Top Things to Do in Salento, Colombia’s Most Charming Mountain Town

High in Colombia’s central Andes, nestled within lush green hills, lies Salento, a charming little town that punches well above its weight when it comes to scenery, culture, and hospitality. Famous as the gateway to the Cocora Valley — home to the towering wax palm trees — Salento is also a hub for authentic coffee farm tours, colorful colonial architecture, and breathtaking mountain views.
 

Whether you’re a hiker, coffee lover, photographer, or someone just seeking peace and beauty in the Colombian countryside, Salento is a destination you’ll fall in love with.

📍 Where Is Salento?

Salento is located in Quindío Department, one of three regions that form Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero). The town sits at an elevation of around 1,895 mete

rs (6,200 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by cloud forests and coffee farms.

It is:

🚗 About 1 hour from Armenia

🚗 About 1.5 hours from Pereira

✈️ Easily accessible from Bogotá or Medellín via short flights to either city

Despite its popularity, Salento retains a laid-back, small-town vibe.

Why Visit Salento?

✅ Base for hiking in Cocora Valley and Los Nevados National Park
✅ Gateway to authentic coffee tours on local fincas
✅ Experience vibrant colonial architecture and artisan markets
✅ Try local food like trucha (trout) and patacón
✅ Ideal for solo travelers, couples, backpackers, and nature lovers

Salento offers Colombia’s best mix of nature, tradition, and accessibility.

A Brief History of Salento

Salento was founded in 1850 and has grown steadily over the centuries as a farming town and regional trading post. Its architecture is strongly influenced by Andalusian and Spanish colonial design, making its main streets some of the most photogenic in Colombia.

It also became part of Colombia's Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and continues to play a vital role in the country’s coffee economy and eco-tourism industry.

How to Get to Salento

🚌 By Bus

From Bogotá: Take a bus to Armenia (6–8 hrs), then a local bus to Salento (~1 hr)

From Medellín: Bus to Pereira (~7–8 hrs), then to Salento

Direct routes available from Manizales, Cali, and other towns in the coffee region

✈️ By Air

Fly to El Edén International Airport (Armenia) or Matecaña International Airport (Pereira)

From the airport, take a bus or taxi to Salento

✈️ Air + road combo is the fastest and most comfortable for international travelers.

Getting Around Salento

Salento is a walkable town, especially in the center. For reaching nearby attractions:

🚙 Jeeps (called Willys) are the traditional local transport

🚲 Bikes and horses are available for rent

🚶 Most attractions like coffee farms and miradors are within walking or short driving distance

🏞️ Top Attractions and Things to Do in Salento

1. 🌴 Hike the Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora)

No trip to Salento is complete without hiking through the Cocora Valley, home to wax palms, Colombia’s national tree and the tallest palms in the world.

Multiple trail options: short loops or full-day hikes (~5–6 hours)

Cross swinging bridges, visit a hummingbird sanctuary (Acaime)

Surreal landscapes perfect for photographers and nature lovers

🚙 Take a Jeep Willys from the main square to the trailhead (30-minute ride).

2. ☕ Visit a Coffee Farm (Finca)

Salento is surrounded by dozens of working coffee farms offering immersive tours:

Learn how coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and brewed

Taste freshly made Colombian coffee

Support small family-owned fincas

Recommended farms:

Finca El Ocaso

Don Elias Coffee Farm

Las Acacias

💡 Most farms offer English-language tours and are accessible by foot or Jeep.

3. 🌅 Climb to Mirador Alto de la Cruz

For a panoramic view of Salento and the Andean countryside, climb the steps to Alto de la Cruz viewpoint.

Best visited at sunrise or sunset

Offers photo-worthy scenes of mountains, farmland, and colorful rooftops

Free and easy to reach from the town center

📸 Bring your camera—it’s a classic Salento postcard shot.

4. 🏙️ Stroll Calle Real

The main street of Salento, Calle Real, is a bustling pedestrian road lined with:

Artisan craft shops

Cafés and ice cream parlors

Painted balconies and colonial facades

Local snacks like arequipe, empanadas, and oblea

🛍️ Ideal for picking up souvenirs like handwoven bags, coffee beans, or hammocks.

