Cocora Valley
Valle de Cocora
Home of Colombia's national tree, the wax palm, which rises tens of metres over green hillsides. It is the top hiking destination in the coffee region.
Valle de Cocora lies about 11 km east of Salento, within the buffer zone of Los Nevados National Natural Park. Wax palms reaching 50–60 m tall, the tallest palm trees in the world, grow on the hillsides and create a striking landscape. The classic loop takes about 5–6 hours. From the valley entrance you pass through cloud forest and cross the river on suspension bridges, then climb to the Acaime Hummingbird House. From there you cross the hills via a viewpoint and return to the palm grove. If you only want to see the palm grove, it is an out-and-back walk of about 2 hours. Willys jeeps run to and from Salento's main square, and some sections of the valley charge a small entrance fee. Muddy trails call for waterproof shoes.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Mirador Alto de la Cruz
- Calle Real & Plaza de Bolívar, Salento
- Finca Don Elías
- Finca El Ocaso
- Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Barbas–Bremen Reserve
- Cementerio Libre de Circasia
- Quimbaya Gold Museum