Salento, Colombia has certainly gained an international reputation as the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. The colonial architecture and towering palm trees set the background for Disney’s Encanto, but the freshly brewed coffee and cheerful atmosphere have had locals and tourists visiting for years. In fact, it’s one of the best towns to visit in the entire Eje Cafetero!
These days, Salento is no stranger to the Colombian backpacker trail. However, it’s certainly earned its reputation, and should absolutely make your list of must-sees. Even if you prefer more off-the-beaten-track travel, Salento still has its fair share of hidden gems.
Since I live in nearby Armenia, the capital city of the department of Quindío, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the Zona Cafetera, and Salento is still hands down my favorite pueblo in the region. I’ll break down all the reasons below, so grab a cup of coffee and let’s get to it!
PS – While I’m based out of Quindío, I’m actually on a mission to visit all 32 Departments of Colombia! You can learn more about the project, and explore Colombia along with me, by checking out the video series here.
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Colombia Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Colombia
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Best Tours of Salento, Colombia
Don’t want to DIY? Check out some of these highly recommended tours around the Salento region!
🌴 Salento, Cocora, and Filandia Tour – Explore some of the Zona Cafetera’s best small towns with this guided tour
🦜 Salento, Cocora, and Santa Rita Waterfall – Check out Salento and cool off at the nearby Santa Rita Nature Reserve
🐴 Horseback Riding Tour of Cocora Valley – Explore the Cocora Valley on horseback with this tour of the region
Looking to spend more time in Colombia? Check out my full 3-week itinerary!
History of Salento, Colombia
Salento owes much of its foundation to Colombia’s colloquially-called “Libertador,” Simón Bolivar. Venezuelan-born Bolivar led much of the revolution against the Spanish in the 1800s, and is credited for liberating Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Bolivia, and Venezuela. In fact, most Colombian cities pay homage to Bolivar in their central plazas, most of which are called “Plaza Boliver” (Salento included!)
Bolivar actually passed through Salento in 1830 along El Camino de Quindío. During his time in the region, he passed laws that improved roads in the area, which over time allowed the region to grow as more and more people moved from the countryside. These days, the town has a population of around 3,600 in urban areas and 5,500 in rural areas.
In 2011, UNESCO declared the historic center of Salento an integral part of the “Coffee Culture Landscape,” and these days, visitors from around the world travel to the pueblo to get a taste of Colombian coffee right from its roots. Salento’s colorful architecture and traditional-style buildings are also said to have served as inspiration for Disney’s Encanto, since inviting a new wave of tourists to the area.
How to Get to Salento, Colombia
Salento is located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Axis, or Eje Cafetero. The closest city to Salento is Armenia, Colombia, but Salento can also be accessed from Pereira, or even all the way from larger cities like Medellin and Bogota.
From Armenia
Armenia is the closest city to Salento, only about 30 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus. The most cost-efficient way to get to Salento is to catch a bus from Armenia for around 8,000 COP ($1.80 USD) There are regular buses to Salento leaving from the Armenia bus terminal, or you can catch a bus traveling to Salento along one of the major roads in town.
Private taxis are also an option from Armenia, but will be much more expensive, usually around 50,000-60,000 COP (~$12 USD).
From Pereira
There are direct buses from Pereira to Salento, with the ride taking around 50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the Pereira Bus Terminal for around 12,000 COP ($2.80) Buses leave hourly on weekends, and three times a day on weekdays.
Private taxis are also an option from Pereira but will be more costly. I recommend sharing the ride if possible to reduce the price.
From Medellin or Bogota
If coming from one of the major cities like Medellin or Bogota, I recommend traveling to Armenia first and then making the shorter journey to Salento. There are buses from both cities to Armenia throughout the day, with Medellin to Armenia taking around 7 hours and Bogota to Armenia taking around 9 hours.
Another option is to fly into Armenia. While this option is more expensive than a bus, domestic flights in Colombia can be relatively inexpensive if booked in advance. Check current flight prices now on WayAway or Kiwi.com.
