Cocora Valley guide
The Cocora Valley, in Salento (Quindío), is Colombia's most iconic landscape. It has the country's largest concentration of wax palms, the national tree and the tallest palm in the world, rising from green pastures and cloud forest.
Updated: · Espontáneos Travel
Where it is and how to get there
The valley is in the municipality of Salento, a few kilometres from the town. Salento is 21 km from Armenia (about 40 min) and 37 km from Pereira by road.
Our tours include transport from your hotel, and the shared tour leaves Armenia daily (except on some public holidays).
Trek to Acaime, the house of the hummingbirds
To go beyond the viewpoint, this trek of about 5 km crosses suspension bridges and cloud forest to Acaime, where dozens of hummingbirds come within centimetres of you.
It is of moderate difficulty and not suitable for people with heart or respiratory conditions.
Cocora and Salento with transport and a guide
The classic tour combines the wax palms with Salento, the oldest town in Quindío, with a walk, a coffee tasting and lunch.
The shared tour is the most practical and affordable option: it leaves Armenia with a guide, includes entry to the Palm Forest and gives you free time on Salento's Calle Real. If you are short on time, the full day adds Filandia and its basket weaving in a single day.
Cocora Valley & Salento Tour7 hThe world's tallest wax palms and the most colourful town in Quindío.
Shared Tour: Cocora Valley & Salento7 hA shared group tour to Cocora Valley and Salento, comfortable and affordable.
Full Day Filandia, Cocora Valley & Salento8 hThe best of Quindío in one day: Filandia, Cocora Valley and Salento.
Other wax palm forests, away from the crowds
La Carbonera, on the border between Quindío and Tolima, has one of the largest and best-preserved wax palm populations in the world. You reach it along the old Camino Nacional, up to 3,370 m above sea level; it is moderately challenging, with about 2 hours of climbing.
In Pijao, in the Cordillera, a route by Willys jeep and on foot through cloud forest, between 2,200 and 2,600 m, takes you to see the wax palm in its natural habitat, far from the crowds.
Best time and what to pack
Go on a weekday if you can: there are fewer people and it helps respect the destination's visitor capacity. Mornings are usually clearer than afternoons.
It is cold in Cocora and it may rain. Bring layers, shoes with good grip or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent and cash for Salento; if it rains, we lend you a reusable rain poncho.
FAQ
Where is the Cocora Valley?
In the municipality of Salento, in Quindío, a few kilometres from the town. Salento is 21 km from Armenia by road.
How much time do I need?
The Cocora and Salento tour takes about 7 hours with lunch, and the trek to Acaime about 6 hours. If you only have one day, the full day adds Filandia in 8 hours.
Is the hike difficult?
It depends on the route. The classic tour suits families, for ages 4 to 70; the trek to Acaime is moderate (about 5 km with suspension bridges) and La Carbonera is moderately challenging.
What is the best day to go?
Monday to Friday, when there are fewer visitors. Mornings are usually clearer.