Long the go-to postcard image of rural Colombia, the Cocora Valley is an enchanting spot, characterized by its lush rolling hills, mist-capped mountains and tall, slender palm trees. Smuggled away in the foothills of the mighty Andes and at the heart of the UNESCO-listed coffee region, the serene valley makes a worthy detour from nearby Salento, if only to admire the startling views.
The best way to explore the Cocora Valley is by hiking or horseback riding and a marked circular trail runs around the valley, affording magnificent views along the way. Hiking the entire loop takes around 5-6 hours and it’s an adventurous route, passing muddy streams, rope bridges and rocky trails, with some steep sections. Along the way, lookout points offer great views of the valley’s iconic ‘Palmas de Cera’ trees – the world’s highest wax palms that grow up to 60-meters in height – while the hilltop cloud forests harbor a huge variety of tropical birds and butterflies.
Practical Info
The Cocora Valley is located in the Andes Mountains of Quindío province; around 30 minutes drive from Salento.