Exploring the eje cafetero? Check out my weeklong itinerary to Colombia’s coffee region!
The Best Things to Do in Salento, Colombia
Whether you’re looking for a hands-on hike or just want to sit and sip a coffee, there’s plenty to do in and around Salento.
1. Hike in the Cocora Valley
One of Salento’s most iconic locations is the nearby Valle de Cocora, home to the largest concentration of Colombia’s towering Palmas de Cera. With the ability to grow to heights of up to 60 meters, a visit to this valley feels like stepping into the universe from the Lorax. In fact, it’s my very favorite thing to do in the department of Quindío!
The Cocora Valley is home to a number of activities, from hiking routes to hummingbird sanctuaries. I’ve actually written an entire guide to exploring the Cocora Valley, so go check it out to plan a more detailed trip.
There are a few ways to get to the Cocora Valley from Salento. The best way to get to Valle de Cocora from Salento is to catch a Jeep Willy from Salento’s Plaza Bolivar. These off-road jeeps transport locals and tourists alike all around the region – just hold on tight and off you go! Tickets to Valle de Cocora cost 8,000 COP ($1.90 USD) for a round trip and leave throughout the day, though I recommend leaving early to beat the crowds.
Private taxis are also available to the Cocora Valley for a higher price, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could walk from Salento to the valley.
Don’t want to DIY? Check out this guided tour of the Cocora Valley with a local guide.
2. Take a horseback ride through Las Palmas de Cera
One of the best ways to experience the extraordinary nature surrounding Salento is on horseback. There are a number of areas to explore, but by far the most iconic is Salento’s nearby Valle de Cocora.
Ride your horses through the towering palm trees and traverse the rushing rivers of the valley. Horses are available to rent at the entrance of the Valle de Cocora, though I highly recommend a more tailored guided tour to experience more of the coffee region.
This guided horseback tour includes stops along the way to experience the best of Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape. Led by a local guide, you’ll also hear stories of the region and have the opportunity to connect with locals in the area.
Recommended Reading: The 10 Best Day Trips from Cali, Colombia
3. Go shopping along Calle Real
Salento’s main strip is the Calle Real, packed with restaurants, souvenir shops, and street vendors selling platano maduro con queso. It’s home to the quintessential Salento architecture – colorful barareque buildings adorned with balconies painted every color of the rainbow.
Located right off of Salento’s main plaza, Calle Real is easily worth a wander. Stop for a freshly cooked empanada de carne or pop into one of the souvenir shops to buy a Sombrero Vueltiao – a wide-brimmed black and white hat quintessential to Colombia.
Calle Real can get quite crowded in the evenings, so I recommend going early to have the street to yourself.
4. Climb to El Mirador Alto de la Cruz
Located at the end of Calle Real, El Mirador Alto de la Cruz is located just up a set of steep but brightly colored stairs. The top of the stairs reveals sweeping views of the valley in one direction, the town of Salento in the other.
For even better views, from Mirador de la Cruz walk a bit further to the left to Mirador de Salento, the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the pueblo. Don’t forget to throw a few Pokers in your bag to enjoy at the top!
5. Visit a nearby Coffee Farm
As the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, visiting a coffee farm, or finca, is an absolute essential on any trip to Salento. Here you’ll not only be able to taste locally made coffee, but connect with the entire process – from picking the coffee fruits to roasting the beans.
However, not all coffee farm tours in the region are created equal. Over my time living in Quindío, I’ve gone on a number of coffee tours, and have shared all my experiences in this article. However, here are a few of my favorites.
Finca Buenos Aires | Located 20 minutes from Salento, this family-run farm only recently opened to tourists in 2019, meaning you’ll get an authentic look into coffee culture in the region. Owner Don Luiz has been a coffee farmer his whole life and excitedly welcomes visitors from around the world to experience the entire coffee process, from planting the seeds to tasting the coffee. The finca itself is located on a beautiful piece of property with sweeping views of the valley and a number of local fruits to try.
