Salento and the Cocora Valley offer a mix of natural beauty, small-town charm, and adventure. Located in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, this region attracts travelers seeking stunning landscapes and a calm atmosphere. It is also a great destination for cheap travel. Salento’s laid-back vibe, combined with the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley, makes it a must-visit spot in Colombia.
Free Things to See and Do
Walking through Salento is one of the best free activities. The town is full of colorful colonial buildings and charming streets. Climb the steps to the Mirador de Salento, the town’s main viewpoint. From here, you get a sweeping view of the lush hills and valleys surrounding the town. It is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
The Cocora Valley offers stunning hikes for free. You can start the trek from the valley entrance and follow well-marked trails. The highlight is seeing the wax palm trees, which are the tallest palm trees in the world. The landscape, filled with misty hills and green meadows, is unforgettable. Pack food and water to save money and enjoy a picnic in the valley.
Main Attractions
The main draw of Salento is the Cocora Valley. Visitors come here to hike, take photos, and admire the unique landscape. A full loop through the valley can take 4-6 hours. The wax palms, some reaching up to 60 meters, stand like giants against the cloudy sky.
In addition to the valley, Salento is famous for its coffee farms. Take a tour of one of the local fincas, or coffee plantations. These tours are affordable and provide a behind-the-scenes look at how Colombian coffee is grown and processed. You can taste freshly brewed coffee and learn why this region is so important to coffee lovers worldwide.
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Off the Beaten Path
For travelers looking for something quieter, visit the nearby town of Filandia. It is similar to Salento but sees fewer visitors. Filandia has beautiful streets, great food, and impressive viewpoints like the Mirador de Filandia. It feels less touristy, making it ideal for those wanting a more authentic experience.
Another hidden gem is the Santa Rita Waterfall, a short drive from Salento. The hike to the waterfall takes about an hour and is not crowded. The trail leads through peaceful forests and ends at a refreshing pool where you can swim.
For those with more time, explore the surrounding hills on horseback. Several tours take you off the main trails and into less-visited parts of the valley. It is a great way to see the landscape from a different perspective.
Other Things to Do
For a small town, Salento offers plenty to see and do. Visit the local artisan markets for handmade crafts, bags, and jewelry. You can buy unique souvenirs directly from the artisans.
Play a game of tejo, a traditional Colombian sport that involves throwing stones at small explosives. It might sound unusual, but it is fun and a part of local culture. Bars in Salento often have tejo courts where you can play for a small fee.
Try local food while you are in town. Restaurants serve trucha (trout), often grilled or baked with garlic and butter. Another dish to try is bandeja paisa, a filling meal with beans, rice, meat, and plantains. Food in Salento is tasty, affordable, and a highlight for cheap travel.
Seasons Info
Salento has mild weather year-round. Temperatures range between 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F). The area’s altitude keeps it cool, even during warmer months.
The peak season runs from December to February, when weather is dry and sunny. It is also the busiest time, with higher prices and more tourists. The shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November are great for cheap travel. Fewer people visit during these months, and you can still enjoy pleasant weather.
The offseason occurs during Colombia’s rainy periods, usually in April and October. Rain showers are common but do not last all day. If you do not mind a bit of rain, this is the cheapest time to visit. Bring waterproof gear and enjoy quieter trails in the Cocora Valley.
Conclusion
Salento and the Cocora Valley are among the best places to visit in Colombia. The region combines natural beauty, affordable activities, and local charm. Whether you hike through the valley, visit coffee farms, or explore nearby Filandia, there is something for everyone. For travelers seeking cheap travel, Salento offers great value without sacrificing experiences. It is a peaceful and welcoming place, perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying Colombia’s stunning countryside.
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Prices info
Prices in Salento and Cocora Valley are generally much lower than in Western countries. Accommodation, food, and transportation are affordable, especially compared to places like the U.S. or Western Europe. You can find budget-friendly hostels and local restaurants offering meals for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in cities like New York or London. Even transportation, including buses and taxis, is inexpensive.
Food and water safety
In Salento and Cocora Valley, it’s generally safe to drink bottled water. Tap water is not always recommended for tourists, so it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water. As for food, local cuisine is usually safe to eat, but it’s important to choose places that are clean and popular with locals. Street food can be tasty, but be cautious if you’re not used to it. Always make sure the food is cooked well, and avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes.
Customs, laws, safety
Customs and laws in Colombia can be different than in EU and US so do your research before your stay.
Safety in Colombia has improved significantly over the past decade, transforming into a more traveler-friendly destination. Major cities and tourist areas like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cartagena have experienced substantial advancements in security, offering well-patrolled neighborhoods and safe public transportation systems.
We have marked Colombia as difficult destination not for beginners. The main reason is that some areas in Colombia are not safe. For example, UK publishes a map to which areas you should not go. If you are a beginner traveler you could go to the main cities and tourist areas, use public transportation and registered accommodation. Do not rent a car and drive, do not go out at night, and only use registered transportation and accommodation services.
More experienced travelers will know what kind of research to do. If you want to visit some rural areas, drive a car, visit Amazon rainforest,… you need to do proper research to stay safe.
– Colombia is relatively LGBTQIA+ friendly.
Important information
– Safety – US Level 3: Reconsider Travel
– UK, EU and US citizens do not need visa to visit Colombia
– Hepatitis A, Tetanus vaccinations are recommended (consult with your doctor)
– Read our Cheap travel tips
– You can find weather by month, difficulty level, and LGBT friendliness in our Data tables.
– You can join Couchsurfing for free accommodation
– Follow us on social media for every day suggestions:
Digital nomads
Salento and Cocora Valley offer a peaceful environment for digital nomads, with some cafes and small coworking spaces providing reliable Wi-Fi. While the internet speed may not be as fast as in major cities, it’s sufficient for most remote work tasks. The cost of living is lower compared to Western countries, making it an affordable option for digital nomads seeking cheap travel. However, the area is more rural, so be prepared for occasional internet interruptions, especially during bad weather.