Salento –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Colombia: the highest palm trees, coffee and the forest, wherever you look 

Last Updated on 19.8.2025 by Vojta

The town of Salento in Colombia was one of the most beautiful places we visited on our 5-week adventure. Our journey involved a connecting flight, which took us to the city of Armenia. (I even argued at the airport that we couldn’t possibly be going to the country of Armenia before realizing it was just another Colombian city). Here, we saw the world’s tallest palm trees in the Cocora Valley, stayed awake with delicious Colombian coffee, and enjoyed the lush forests, hummingbirds, and mystical nature. So, what is there to see in Salento?

What Makes Salento, Colombia So Interesting and Why You Should Go

During the colonial era, an important trade route called the ‘Camino Real’ passed near present-day Salento. This route connected Popayán and Cali with Bogotá through the challenging Quindío pass. Political prisoners were tasked with modernizing and maintaining this route. As a reward for completing their sentences, they were granted land in the area. This led to the formation of a penal settlement known as Barcinales, on the site where Salento stands today.

However, the original settlement was located in the Boquí Valley but was destroyed by a flood of the Quindío River in 1854. After this disaster, the settlers moved to a safer location where the modern town of Salento was established.

Most importantly, Salento is the primary starting point for visiting coffee plantations, the palm-filled Cocora Valley, and for mountain treks into some of the country’s most beautiful national parks.

Tip: What security does Colombia have: 6 tips on what to (not) do in Colombia

How to Get to Salento

Salento is located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. You can easily get here from larger cities such as Bogotá, Cali, or Medellín.

To Salento by bus: If you travel by bus, expect a winding mountain road that will take several hours.

To Salento by plane: We wanted to save time and took advantage of Colombia’s excellent domestic air travel (tickets cost around 500 to 1000 CZK almost anywhere in the country). There are direct flights from larger cities to the region. You can fly to nearby cities like Pereira or Armenia (we flew to Armenia after a flight change and then took a bus to Salento).

Tip: 13 tips on what to see in and around Bogotá

What is the Weather Like in Salento?

The town is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 1,895 meters above sea level and has a tropical rainforest climate. The average annual temperature ranges between 15-25°C, creating a near-perfect climate with no extreme heat or cold.

While temperatures in Salento are stable year-round, the year is divided into distinct rainy and dry seasons. The most precipitation falls between March and May and again between October and November. Conversely, the drier months are from December to March and from June to September.

Best Time to Visit Salento

The great news is that Salento is beautiful at any time of year. If you want to experience Salento in all its glory while avoiding the biggest crowds, plan your visit for the beginning of the dry season, such as in December or July.

What to See in Salento, Colombia and the Surrounding Area

We were completely captivated by Salento and wished we had planned a longer stay. The excellent Colombian coffee, colonial architecture, surrounding rainforests, and the pleasant atmosphere won us over. Although I barely slept a wink after an afternoon coffee, it was totally worth it. So, what should you see in and around Salento?

Salento’s Colonial Center and Calle Real

As soon as you arrive in Salento, you’ll be greeted by charming cafés, colorful houses, and a typical Colombian vibe. All the houses are beautifully decorated, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants of all kinds and cozy cafés where you can even get some work done. Calle Real, also known as Royal Street, is the heart of this picturesque town and a wonderful example of traditional Colombian Bahareque architecture.

Houses along this street are built on cane frames filled with clay. Their white plastered walls contrast with the vibrant colors of the doors, shutters, and frames, giving the street a lively and unique look. A walk and a wander through these streets are a must.

Coffee Plantations and Colombian Coffee (Zona Cafetera)

Do you love good coffee? You’re in luck because the area around Salento is home to fantastic coffee plantations, and Colombian coffee is served on every corner. You can visit local coffee farms, such as Finca Don Elias or Las Acacias Coffee Farm (which we visited), to learn everything about growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee.

A visit to a coffee farm will show you that coffee trees grow alongside banana trees, avocados, and citrus fruits, which help balance the soil’s pH and provide necessary shade. The tour includes all the coffee you can drink, but be careful (I speak from experience) if you plan on sleeping that night—this Colombian coffee is powerful!