Tours operate hourly from 9AM to 4PM daily in both English and Spanish. Tours take 2 hours and cost 35,000 COP ($8.31 USD) per person. The finca can be accessed via private taxi or Jeep Willy from Salento’s central plaza.
Finca El Ocaso | El Ocaso is one of the most popular coffee tours in the region, and for good reason! Finca El Ocaso invites visitors to not only learn about Colombian coffee production, but the history of coffee cultivation worldwide. The finca offers two types of tours – guided group tours to learn about the coffee process, or more in-depth premium tours, which include a coffee making masterclass.
Group tours operate daily, with Spanish tours at 10AM and 2PM and English tours at 9AM and 1PM. The finca offers two premium tours daily, with a Spanish tour at 9AM and an English tour at 2PM. The finca can be accessed via private taxi or Jeep Willy from Salento’s central plaza.
Don’t want to DIY? Check out this guided tour to El Ocaso with transportation included.
6. Play Tejo
Perhaps the most explosive game you’ll ever play, Colombia’s national sport of Tejo is one of the best things to experience during your time in Salento. Tejo is deeply rooted in indigenous culture of the region and has been played for over 500 years.
Perhaps most often compared to horseshoes, Tejo involves throwing a metal disc (the tejo) at packets of gunpowder arranged in a pit of mud. When the tejo comes in contact with the gunpowder, a small but loud explosion occurs.
The best place to play Tejo in Salento is at Los Amigos Bar. Popular with locals and tourists alike, you’re guaranteed to see a whole range of tejo skills here – from men who’ve clearly been playing their whole lives to obvious first-timers (aka, me and my friends!)
Regardless of your skills, the vibe here is energetic, fueled by plenty of Poker beer and camaraderie. Tejo only costs 1,000 COP ($0.25 USD) to play, so grab a few beers and put your skills to the test!
Recommended Reading: The Best Things to do in Cali, Colombia, – The Salsa Capital of the World!
7. Hike to the Santa Rita Waterfall
This is my all-time favorite hike in the region and a must-see day trip if you’re craving a little nature break from Salento. Think waterfalls, tropical birds, and plenty of friendly cows.
The Santa Rita Nature Reserve is located on protected land, so you’ll have to pay 7,000 COP (~$1.50 USD) to enter the property. Once inside you’ll pass the main finca, where you can stop for a quick coffee or a menú del día before setting off along the trail.
There are three waterfalls on the property, all easy hikes from the main gate ranging from 1km to 5km. I’ve actually written a more in-depth guide to the different routes in Santa Rita la Cascada if you want to check it out to help plan your trip.
Along the route you’ll be able to spot countless bird species and a number of colorful butterflies. Don’t forget to take a swim in the waterfall and then stop for some aguapanela con queso on your way back!
8. Take a bike ride around town
The towering mountains and vast coffee fields surrounding Salento are a major part of its charm, and I highly recommend getting out of the town center during your time in the pueblo. One of the best ways to explore the surrounding landscape is on a bike, and luckily there are a number of routes for all types of skill levels in and around Salento.
You can easily rent a bike from a number of operators in town, though two of the most popular are Rental Bikes Salento and Salento Cycling. Both operators offer private bike rentals or guided tours if you prefer.
Here are a few recommend biking routes in Salento:
BEGINNER: The Coffee Loop, 14KM Round Trip | Pass by some of Salento’s most popular coffee fincas on this popular route from Salento. Make sure to stop at one or two for a cup of coffee and to conserve some energy for the way back — this route ends on an uphill!
INTERMEDIATE: Algeria Trail, 24 KM Round Trip | Pass through farmland and forest on this semi-technical trail through the countryside. It’s a big uphill, nearly 11km, but rewarded with stunning downhill views through the terrain outside Salento.
