Are you looking to explore the coffee region of Colombia? Want to see the famous wax palms of Cocora Valley? Nestled in the heart of Colombia's coffee region, Salento is a 6-hour bus ride from Medellin. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a food lover, Salento has something for everyone. Check out these things to do in Salento!
Wander the Old Town
The entire pueblo can be walked in about 10 minutes but wander down the Calle Real for some beautiful boutiques and do some people watching in the Plaza de Bolivar Square. If you have children, they can ride in a small Jeep Willy around the square.
Enjoy Local Food
Even though Salento is small, there are wonderful restaurants in the area. Check out my post on the top 5 spots to eat in Salento.
Climb the Stairs
Enjoy the views at two free viewpoints – Mirador Alto de la Cruz and Mirador de Salento. There is a bar at the top – Botanica that offers beers and coffees with a view.
Take a Day Trip to Filandia
You can catch a Jeep Willy every 30 minutes during busy season (and every hour during low season) to the nearby town of Filandia. Tickets are 8,000 COP each way. Another, less touristic, pueblo tucked into the mountains, Filandia offers colorful buildings, delicious restaurants and a great viewpoint. I climbed to the top Mirador Colina Iluminada for some sweeping views. Entrance is 12,000 COP per person. Buy return Jeep tickets to Salento at the travel agency tucked inside the café of El Coqui. I would recommend buying your return ticket in advance to reserve your seat on the Jeep.
Cocora Valley
Grap a Jeep Willy to Cocora Valley to explore the wonderful national park filled with the tallest wax palms in the world. Jeeps are supposed to leave every 30 minutes, but usually the line is so long they have a rolling departure. Tickets are 10,000 COP roundtrip. I read many different mixed reviews of all the hikes, but there is a 12 km loop that takes you through several fincas, a hummingbird garden and over some rivers. If you don’t want to do the full loop, you can walk up from the Jeep Willy parking lot to the private entrance (tickets 20,000 COP) for all the major viewpoints. Most people spend 2-3 hours wandering along those paths, going through the wax palm forest and up to viewpoints #1 and #2 before turning back. If you are trying to avoid the crowds, I'd suggest going early (like 7 am early)!
Coffee Tours
There are 6 different fincas (farms) around the Salento area offering easy tours from the Jeep Willy stand in Salento. They leave every 30 minutes and prices are dependent on distance (but usually 4,000-8,000 COP each way). You can buy your coffee tour tickets at the Jeep Willy stand as well. I visited the Buenos Aires Finca and Lugar Finca for a taste of the local coffee production. Lugar Finca is quite small (1.5 hectares) but you are able to go through the entire process of coffee making from picking the beans to drying to roasting and grinding before enjoying a cup of fresh coffee on site. However, I think I enjoyed the Buenos Aires Finca a little more due to the rich history they provide. Prices of tours range from 25,000 COP to 110,000 COP.
If you are adventurous, the town also has horseback riding tours and mountain biking tours. If you decide to book a horseback ride, be sure to use a company that takes proper care of their horses.
Where Do You Pick Up a Jeep Willy in Salento?
Jeep Willies in Salento no longer meet at the plaza, but rather 5 blocks away. If you are at the Plaza de Bolivar, walk up Calle Real 2 blocks and then turn left and walk 3 blocks. The address is Carrera 3 #2-45. Tickets can be purchased at the stop, cash only.
Enjoy your time in Salento! Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, cultural immersion, or simply a moment of serenity amidst nature, this charming town promises an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression. You can easily spend 3-4 days exploring Salento, Colombia and enjoying the sights. Be sure to explore these wonderful restaurants in Salento too!
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