Tip: What to see in Cartagena? 12 most beautiful places in the city and surroundings

Mirador Alto de la Cruz Viewpoint and Beautiful Sunsets

The town of Salento is nestled at the foot of the mountains, so a short walk uphill will lead you to the beautiful Mirador Alto de la Cruz viewpoint, your reward after climbing a long set of stairs. At the top, there are small bars and cafés, which are also great spots to work from (if you’re a remote worker like us). It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset.

Los Nevados National Park

Colombia has around 44 national parks, and Los Nevados is definitely one of the most popular. Officially, a local guide is required for visiting national parks, but this rule is not strictly enforced here. The park’s icons are the Nevado del Ruiz volcano (5,321 m) and Tolima volcano.

Remember that these are high-altitude mountains, and you need proper equipment (which may even include snow gear). The smaller trails in the valley are also beautiful, offering majestic mountain views from a distance. If you want to go on a serious hike, we recommend using local tour agencies. They provide equipment, guides, and even cooks, and you’ll learn a lot from the locals.

Among the most popular treks in Los Nevados National Park are:

• Nevado de Santa Isabel: At 4,965 m, Nevado de Santa Isabel is considered one of the less demanding peaks. The climb takes approximately 6 hours (round trip) and includes a wonderful journey through páramo landscapes, glaciers, and mountain lagoons.
• Laguna del Otún: One of the most beautiful lakes in Los Nevados, located at an altitude of 3,900 m. The lagoon is surrounded by mountain massifs and is home to many bird species, including condors. One-day and multi-day treks are available from El Cedral and other starting points.
• Nevado del Tolima: This volcano, at 5,276 m, offers a more rugged and technically challenging climb. It is typically a multi-day hike that requires a guide, mountaineering equipment, and proper acclimatization.

Valle de Cocora and the Valley of the World’s Tallest Palm Trees

Perhaps the biggest attraction in all of Colombia is the Valle de Cocora. It’s a stunning valley nestled between rainforests, home to a grove of the tallest palm trees in the world—the wax palm. They can reach heights of up to 60 meters and live for up to 250 years. There are many hiking routes to choose from. We opted for a more demanding all-day trek where we hardly met anyone.

You can get there by taking a shared jeep (a ‘Willy’) which departs regularly from the main square in Salento. You can also rent a horse in the valley, a very popular activity.

Kasaguadua Nature Reserve

Rainforest lovers shouldn’t miss the Kasaguadua Nature Reserve, where a guided tour of the local flora and fauna awaits. You’ll learn something new about nature conservation and understand why a sustainable approach is key to preserving this corner of the world.

Santa Rita Waterfall Trek

Want to take a scenic hike from Salento through the beautiful nature that surrounds the town? Then head out on the trek to the Santa Rita waterfall. It’s an easy trip across the Boquía Valley. The trail is 5.5 km one way, and you can take a local bus for part of the way back. Be prepared to pay a small fee (around 5,000 COP) for crossing private land to reach the waterfall.

TIP: Are you drawn to nature? Then definitely explore the Caribbean beaches combined with the rainforest in Tayrona National Park.

San Vicente Hot Springs

Do you enjoy a hot soak in thermal baths, perhaps in the middle of the mountains? The San Vicente Hot Springs are a natural thermal spa near Los Nevados National Park. Nestled among green hills and surrounded by dense forests, it’s an ideal place to relax, especially after a challenging trek. The thermal waters are rich in minerals and are said to have therapeutic effects.

Horseback Riding Trips

Horseback riding is a very popular activity in Salento. It offers a different way to explore the beautiful surroundings and is a great option for people with limited mobility or simply for horse lovers.

TIP: Another adventure awaited us at Sri Lanka, where they lured us Gorgeous beaches, tea plantations And sights as sigiriya.

The most frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Resources

Czerny, M., Mendoza, C.A.S., Czerny, A. and Giraldo, D.S.S., 2018. Cultural Heritage and the Development of Sustainable Tourism in the Eje Cafetero Region of Colombia. Ekonomiczne problems turystyki, 44, pp.83-99.

Eggerton, A., Rueda, M., Sainsbury, B. and Blake, L.W., 2023. Travel Guide Colombia. Lonely Planet.

Bernal, R., Martínez, B. and Sanín, M.J., 2018. The World’s Tallest Palms. Palms, 62(1).