Yasmine

Salento is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Zona Cafetera in Colombia, renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and, of course, its exquisite coffee.

As part of my one-month travel adventure through Colombia, Salento turned out to be the most beautiful city in every way – it’s so pretty, so tranquil and the people here are some of the nicest we’ve met. 

We’ve spent one week in this little town, because we travel slow, but anywhere from 3 to 7 days it’s a good time to get to know the city.  I think the essence of traveling to Salento is in experiencing the slow life, so that’s why, the more time, the better. There are also many activities to do around Salento, such as visiting the tallest palm trees in the world, trekking through the lush mountains and learning about the process of making the best coffee in the world from the source! And that’s not all, but let’s start from the beginning.

How to get to Salento from Bogotá or Medellín:

While traveling from Bogotá or Medellín to Salento may seem like a logistical challenge, it’s actually part of the adventure. There are basically 2 options: taking a long trip with the bus or a short internal flight.

We had to weigh our options and the flight seemed like no brainer in the end. I actually documented our trip from Bogota to Salento by flight in an episode on my youtube channel.

The bus will take you more than 8 hours on not some great roads, so if you’re not a fan of long hours spent on buses, I wouldn’t recommend this. But if you do, you can use gottoGO to book the bus.

Flying will cost you less than 50$. The thing is that Salento doesn’t have its airport, so you will have to fly to either Armenia or Pereira from where you will need to take a one hour bus which is pretty scenic. I usually use skyscanner to find the best options and the cheapest flights.

Where to Stay in Salento:

Salento has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. If you are seeking an authentic Colombian experience, it’s best staying in one of the town’s charming guesthouses or family-run hostels. These cozy accommodations often feature colorful decor, warm hospitality, and delicious homemade meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Wherever you stay, Salento is a small town, so you will be minutes away walking from the center.

Some budget friendly accommodations:

• Casa Quinta Salento
• Hotel Boutique Palmas de Salento

What to Do in Salento:

Once settled in Salento, the possibilities for adventure and exploration are endless. In addition to exploring the town’s colonial architecture and sampling its culinary delights, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy.

1. Cocora Valley:

Absolute bucket list experience, trek through Cocora Valley, home to the world’s tallest wax palms. The hike takes you through lush cloud forests, past bubbling streams, and alongside picturesque meadows dotted with vibrant wildflowers. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views.

I strongly recommend you watch this video before you go to Cocora Valley to make sure you won’t get lost as we did!

2. Coffee Farm Tours:

You are in the zona cafetera, in the country that makes the best coffee in the world, so what’s better than a coffee farm tour? You will discover the secrets behind Colombia’s famed coffee industry and learn about the entire coffee production process, from bean cultivation and harvesting to roasting and brewing. Sample freshly brewed coffee while soaking in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding countryside.

We did the tour at Coffee Tour Luger and I strongly recommend it! Our detailed experience is here.

3. Horseback Riding Adventures:

Another great activity in Salento is to explore the scenic landscapes surrounding Salento on horseback. Ride through rolling hills, lush valleys, and dense forests, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Colombian countryside.

This is a complete tour that combines a visit to Cocora Valley and a coffee farm with the experience of riding a horse.

4. Birdwatching Excursions:

I was not a fan of birdwatching until I arrived to Colombia. Salento is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting a rich diversity of avian species. Join a guided birdwatching excursion to spot colorful toucans, hummingbirds, and other exotic birds in their natural habitat. With its pristine forests and abundant wildlife, Salento offers unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts. This is a great birdwatching tour to discover the endemic bird species in the Santa Rita Nature Reserve.

5. Drink more coffee

My goal in Colombia was to not regret not drinking enough delicious coffee. So I’ve enjoyed plenty cups of coffee and as an avid traveler and coffee drinker, I have to admit coffee in Colombia is the best. In Salento you will find many cafe shops, and my recommendation is to indulge in as many coffees as you can while you’re there (of course, without exagerating).

Some great cafe shops are: Cafe Jesus Martin and Cafe Que aproveche!

6. Eat local food

 Exploring the culinary delights of Salento is an essential part of the experience, offering a tantalizing journey into Colombia’s rich and diverse gastronomy. Here are some must-try local dishes and dining experiences in Salento. Try the famous Trucha (Trout), arepas and bandeja paisa – the most specific foods in the area. If you want something non traditional, there are plenty of restaurants serving pizza, burgers and other cuisines. Actually, one of the best things we ate in Salento was a peanut butter brownie at the place called Salento Brunch.

7. Try the most popular colombian game: Tejo

Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport that combines elements of bowling and horseshoes with a touch of explosive Playing tejo in Salento is not just a recreational activity; it’s a cultural experience that offers insight into Colombia’s vibrant traditions and the joy of connecting with others over a shared love of sport and celebration.

In conclusion, Salento is much more than just Colombia’s most beautiful city—it’s a destination that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you’re exploring the stunning landscapes of the Cocora Valley, savoring the flavors of freshly brewed coffee, or immersing yourself in the rich culture of this vibrant town, Salento offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after!

PS: Heading to Medellin after? Here’s the complete guide for the most famous city of Colombia.