5. 🐎 Horseback Riding

Explore the countryside on horseback through lush green valleys and past rivers and waterfalls.

Half-day and full-day tours available

Local guides lead you to hidden trails, farms, and coffee plantations

No experience required

🐴 A tranquil and scenic way to experience Colombia’s rural charm.

6. 🌄 Day Trip to Los Nevados National Natural Park

For adventurous travelers, Los Nevados Park offers:

Volcano views

Snow-capped peaks

High-altitude treks and wildlife sightings

Most visitors use Salento as a base camp for guided multi-day treks into the park.

🍽️ What to Eat and Drink in Salento

Traditional Dishes to Try

Trucha a la Plancha – Fresh river trout served grilled or fried

Patacón con Hogao – Giant fried plantain with tomato and onion sauce

Bandeja Paisa – A hearty platter of rice, beans, sausage, arepa, and more

Arequipe desserts, buñuelos, and coffee-infused treats

Recommended Restaurants

Brunch de Salento – Huge portions, famous for pancakes and burritos

Café Jesús Martín – Specialty coffee and cozy atmosphere

Rincon de Lucy – Local favorite for Colombian home-style food

El Tejadito – Trout specialties with beautiful views

🍻 For drinks, don’t miss local craft beers, especially those brewed with coffee or tropical fruit.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Salento

Budget

La Floresta Hostel – Backpacker-friendly with mountain views

Viajero Salento Hostel – Social vibe with activities and tours

Mid-Range

Hotel Salento Real – Excellent service, colonial architecture

Casa de Las Dos Palmas – Peaceful, garden-filled retreat

Luxury & Boutique

Hotel Terasu Salento – Modern comforts with panoramic views

EcoHotel La Cabaña – Farm-style eco-lodge outside town, perfect for nature lovers

🏡 You can also find coffee farm stays, cabins, and boutique hotels throughout the surrounding hills.

🎉 Festivals and Events in Salento

Festival del Yarumo (July) – Celebrating the region’s native tree with parades and folk music

Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Religious processions and cultural performances

Coffee Cultural Events – Seasonal celebrations of harvest and rural traditions

💃 During holidays, Salento fills with visitors and vibrant energy.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Salento

Salento is a year-round destination, but the best weather is typically from:

December to March – Dry and sunny

June to August – Green and cool, good for hiking

Avoid heavy rain months (April–May, October–November) if you plan on outdoor activities.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary in Salento

Day 1: Arrival + Town Exploration

Arrive and check-in

Walk around Calle Real

Visit Mirador Alto de la Cruz

Dinner with mountain views

Day 2: Cocora Valley + Coffee Tour

Morning hike through Cocora Valley

Afternoon visit to Don Elias Coffee Farm

Relax in a hammock with a fresh brew

Day 3: Horseback Ride + Artisan Shopping

Morning horseback tour to waterfalls

Afternoon souvenir shopping

Enjoy sunset at a local café or rooftop

🧳 Travel Tips for Salento

🧥 Bring layers — temperatures fluctuate

👟 Wear hiking shoes for Cocora Valley

💰 Bring cash, not all places accept cards

🐦 Wake early for best birdwatching and clear skies

📷 Salento is very photogenic, so keep your camera ready!

Nearby Places to Visit from Salento

🛕 Filandia – Smaller and quieter version of Salento

🌋 Santa Rosa de Cabal – Known for its hot springs

☕ Manizales or Armenia – Urban experiences in the coffee region

🏞️ Barbas Bremen Reserve – Cloud forest hiking and howler monkey spotting

Final Thoughts: Why Salento is a Must-Visit in Colombia

Salento captures the heart and soul of Colombia’s coffee country. From its charming colonial streets and vibrant culture to the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley, it’s a destination that brings together nature, tradition, and hospitality in perfect harmony.

Whether you spend a weekend or a week, Salento will leave you with unforgettable memories, stunning photographs, and perhaps a deeper appreciation for a humble cup of Colombian coffee.