Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora)
Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora)

Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora)

Quindío, 760013

The Basics

Explore the Cocora Valley by hiking or riding a horse along the valley’s well-marked, circular trail. It’s an adventurous route with muddy streams to ford, rope bridges, and rocky trails, and some steep sections. Along the way, lookout points offer great views of the valley’s Palmas de Cera—the world’s highest wax palms, which grow up to 200 feet (60 meters) tall—and the hilltop cloud forests harbor a huge variety of tropical birds and butterflies.

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Cocora Valley and Salento Hike Tour
Cocora Valley and Salento Hike Tour
star-5
$79.00 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Great short comfortable hiking tour
Luisa was an awesome guide with extensive knowledge of everything (history, flora, fauna, etc). The hike was perfect (not too short not too long). We were able to see the rare Andean condor flying overhead.
William_K, Mar 2024
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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Hiking the entire loop takes around 5 or 6 hours. Take a clockwise route for a gentler incline throughout the hike.

  • Remember to wear sturdy shoes; the trail is uneven and can get muddy, especially after periods of rain.

  • Bring a rain jacket and dress in layers; temperatures can change significantly with the altitude.

  • Guests who want to spend more time in the valley can camp in the area or stay in one of a handful of small local hotels.

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How to Get There

The Cocora Valley is located in the Andes Mountains, in the Quindío province, about 30 minutes by car from Salento along the Salento-Cocora Highway. The most convenient way to get there is by joining a guided tour from Salento or from Pereira, which is about an hour away by car. You can also catch a willy (a shared jeep) from Plaza de Bolivar in Salento; these leave at regular intervals throughout the day.

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When to Get There

The best time to visit this scenic valley is during the dry seasons (December–March and July–August) when rain is least likely to put a damper on your hiking plans. Get an early start if you plan to hike the entire route.

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Things to Do in Salento

There’s lots to do in Salento before or after your excursion to the Cocora Valley. The area produces some of the world’s best coffee beans, so many visitors opt to take a tour of a nearby plantation or two. You can also climb to the mirador (or viewpoint) above Salento for sensational views of the historic town, or head to Calle Real and Plaza Bolívar to enjoy colorful architecture and excellent people watching.

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