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Trail · Salento, Quindío
Valle de Cocora
A valley of green pastures and native forest above Salento, where the wax palms of Quindío, Colombia’s national tree, reach tens of meters tall. Short trails to viewpoints and a long circuit through the forest.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Valle de Cocora
The Valle de Cocora is about 11 km from Salento, high in the Quindío river valley, between 1,800 and 2,400 meters altitude. It is the best-known place to see the Quindío wax palm, the wax palm declared Colombia’s national tree. The palms, with thin pale trunks coated in wax, rise above the pastures and slopes and can exceed 50 meters, among the tallest in the world.
The valley entrance is in the village of Cocora, with trout restaurants and the arrival point for the jeeps. Trails start from there. The shortest route climbs through the pastures to the palm viewpoints, taking one to two hours round trip. The full circuit, five to six hours, descends through humid forest along the river, crosses suspension bridges, passes the Acaime reserve with hummingbirds, and returns via the upper part of the valley among the palms.
The trails cross private properties that charge separate access fees, and the terrain is often muddy, especially in the rainy season. Horseback rides are also available.
The sky is usually clearer in the morning; in the afternoon fog and rain often cover the palms.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours to the palm viewpoints; 5 to 6 hours for the full circuit.
Best time
Early in the morning, with a better chance of clear skies and fewer people. From December to March and June to August it tends to rain less. The valley gets crowded on weekends and holidays.
How to get there
Willys jeeps depart from Salento’s Plaza de Bolívar and take about 30 minutes to the village of Cocora, 11 km away. The first ones leave early in the morning; returns follow the same pattern.
Tip
Catch the first jeep of the morning and do the circuit starting with the forest section, leaving the palms for last when the light is best. Bring boots or shoes that can get wet, a raincoat, and cash for private access fees.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Valle de Cocora
How tall do the wax palms get?
The Quindío wax palm can exceed 50 meters in height. It is Colombia's national tree.
Which trail should you do in Cocora?
The short trail to the palm viewpoints takes 2 to 3 hours round trip. The full circuit, through the forest, the Acaime reserve and the viewpoints, takes 5 to 6 hours.
How do you get to the Valle de Cocora?
In the Willys jeeps that depart from the plaza in Salento, about 30 minutes, or by car via the 11 km road.