It was a week I will never forget- a week filled with love, laughter, and celebration. I had traveled to Colombia for my best friend’s wedding, which was set in the charming town of Montenegro. The wedding itself was a beautiful and emotional occasion, but what made the trip even more special was the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes that Colombia is so famous for. The highlight of my trip was a day trip to Salento, where I hiked through the breathtaking Valle de Cocora with my dad (I brought him as my plus one). It was the perfect escape into nature and left me in awe of Colombia’s natural beauty.

The Coffee Triangle, a lush region known for its coffee plantations, is also home to Valle de Cocora. This beautiful valley is most famous for its towering wax palm trees, the tallest species of palm in the world, which rise above the valley floor like guardians of the land. After seeing photos of this magical landscape, I couldn’t wait to lace up my hiking boots and set off with my dad on the adventure of a lifetime.

Setting Off to Salento

We began our adventure bright and early one morning, leaving behind the festivities of the wedding in Montenegro. My dad and I decided to take a day trip to Salento, a small, colorful town that sits at the gateway to Valle de Cocora. We were staying in a hotel in Pueblo Tapao (Hotel Campestre las Camelias-I would highly recommend) and we hired a local driver to take us to Salento, as this seemed like the best way to experience the area without worrying about logistics. Salento is a 1 hour drive from Pueblo Tapao, but the journey itself was a feast for the eyes. As we drove, the landscape transformed before our eyes, from rolling hills to lush coffee plantations, all set against the backdrop of towering mountains.

Salento’s charm is immediately evident when you arrive. The cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect spot to unwind before heading into the valley. We couldn’t wait to start the hike, but we made sure to take a moment to admire the town’s beauty first.

Arriving at Valle de Cocora: A Glimpse of Heaven

Our driver took us straight to the entrance of Valle de Cocora, where we were greeted by the sight of the towering wax palms stretching toward the sky. Standing in the presence of these magnificent trees was an awe-inspiring experience, and I could tell my dad was just as captivated as I was. The sheer scale of these trees, some reaching heights of 200 feet, is hard to comprehend until you see them in person. It felt as though we had stepped into a different world- a place of peace, serenity, and natural wonder.

The entrance fee to the hike was 20,000 Colombian pesos per person (roughly $5.30 USD), a small price for such an extraordinary experience. We paid the fee, grabbed our packs, and began our hike through the valley. We were both excited but also a little unsure of what to expect, having only seen photos of the valley beforehand. We knew we were about to experience something truly special, and we couldn’t wait to dive into the adventure.

The Hike: Immersed in Nature’s Splendor

The hike through Valle de Cocora was everything I had imagined and more. The trail starts off with the wax palms towering above us, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. The path wound its way through the valley, taking us deeper into the heart of the cloud forest. The sounds of the forest- birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the occasional call of a howler monkey- filled the air, adding to the sense of tranquility that surrounded us.

At first, the trail was relatively flat, and we both enjoyed the easy walk as we marveled at the stunning landscape. But as we ventured further into the valley, the terrain became a little more challenging. We found ourselves crossing small wooden bridges over babbling streams, and the path began to climb, offering panoramic views of the valley below. The higher we went, the more breathtaking the views became. Each step brought a new perspective, and we couldn’t help but stop often to take in the beauty around us.

One of the things that made this hike so special was sharing it with my dad. We’ve always been close, but there’s something about hiking and new adventures together that deepens that connection. It was a true bonding experience, one that I’ll treasure for years to come.

The weather in Valle de Cocora can be unpredictable, and we were lucky to have a mostly dry day. The valley is often shrouded in mist, which adds to its mystical atmosphere, but the mist also means that you should be prepared for a bit of rain, especially if you’re hiking in the afternoon. We had packed light rain jackets just in case, which proved to be a smart move.

After about 2 hours of hiking, we reached one of the highest points of the trail. From here, we had a sweeping view of the valley, with the wax palms stretching out below us and the mountains in the distance. The scene was so magical that I felt like I could have stayed there forever. We took some time to rest and snap a few photos before continuing on, our spirits high from the natural beauty around us.

Reaching the End of the Trail: The Sense of Accomplishment

The hike took us around 3 hours to complete, and we were both feeling the effects of the journey- sore muscles, tired legs, and big smiles. As we approached the end of the trail, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible experience we had just shared. Valle de Cocora, with its lush forests, towering palms, and dramatic views, had far exceeded our expectations. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever visited, and I knew it would stay with me for a long time.

When we finished the hike, we made our way back to Salento, where our driver was waiting for us. He had been patiently waiting for our return and was eager to take us around the town after the hike. We were ready to relax and explore Salento’s quaint streets, so we hopped into the car and set off for a leisurely afternoon.

Exploring Salento After the Hike

Salento is known for its vibrant culture and stunning views, and we were eager to explore. The town is small but filled with charm. We wandered through the cobbled streets, browsing artisan shops and local markets. The town’s colorful buildings and laid-back vibe made it feel like a perfect place to relax after the hike.

One of the highlights of Salento is the “Mirador” (viewpoint), which offers an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding valley and mountains. It’s just a short walk from the town center, and the view is worth every step. We took our time soaking it all in, appreciating the beauty of the valley from above.

We also indulged in some of the local food, trying traditional Colombian dishes like arepas and empanadas at one of the town’s small cafes. And, of course, no visit to the Coffee Triangle would be complete without sampling some of the world-famous Colombian coffee. Salento is home to many coffee farms, and we visited one where we learned about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. The coffee was rich, flavorful, and the perfect end to our day of adventure.

Tips for Hiking Valle de Cocora

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Valle de Cocora is early in the morning, when the weather is cooler and the mist adds a magical quality to the valley. The peak tourist season runs from December to March, but visiting during the shoulder seasons can help you avoid the crowds.
• What to Bring: Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trail can be muddy and uneven. Also, bring a light rain jacket or poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Entrance Fees: The entrance fee is 20,000 Colombian pesos (around $5.30 USD) per person, which is a small price to pay for such an incredible experience. This fee may change from year to year.
• Hiring a Guide: Though the trail is well-marked, you can hire a guide if you want to learn more about the region’s flora, fauna, and history. Theres also options to do the trail on horseback.
• Getting There: You can take a jeep from Salento to the valley entrance, but hiring a driver for the day allows you to explore Salento at your own pace, like we did.

Hiking Valle de Cocora with my dad was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, and the sense of accomplishment at the end of the hike made this adventure a highlight of our trip to Colombia.

If you ever find yourself in the Coffee Triangle, don’t miss the chance to explore Valle de Cocora- it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply someone looking to experience one of the most beautiful places in the world, Valle de Cocora is an adventure that should be on your list.