Hiking the Cocora Valley: A Must-Do in Colombia

I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know the Valle de Cocora existed until I was about 2 weeks into my time in Colombia. I was in Cartagena and got chatting to a group of girls who’d not long visited the Quindío region where the Cocora Valley lies. Their stories about the scenery and their experience was enough to make me want to visit.

This triggered me to do a bit of research into the Cocora Valley and the surrounding areas. Before long, my time in Colombia had been extended. Picture this: beautiful greenery, incredible hiking, and Colombia’s famous 200ft (60m) palm trees.

Getting to the Cocora Valley

Many people visiting the valley will do it as part of their time in Salento, due to the close proximity and the accessibility from this tiny, beautiful town. I travelled to Salento from Medellin which required a six hour bus to Pereira, then an hourlong bus to Salento.

After arriving in Salento, I walked from the side of town to the other side of town where my hostel was. This took a grand total of about 15 minutes. I was staying at the Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel, which I honestly couldn’t recommend enough. The people, the place and the breakfasts were insane. The hostels huge dog, Mr Pecas was a bonus, too.

I won’t go too much into the hostel and Salento itself, as it deserves a blog post all on its own. It still sticks out as one of my favourite places on my entire six-month trip around South America.

The hike to the 200ft trees

Hiking the Cocora Valley without a guide is easy to do, and allows you to take everything at your own pace. Getting to the Cocora Valley is extremely easy from Salento but will require an early start.

The main square in Salento is packed full of 4×4’s from 6:30am. Though I didn’t arrive until about 8am which was still plenty of time. You can buy a return ticket from one of the small huts in the centre of the square for around 9,000 COP (£2.20), and then just wait for the driver to usher you towards the vehicle. I shared my journey to the Cocora Valley with no less than 12 people packed into one 4×4. Some in the front, some in the back, and some clinging onto the roof rack. Not forgetting the 8 year-old schoolboy squeezed onto the side of the van, who we dropped off on the way.

The bumpy journey takes no longer than 30 minutes, and offers beautiful green scenery. We were dropped off in the car park, and had been advised to take the route anticlockwise. This means you’re hiking up through the forest which is not only easier, but means you finish with the main event – the 200ft palm trees.

Once you leave the car park, you’ll take a left past a couple of makeshift restaurants and shops. There will be a blue gate hidden to the right-hand side. Take this. This will lead you through the fields, across bridges and over streams, eventually bringing you to the forest. Climb up through the mud, stones and cross more bridges, and you’ll eventually reach the top of the hill. It’s here that you’ll see how far you’ve climbed, as the clouds roll past you.

I’d advise taking a packed lunch with you on this hike, and plenty of water. Although there are shops at the beginning, and a shop at the top of the hill, it’s more economical to take your own. My hostel made me a packed lunch for a small fee, so I was set for the whole day. Otherwise, there’s a small supermarket in Salento where you can stock up.

I stopped amongst the clouds for a sandwich and some well-earned chocolate, before making the descent down the other side.

Cocora Valley Final Thoughts

I can’t put into words how incredible it is seeing the palm trees for the first time. I remember the hairs standing up on the back of my neck, and a lump forming in my throat. I spent about half an hour snapping photos with the trees, before continuing back down towards the car park to find a Jeep back to Salento.

In total, the hike took us about six hours at a very comfortable pace and with a lunch stop. You wouldn’t need much more time, but could definitely do it in a lot less.

The 4×4’s pick you up in the same place, and I’d advise checking out the timetable before you leave Salento, so you’re not waiting around for too long.

If you’re heading to Colombia, I highly recommend hiking the Cocora Valley, and visiting the Quindío region as a whole. It’s absolutely stunning.