ADVANCED: To Valle de Cocora, 32KM Round Trip | You can visit the Valle de Cocora from Salento on a bike, but I only recommend this to strong riders! The journey is lined by Palmas de Cera and you’ll have incredible views of the valley as you descend from Salento.
Into bike riding? Check out my guide to biking the Virginia Creeper trail or my guide to biking Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park to explore some of my favorite rides around the world!
9. Drink lots of coffee
Even if visiting a coffee finca isn’t on your radar, there’s plenty of good coffee to be had in Salento itself! With a variety of coffee offerings from all around the zona cafetera, you’re sure to find something that suits you in Salento. Here are a few of my favorites:
Cafe Jesús Martín | Located just off the Plaza Bolivar, Jesús Martín is sometimes credited as the “man who saved Colombian coffee” This shop features a variety of options right from their local finca, meaning your coffee is about as fresh as it gets! Plus, their staff are extremely knowledgeable about coffee production methods and can help you find the perfect cup.
Café Quindío | A local favorite, Café Quindío’s products can be found all over the region and beyond! Stop in for one of their local brews, or pick up a bag of their beans to take home with you so you can enjoy Café Quindío anywhere!
Mankala Cafe | With delicious brews guaranteed (we are in the coffee region after all!) Mankala Cafe’s real draw is its artistic focus. Featuring an art gallery and weekly live music, this cafe is a great place to enjoy a cup of joe and get connected to your artistic side in the meantime.
Interested in Colombian culture? Check out this in-depth guide to Christmas traditions around the country!
10. Try some trout
Salento’s speciality, trout, or trucha, comes in many forms, and tasting the dish can’t be missed on a trip to Salento. Try it no frills grilled with garlic, or sample Salento’s specialty, trucha marinera gratinada, baked trout smothered in cheese, garlic, and white wine, with a fried plantain on the side.
There are a number of places to try trout in the area for a number of different prices, but you can expect to spend around 15,000 COP ($4 USD) at an average eatery. Higher end places might run you upwards of 30,000 COP, but I honestly recommend sticking to the mom and pop shops for an authentic taste of trucha. Plus, you’ll save some money in the process!
A few highly recommended places to try trout are Restaurante Andrea, Donde Laurita, or my personal favorite, the Recinto Gastronómico Artesanal (read more about this spot below!)
Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to San Andrés Island – Colombia’s Caribbean Paradise
Where to Eat in Salento, Colombia
From mom-and-pop shops to trendy coffee companies to fine dining, Salento has a little bit of something for everyone! Here are my favorite places to eat in Salento.
Recinto Gastronómico Artesanal | This traditional food hall serves up all the Colombian specialities you could possibly dream of for extraordinary prices. Try a steaming cup of aguapanela con queso or a plate of the region’s famous chorizo santarrosano. If you’re really hungry, it’s a great place to find a plate of bandeja paisa – Colombia’s national dish, complete with chorizo, chicharron, beans, rice, plantain, egg, and avocado all thrown into the mix!
Balcones de Ayer | Vegetarians rejoice, because if you’re craving a bite of Colombia’s meat-heavy national dish, Balcones de Ayer makes a veggie version that gives the original a run for its money. They also have a tasty breakfast and offer accommodation – so you don’t have to go far for your food!
Brunch de Salento | While definitely tourist-focused, Brunch de Salento offers a number of international dishes that will help you kick any craving you’ve been having. The restaurant is also home to a small shop, which sells various gear and handicrafts, and is a great place to meet fellow travelers along the road.
Street Food | Don’t shy away from the street food in Salento – Colombians love quick eats! Keep an eye out for fresh arepas, corn flour patties often stuffed with cheese, meat, or veggies. Hotdogs are also a big deal in Colombia, but Colombians don’t just stick to ketchup and mustard! Salsa rosada (a mix of mayo and ketchup), crushed potato chips, pineapple, jalapenos, and cheese can all make it into the mix! My personal favorite is plátano con bocadillo y queso – fried plantains smothered in guava and cheese.
