Salento is a charming village located in the heart of the Colombian Coffee Cultural Landscape, famous for its colorful houses, high-quality coffee production, and the spectacular Cocora Valley, home to the iconic wax palms, the tallest in the world. We visited Salento in September 2024 as part of our itinerary through Colombia during our second trip around the world, and we were impressed by the tranquility, pleasant temperatures, and natural beauty of the region. If you’re wondering what to do in Salento Colombia, then you’re in the right place. For those looking for a perfect blend of nature, culture, and local cuisine, Salento is an excellent choice.
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Is Salento Safe?
Salento is considered a relatively safe destination for tourists, especially in the more popular areas like the town center and around the Cocora Valley. During our visit, we felt a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. As with any tourist destination, we recommend taking basic precautions, such as avoiding displaying valuables in public and staying alert at night. Overall, Salento is very safe, and the village is small enough to be explored on foot during the day without much concern.
How Many Days to Stay in Salento?
We recommend staying at least 3 nights in Salento, which gives you two full days to explore the area. During our stay, we spent an entire day in the Cocora Valley, hiking among the wax palms and admiring the stunning landscapes. On the second day, we strolled through Salento’s historic center, full of colonial houses and traditional cafés, and took a guided tour of a local coffee plantation. This duration was ideal for us, but if you want to explore the coffee region more thoroughly, you can add an extra day or two to your itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Salento
The best time to visit Salento, Colombia, depends on your preferences. The town enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). However, if you want to avoid the rain, we recommend visiting during the drier months, from December to March and from June to September. We visited in September 2024, with above-average temperatures close to 30°C (86°F), and found the town very peaceful, without crowds, making the experience even more special. During the dry season, hiking in Cocora Valley and visiting coffee plantations are more enjoyable.
How to Get to Salento
To get to Salento from Medellín, we chose to fly to Pereira, a city about an hour from Salento. Upon arrival, we took an Uber to the bus terminal and boarded a local bus that took us to downtown Salento. The main companies operating this route are Expreso Alcalá and Flota Occidental. We recommend booking your bus ticket in advance, especially during high season, as seats tend to sell out quickly. Another option is to hire an Uber or taxi for the final leg of the journey if you prefer more comfort. The Salento bus terminal is about a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
Where to Stay in Salento
Salento offers accommodation options both in the historic center and in the more rural outskirts, ideal for those looking to be in direct contact with nature.
We stayed at the Hotel San Miguel de Salento, a colonial house located in the heart of the village. This hotel stands out for its cozy atmosphere and classic-style décor, as well as a delicious Colombian breakfast. Its central location makes it easy to explore the town’s attractions, like the Cocora Valley and coffee plantations.
What to Do in Salento?
Cocora Valley
The Cocora Valley is one of the most iconic locations in Salento and the Coffee Triangle. The giant wax palms are the main attraction. To reach Cocora Valley, take a “Willys” (old jeeps) from Salento’s main square. You can explore the photo spots or go hiking. There are several trails, including the famous Cocora Loop, which can be done in different directions. The hike goes through private properties, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee (20,000 COP for the Palm Forest and 6,000 COP for the lower section). You can also visit the hummingbird reserve.
Coffee Tour
We did a guided tour at Plantation House – Finca Don Eduardo, which is within walking distance from Salento’s center. This experience costs 70,000 COP per person, and the guide, a very knowledgeable Englishman, provides a detailed explanation of the coffee production process, from planting to tasting. For more information, visit The Plantation House Salento website.
Exploring Salento’s Town Center
Salento’s historic center is built around Bolívar Square, where you’ll find various terraces and traditional restaurants. The main street, Carrera 6, is lined with craft shops and colorful houses, perfect for photos and souvenir shopping.
Salento Viewpoints
At the end of Carrera 6, you’ll find stairs leading to the La Cruz Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the village. Nearby, there’s another viewpoint that provides stunning views.
General Tips and Safety
- Travel Insurance: When visiting Colombia, we recommend purchasing travel insurance like Heymondo, which offers coverage for medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and lost luggage—essential for destinations like Salento, where outdoor activities are common.
- Mobile Data: Stay connected at all times with Holafly eSIMs, offering unlimited data so you're always reachable and safe. From our experience, Holafly was incredibly simple to set up and let us browse without worries about limits or connection failures, making it the perfect choice for stress-free travel. And now, you can even get 5% off your travel eSIM from Holafly!
- Don’t “Give Papaya”: In Colombia, this expression means not making yourself an easy target. Keep your valuables stored and be discreet to avoid unwanted attention.
- Local Cuisine: Try the traditional restaurants in Salento, which offer affordable lunch menus. We recommend El Rincón de Lucy and Shalem, where you can enjoy authentic Colombian cuisine.
