The 7 essential things to do in Salento

You go to Colombia and love authenticity? Discover our selection of the must-see visits to Salento, a colorful corner of paradise in the Quindio region.

Located in the coffee triangle, Salento becomes one of Colombia’s flagship destinations, as popular with locals and tourists. Perched at two thousand meters above sea level, this picturesque village not only reveals a multicolored colonial architecture, but also incredible surrounding landscapes. Located at the gates of Los Nevados National Park, Salento is known for the Cocora valley , a unique place in the world where giant wax palms grow. Passing on a trip to Colombia, we have compiled a list of the 7 essential things to do by visiting Salento.

1. Spread in its colorful alleys

Founded in 1842, the village of Salento is one of the oldest in the Quindío. In colonial style, the buildings are uneven by a palette of bright and harmonious colors on each opening. Here amateurs and photography professionals will be a joy to immortalize the present moment.

Start your ballad with the central square named Plaza Bolivar dominated by the church Nuestra Señora del Carmen . From there, don’t hesitate to lose yourself in the adjacent alleys to admire this singular architecture. Then go and stroll in the C alle Real , where there are restaurants, bars and many craft shops. Wools, jewelry, hats, wooden games, coffee. There are for all tastes and scholarships to satisfy small and large!

2. Mount to the mirador of Alto de la Cruz

By continuing your path on the main street, you will face the two hundred and forty steps that will lead you to the Mirador de Alto de la Cruz . The effort to climb this huge staircase will be rewarded. On the one hand, you will enjoy the view overlooking the village of Salento, on the other a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature will immortalize you.

In clear time, you will also be able to see L os Nevados and Cocora valley , where even enjoy a beautiful sunset, cradled by Colombian music!

3. Visit the Cocora Valley

Cocora Valley is a wonder of nature. You must absolutely visit her! Indeed, it is a unique place where we can observe giant wax palms. Some can reach up to sixty metres high. Old Jeep Willys are waiting on Bolivar Square to take you to the site entrance, about 20 minutes away.

From there, two choices are available to you: a two-hour return trip to find yourself at the foot of these great palm trees or a five-hour hike, about fifteen kilometers, allows you to discover the whole valley. The second option is very interesting and without great difficulty. Prived to make the loop in the anticlockwise sense. This is certainly a bit harsher, but will allow you to breathe fresh air through the fields and the jungle, to taste a hot chocolate at the house of the hummingbirds and above all to finish with a breathtaking panorama on the bosque of Cocora .

For the less sporty and riding lovers, horsemen at the entrance offer you to perform part or all of the horse loop. The time being often capricious in Salento, prefer a start in the morning. In the afternoon, rain and mist often appear! This site is an essential part of the things to do and to see in Salento.

4. Trek in Los Nevados National Park

Mountain lovers and enthusiasts, if you don't know what to do and see in Salento, the national park Los Nevados It's for you. The third most visited national park in Colombia is home to eight volcanoes, three of which are still covered by a glacier. From Salento, treks from two to four days are offered according to your physical condition.

The trek Nevado del Tolima will take you through spectacular landscapes, the lagoon del Encanto , the thermal baths Canon and the climb of the snow-covered glacier to its peak at 5,232 metres above sea level. The trek Paramillo del Quindio (4750 meters) is also very appreciated due to its exceptional biodiversity. As the climate is rapidly changing in the mountains and the roads are not marked, the presence of a guide is highly recommended. Many agencies in Salento can advise you.

5. Discover a coffee finca

Visiting Salento is also learning more about its coffee, especially that Colombia is renowned for producing the best arabicas in the world. About fifteen coffee fincas exist around Salento. They are accessible on foot or in Jeep Willys from the main square. The visits last about two hours for a price ranging from 10,000 pesos to 20,000 pesos depending on the location. They will allow you to discover the shrubs on the hillside while obtaining explanations on the different plantations, harvesting processes, drying and roasting.

As a result of your visit, you can taste various cafes and direct your purchase according to your preference. The best known fincas are El Ocaso, Don Elias, Las Acacias and Momota. The guided tours are in English or Spanish.

6. Play the traditional Tejo game

After a day to stretch your legs and a good hot shower, nothing better than a part of Tejo . A traditional pre-Columbian game, this one will unveil all your talent as an address. The goal is simple: throw metal palets and aim at a central circle where white triangles that are other than tolls ready to explode. A local sport very appreciated by locals and tourists where laughter will be part of the game. The most famous places are: Los Amigos and Betatown . The entry will allow you to stay there as long as you wish, provided you consume on site. Prefer the evening start to avoid waiting.

7. Taste a local juice or a typical dish on Place Bolivar

Discovering a country is also discovering its culinary specialties. The place Bolivar is full of it! For drinks, nothing better than taste a good fresh fruit juice served by street vendors in front of the church. Bar terraces are also a good option to enjoy local beer Aguilas or canelazo (infusion of panela with cinnamon and aguardiente). Concerning typical dishes, the trout is in honor! In fried, grilled or in papillote, she will delight everyone. For meat lovers and great hunger, move towards a paisa or patacon mixto Typically local. Whether for a drink or a meal, the Bolivar plaza will delight you with its atmosphere and its beautiful encounters!

How to get to Salento?

Located in the Quindio department, the closest cities of Salento are Armenia and Pereira. You will have to go through one of these cities and then reach the village. From the Armenia terminal, minibuses leave every forty minutes from 6am to 8pm. The journey time is about an hour. The ticket will cost you 4700 pesos or about 1.20 euros.

From the Pereira terminal, buses regularly depart from 6:30 am to 6:40 pm on weekdays, until 7 pm on Saturday and 7:30 pm on Sundays. Have a little more than one hour drive, for a price of 7500 pesos or about 2 euros . The times are indicated on the website terminalpereira . However, they may not always be respected. It is best to find out directly on site.

To go to Colombia, the plane obviously remains the preferred way if you are in metropolitan France. In order to find tickets at the best price, we strongly advise you to take them in advance and not hesitate to use a comparison of flights such as Ulysses .

Where to stay in Salento?

Salento remains a modest village by its size but it includes a good number of accommodations. Some people welcome you to their home in AirBnB . For all tastes and budgets, you prefer to be housed near the central square or to have a view of the valley. Coffee breaks also start opening their doors. They offer an unusual night in the middle of a cafetera . The village of Salento is increasingly touristic. In order to guarantee the room of your dreams, we invite you to book your hotel night in advance.