Salento Things to Do Tips by morgr Top 5 Page for this destination

Cocora Valley

The Cocora Valley, which is easily reached from Salento, is a short way from town and makes for a great daytrip. It is famous for the palma de cera (wax palm) trees that grow here, which can reach heights of 60-70m.

The jeeps comming from Salento will drop you off in the 'hamlet' of Cocora, which consists basically of one or two restaurants and houses. From here, just up the hill from the orange and green striped building, there is a path that goes down to the right. Follow this path past a trout farm and over a small bridge, and this will bring you to the famous trees. There will be many cows around, as you are on a farm.

If you want, you can follow the path along into a wooded area with many bridges (one of which, at the time of my visit had fallen apart, so you had to cross through the river). Following this path for time will bring you to a lodge atop a mountain overlooking the valley, where you can spend the night before heading back.

Alto De La Cruz

Alto de la Cruz is a hill, from where there are nice views over the town and the Cocora valley on the other side. It is reached by going to the end of Calle Real, where there are stairs going to the top.

Atop, aside from the view, is a cross (hence the hills name), as well as a vendor or two selling trinkets.

Directions: At the end of Calle Real.

Salento Town

While for the most part this small town is fairly indestinct and not particularily attractive, the area around the main plaza and along Calle Real (Carrera 6) are quite nice. This is the only part of town that retains a pueblo paisa feel. There is a restaurant or two on the plaza, as well as a few shops, a bank, a church and the police station. There are many more restaurants along Calle Real, as well as many tourist oriented shops selling souvenires. Walking to the end of Calle Real will bring you to the bas of Alto de la Cruz.