Valle de Cocora Colombia: Stunning Scenery and Biodiversity

How to get there

If you’re travelling to Colombia, don’t miss the chance to visit Cocora Valley – a spectacular hike that will certainly be one of the highlights of your visit. Access is fairly easy; once there, the views from this spot offer stunning mountain panoramas encircling Cocora. Best times for visiting are December through March; however it can also be enjoyed between June and September if desired.

For an easy journey to Valle de Cocora, car rental in Salento or Bogota is your best bet. Driving there should be simple and quick; make sure to use Google or Waze maps to navigate your way there, bring along snacks and water for long trails as they may prove useful!

Once at a park, it is wise to start your hike as early as possible due to the sun rising later and making trails extremely hot. Bring along a light jacket for protection, and bring along enough water for your journey.

Beginning your hike is generally straightforward and you’ll see wax palms in the distance. After approximately 30 minutes, however, the landscape changes dramatically as you start climbing into a cloud forest and ascend uphill towards its center – this part is where it becomes slightly more challenging, yet still stunningly beautiful.

After about an hour, you will reach Acaime Hummingbird Houses where you can rest and take in the view. A beverage purchase may also be beneficial; there is an entrance fee of 5,000 COP which includes one.

The next leg of your hike can be more challenging; here, you’ll have to cross several suspension bridges which may seem precarious at first, but are safe enough. Your trek will also lead you through beautiful cloud forests where there are numerous birds and even monkeys to spot!

What to see

Valle de Cocora is one of the most stunning destinations in Colombia, but it also serves as an invaluable opportunity to learn about and observe its coffee industry. Here you’ll find a variety of small-scale farms where you can witness how beans are processed before enjoying some delectable samplers! Plus you’ll get to hike through this picturesque valley while discovering Colombia’s iconic wax palm trees!

Valle de Cocora can best be reached via car; however, tour options may also be available. When renting a car it is essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly; bring plenty of water, snacks, warm clothing and an umbrella or rain jacket if it rains as well as a map or GPS for navigation of this beautiful region. Additionally, for added peace of mind consider hiring a local guide from Salento who can accompany your drive if required.

Arriving early is recommended in order to experience the magic of hiking trails at their best. You can do either the full or half trail, depending on your preferences and fitness levels; short hikes cover 2.5 km round trips in about an hour and a half while longer ones typically last 3-4 hours and pose greater challenges.

Once your hike is complete, make sure to visit Acaime Hummingbird House for some quality time and amazing mountain views. Admission fee for this stunning location is 5,000 COP per person (which includes one drink).

On your visit, you will have an incredible opportunity to watch how hummingbirds flit around the valley and appreciate its breathtaking scenery. If you’re lucky, perhaps you will even spot one or more rare giant hummingbirds!

Once your exploration of the valley is complete, if possible take a jeep back to Salento. These rides tend to fill quickly; be prepared if yours don’t make it on as they could become very crowded! If that happens to be you – be ready to stand in the back!

Things to do

Valle de Cocora is one of Colombia’s most picturesque and captivating natural attractions, known for its impressive collection of Quindio wax palms (known locally as Ceibas). These iconic tall palm trees (some up to 80 meters tall!) make this valley truly special – not to mention providing some excellent hiking opportunities as well.

If you want the full hiking experience, booking a guided tour through your hotel or tour operator in Salento may be beneficial. Your guide will drive you directly to Los Nevados National Natural Park entrance before leading you along its hiking trails – each trail marked well and providing insights into its flora and fauna – including palm trees!

There are two trails to choose from – short and long. The short hike covers 2.5 kilometers round-trip, is suitable for all fitness levels, takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to complete, and provides breathtaking scenery of Valle de Cocora.

This longer hike takes approximately 3-4 hours and may prove challenging due to high altitude hiking. The trail is well marked, providing stunning views of the valley – such as its iconic wax palms. Additionally, this walk will take you to both miradors and viewpoints on Finca La Montana.

After your hike, relax at Restaurante El Portal for some delicious local cuisine such as patacones (fried green plantains), stews, fresh salsa, bread and desserts – not forgetting an impressive selection of Colombian coffee. The views at this cafeteria are truly incredible and serve delicious Colombian coffee varieties too.

At Plaza de Bolivar Park in Salento there is also a cafe offering some of the finest trucha (trout). This makes an excellent way to reward yourself after your hike while unwinding with a refreshing beverage and delicious bite to eat.

Accommodation

Valle de Cocora is an exquisite natural landscape known for its towering palm trees that reach 80 meters in height. Situated at the center of Eje Cafetero region in Colombia, the valley’s beauty will take your breath away at dusk when cloaked in mist; an experience not soon forgotten!

As part of your trip to Cocora Valley, it is wise to arrange your accommodation well in advance. There are various hostels and hotels available; some hotels provide coffee-tasting sessions that should not be missed! Moreover, other hotels can arrange day trips for visitors interested in learning about coffee growing/roasting processes at local farms.

Not to be outdone by hotels, there are also some hostels nearby which provide a more private and intimate experience. These hostels typically boast 10 beds and come fully-equipped with furniture, electricity, and hot water; furthermore they feature glass walls and roofs which allow guests to take in views and starry skies at night without ever leaving the comfort of their bed!

If you prefer more traditional hotels, Salento offers many excellent choices nearby. Most of these hotels are within walking distance of Cocora Valley and some even provide shuttle service throughout the day. Salento itself is charming town full of white-painted buildings and friendly inhabitants – ideal for exploring!

Alternatively, Willys are available from Salento that allow independent exploration of the Cocora Valley. They should be booked in advance either through one of the hotels or directly with the company that runs them; be aware that these vehicles tend to fill quickly during high season! A full tour usually lasts from 6-7 hours depending on weather conditions; to catch an earlier Willy ride.