento. Finca Ocaso, Don Elias and Don Eduardo are the most famous ones.
    Get the best price
  • Tejo

    1 - 2 hours | $

    Tejo

    Tejo is a Colombian game where you have to throw metal disks in a box filled with clay and gunpowders. It's fun!
    Learn more

Our articles about Salento

We went 2 times in Salento and wrote about our travel experiences.

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"!

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