Where to Stay in Salento, Colombia
There isn’t really a wrong place to stay in Salento – after all, most everything in town can be walked to within 10 minutes! However, there are some considerations to take in mind when deciding whether to stay
Hostels in Salento
Coffee Tree Boutique | Considered one of the best hostels in the country, this farmhouse-turned-hostel features incredible views of the Salento countryside and is the perfect place to meet fellow travelers. The hostel offers both dorms and private rooms, and comes equipped with stunning common spaces that truly demonstrate the beauty of Colombian architecture and nature.
Hostal la Pijaraña | I actually stayed at this hostel during my first trip to Salento back in 2018 and still remember it as one of my favorites of all time! The hostel offers shared and private rooms, but the real highlight is the spacious garden, filled with hammocks and countless species of birds. It’s a great place to relax after a morning exploring Salento!
Hotels in Salento
Hotel El Jardin | Located in a traditional style home right outside the central plaza, Hotel El Jardin is perfect for those looking for both convenience and relaxation. Their central location is perfect for exploring everything Salento has to offer, but their cozy, clean rooms and full facilities will make you feel right at home.
Terasu Hotel Salento | This boutique hotel is always highly recommended, and with a jacuzzi and sauna, it isn’t hard to see why! Come back and relax after a day spent exploring, or admire the stunning views from the rooftop deck as you sip your coffee in the morning!
Camping in Salento
Santa Rita la Cascada | If you don’t mind getting a little down and dirty, I highly recommend camping at Santa Rita la Cascada. Camping costs 25,000 COP ($5.90 USD) per tent, and is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever slept. Imagine waking up to the sound of countless birds and taking a morning swim in the waterfalls! Note that Santa Rita Nature reserve is a little ways from Salento town, so you will have to take the public bus from the main road into town.
Montana Glamping | For those that want to camp but don’t want to rough it, Montana Glamping is the perfect option. Offering both cabins and more traditional tents, their most unique accommodation is the bubble tents, where you’ll be rewarded with 360 views of the surrounding valley in the morning and the stunning stars at night. All accommodations come with full facilities, so this is camping at its most luxurious!
When is the Best Time to Visit Salento, Colombia?
Salento is located quite close to the equator, so temperatures are moderate year-round, generally ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 23°C (74°F) throughout the day.
However, Salento has a quite rainy climate, so this is important to keep in mind when visiting. Rain storms come quickly in Colombia, so even if the sky is bright and sunny, it’s always important to have your rain gear on you. If you’re concerned, consider visiting during the drier months of December to February or July to September.
Why Visit Salento, Colombia?
There are a million reasons to visit Salento – world class coffee, stunning nature, and Colombian charm just to name a few! It’s truly earned its spot on the backpacker trail, and is a perfect look into coffee culture in the zona cafetera.
Since I live in nearby Armenia, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this region and have a special place in my heart for Colombian coffee culture. If you want to explore more about the region, I encourage you to check out everything I’ve written about the Zona Cafetera, or check out all my Colombia articles to plan your trip! (After all, I’m on a mission to visit every department in the country – learn more about that here!)
What to Pack for Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia? Consider adding some of these essentials to your suitcase for a truly epic trip!
💧 Filtered Water Bottle – Save on the single-use plastic and protect from parasites!
🧥 Heavy-Duty Rain Jacket – For the ever-changing Colombian weather!
🎒 Anti-theft Backpack – Perfect for exploring big cities or trekking in the jungle
🧖♀️ Microfiber Travel Towel – A go-to travel essential anywhere in the world!
🔌 Portable Charger – Keep your phone charged out on the go
🔐 Mini Padlock – Perfect for securing your backpack or locking up your items at the hotel
🔋 Universal Travel Adapter – Charge all your devices anywhere in the world!
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
Thanks for the tips!
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