8 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SALENTO
Oh, Salento! If there was one place in Colombia that I didn’t ever want to leave, it was this lovely little town. From my shuttle ride there to the moment I left, I was in awe the whole time.
The first thing I noticed upon arrival was the beautiful fog that hovered low by the mountains. It was a rainy day, and all I could dream of was sitting on a porch drinking coffee covered in a blanket while I enjoyed the view of the fog in the mountains. It was such a dreamy scene. I instantly loved it.
Of course, the rain wasn’t ideal, but you realize how perfect it is when you see the scenery. Anyhow, aside from the beautiful scenery, Salento is another colorful town in Colombia. Roaming the streets was fun, and I couldn’t put my camera down. Despite being small, there are lots of things to do in Salento. I’m pretty sure you’ll love it as much as I did. So do not miss visiting this gorgeous town if you are in Colombia.
8 Awesome Things To Do In Salento
Table of Contents
Awesome Things To Do In Salento
Hike Valle del Cocora
The reason people come to Salento is to hike Valle de Cocora. Valle de Cocora is a valley made up of wax palm trees that sit in the mountains and reach 70m. Let me repeat that, palm trees in the mountains! I’ve only ever seen palm trees at the beach. That’s why this valley is unique and breathtaking.
The ride on a Jeep to Valle de Cocora is 8,000 COP and takes about 30 minutes each way. Once there, you have the option between different hikes of different difficulty levels and times. It is a must-do activity in Salento.
Wander the Colorful Streets
In my opinion, Salento is one of the most charming towns in Colombia. Wandering the town means seeing colorful homes and windows decorated with flowers. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Even when it was pouring rain, I walked around admiring the colorful streets. You can find Plaza Bolivar in the center, along with many cafes, bars, and restaurants all around. Nuestra Señora del Carmen church is also in the town center.
Walk Through Calle Real
Don’t miss wandering through Calle Real. It’s the main pedestrian street that has the most color. You can find souvenir shops, restaurants, and lovely adorned windows. The street gets busy because it’s just so gorgeous. If you’re trying to photograph it, I suggest arriving very early in the day.
Mirador Alto de la Cruz
At the end of Calle Real, you will find a staircase that leads up to Mirador Alto de la Cruz (viewpoint). It has a lovely view of the town and is great for taking some time to sit down. You can find people selling souvenirs and food vendors. It’s a short walk up to enjoy the view.
Go on a Coffee Tour
Salento is one of Colombia’s best-known coffee regions. Therefore, you can’t visit without going on a coffee tour to learn more about it. I learned that most of Colombia’s coffee is exported, and barely any stays in the country! The best part is that you can taste the coffee while learning all about it.
I went with Las Acacias Coffe Farm. It is a small family-owned coffee farm in the area. We got to interact by picking coffee beans and more. The tour is about an hour long and costs 20,000 COP.
Visit a Coffee Shop
On that note, make sure to drink some coffee in the town. There are so many cute cafes. With the cool weather, it’ll be perfect to be sipping warm coffee from your mug.
Eat Trout
Salento is known for eating trout, and many restaurants serve it. I’m not sure why it’s a thing here, considering there is no beach, but it is. So make sure to not leave without eating it. Typical sides include rice and patacon (fried banana).
Go Horseback Riding
The area is popular for horseback riding. Perhaps you’re on the fence about it, but from what I saw, the horses are well maintained, and the companies are given strict restrictions about it. The cabalgatas (or horseback riding) include going to Las Acacias Coffee Farm. If you do this tour, it costs 60,000 COP with the price of Las Acacias Coffee Farm included. It is about 3 hours long. It was my first time riding a horse on my own, and it was a great experience.
Where To Stay In Salento
Salento has no shortage of places to stay. It is one of the few towns in Colombia where I saw many foreigners. Therefore, there are plenty of places to stay. I stayed at Viajero Hostel in a private room. I had the most incredible view of the mountains. Plus the hostel is beautiful and has friendly staff.
If you prefer something nicer with lovely views, you can stay at Hotel El Mirador de Cocora.
How To Get To Salento
Salento is a small town. Therefore you’ll need to arrive in the closest biggest city. There are two, Pereira and Armenia. If you are in Medellin or Bogota, I recommend you fly. If you are in Cali, you can fly or take a bus ride. It won’t take too long. Here is how to get there:
From Pereira: 6 daily buses head out to Salento. The ride is a little over an hour.
From Armenia: Buses head out every 30 minutes, and the ride is about an hour long.
From Medellin: There are no direct buses. You will need to arrive in Pereira or Armenia and then get a bus from there to Salento. The ride from Medellin can take over 8 hours.
From Cali: There are no direct buses either. Your best bet is to arrive in Armenia and then catch the next bus from Armenia to Salento. The ride from Cali is about 4 hours long.
From Bogota: A bus ride to Armenia or Pereira will be very long and can be nearly 12 hours. You can opt for flying into Pereira or Armenia and then taking another bus to Salento.
When To Visit Salento
You have to know that Salento gets a lot of rain. Don’t be surprised if you are caught in rainstorms during your visit. Plus, it can get a little chilly. However, this is why Salento is so green and lush. If you want to get the driest weather, visit from July to September or December to January. Salento is quite popular amongst locals and tourists. Therefore, the weekends can get busy. If you want a quieter experience, go during the week.
What to Pack
- Never forget to stay hydrated. You can take a refillable water bottle.
- I always suggest traveling with a daypack to carry your camera, water, and all your things.
- The best photos and videos are from the air, that is why a drone will allow you to take the best photographic memories with you.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
- I suggest packing an umbrella, rain poncho, or rain jacket for the rain.
- Night temperatures drop, and a light sweater, cardigan, or fleece jacket is perfect for the evening.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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