The small, charming village of Salento was one of my absolute favorite places during my trip to Colombia. Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, it boasts colorful houses, cozy cafés, and quaint souvenir shops, all contributing to an idyllic atmosphere. If you’re looking for a peaceful mountain retreat where you can enjoy excellent coffee and embark on amazing adventures into Colombia’s lush nature, Salento is the perfect spot. In this 2-Day Salento itinerary, you’ll find out what to do in Salento, where to stay, and much more.
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How many days in Salento are enough?
With just 10,000 residents, Salento is quite small, and unlike larger cities like Medellín or Bogotá, you can see the entire town in just one day. However, thanks to its location amid beautiful coffee plantations and its proximity to the famous Cocora Valley, spending 2-3 days in Salento is ideal. If you plan to visit a coffee plantation, hike in the Cocora Valley, or go on a horseback riding tour while still wanting to have time to stroll through the town at a relaxed pace, I recommend staying at least two days. If you have more time for your Colombia trip, three days is perfect, but anything beyond that may not be necessary to get a good feel for the area.
How to get to Salento?
From Medellín: If you’re coming from Medellín, you have two options. The first is to hop on a 1-hour flight to either Pereira or Armenia and then continue the journey with a short bus ride. Flights are available for around $30 -70 (might not include luggage). The 40-minute bus rides from either Pereira or Armenia cost around $2-3. If you’re aiming for a more comfortable ride, you can also choose to take a taxi from the airport to Salento. The other option is to take the bus directly from Medellín to Salento. The bus company is Flota Occidental, and you can buy tickets in advance via busbud. The bus takes around 6 hours, and the ticket price is $18.
From Bogotá: Arriving from Bogotá you must make your way to Armenia first. Therefore, you can either hop on 1-hour flight or take the bus (about 8 hours). Flights cost around $30-60 (might not include luggage), and bus tickets around $15. From Armenia you can take the local bus to Salento ($2-3), or a private taxi. Another option is to fly to Pereira ($30-50) and take a 30-minute bus ride to Salento (($2-3). Make sure to compare prices for both airports before choosing, as it makes no difference whether you’re taking the bus from Pereira or Armenia to Salento.
Where to stay in Salento?
Budget: IntiLuna Hostel
Mid-range: Hotel Salento Real Eje Cafetero
Luxury: Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat
2-Day Salento Itinerary: What to do in Salento
In this Salento itinerary, I will guide you through the perfect 2 days in Salento and its surroundings. Get ready for exploring lush landscapes, drinking the best coffee you’ve ever had, and strolling through one of the best towns in Colombia.
Day 1: Cocora Valley and Strolling through Salento
On day one of this 2-day Salento itinerary, I would recommend starting your day with one of the most popular activities: hiking the Cocora Valley. Later that day, you can explore the cute little village, have a nice dinner, and maybe buy some souvenirs.
Morning & Early Afternoon: Hiking Cocora Valley
Just a few kilometers from Salento, the Cocora Valley is an essential stop on any trip to Colombia. Known for its towering palm trees set against a rolling mountain landscape, the valley offers some of the best photo opportunities you can find. Every hour, jeeps depart from the Plaza de Bolívar to shuttle tourists to the palm-filled valley, with tickets available for COP $5000 (one way) at a small booth on the plaza.
As soon as you arrive at the parking area, you’re surrounded by the impressive wax palms, which live up to their name, stretching as high as 45 to 60 meters into the sky—simply incredible! The Cocora Valley offers several hiking trails, and we opted for the most popular one. This shorter loop covers all the iconic photo spots and is an easy 2-3 hour walk along a well-maintained path, making it perfect for casual hikers. See the photo below for the hiking route. Along the way, you’ll often spot cows or sheep grazing peacefully. At the end of the hike, there’s a cozy café where you can enjoy a slice of cake while soaking in the stunning scenery. It’s a beautiful, family-friendly outing suitable for everyone, not just experienced hikers!
Late Afternoon & Evening: Exploring Salento
Salento is a small town, and most of the restaurants, cafés, and shops are located along the main street, Calle Real (Carrera 6), which runs right through the center. I recommend taking a leisurely stroll down this street, soaking in the atmosphere, and letting yourself explore at your own pace. You’re bound to find a lovely spot for dinner or a shop with the perfect souvenir.
A fun way to connect with locals and get a deeper sense of life in Salento is by playing a round of Tejo, a traditional Colombian game. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and experience local culture firsthand. Tejo is a local game where you throw a puck at small packs of gunpowder embedded in a soft, mud-like material. If your puck hits a pack and it explodes, you score a point! Los Amigos bar is one of the best places to play Tejo in Salento.
Day 2: Horseback Riding, Visiting a Coffee Farm, or Hot Springs
For the second day in Salento, you can either choose to explore more of Salento’s stunning landscapes on the back of a horse, or during a coffee farm tour. The third option would be to unwind at the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs.
Option 1: Horseback Riding Tour
Few places in Colombia rival Salento for horseback riding. Its gently rolling hills, vibrant green scenery, and breathtaking views create the perfect setting for an unforgettable ride. Cabalgatas San Pablo offers tours twice daily, at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, each lasting around three hours. The cost is 90,000 Colombian Pesos per person (about 22 USD). The best way to secure your spot is to visit Oscar and Giselle’s home in person. I dropped by the day before my tour, and everything went smoothly. You can choose to either leave a deposit or pay the full amount in cash.
My horseback riding experience with Cabalgatas San Pablo was nothing short of remarkable – from the stunning landscapes to Oscar and Giselle’s warm hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, this tour strikes the perfect balance between adventure, relaxation, and enjoyment. If you’re visiting Salento and want a truly authentic horseback riding adventure, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss!
Option 2: Coffee Farm Experience
You cannot leave Colombia without having experienced the country’s coffee culture and coffee making process. On this coffee farm tour you will visit Luger, home to one of Colombia’s most celebrated coffee farms. Enjoy a guided tour through the coffee plantations, exploring the lush, steep hills of the Coffee Region. Along the way, you’ll learn about the meticulous process of planting, harvesting, and selecting the finest beans that have made this brand famous around the world. An unforgettable experience!
Option 3: Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs
Santa Rosa de Cabal is a charming town located near Salento, and thanks to its proximity to the Cocora Valley, it’s part of the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia. On this Santa Rosa de Cabal trip, you will be picked up at your hotel in Salento. Once arrived in Santa Rosa de Cabal, you can try the town’s most famous dish: chorizo santarrosano. After a brief walk through the mountains, you’ll arrive at the first hot spring, where a small waterfall feeds into several thermal pools, each offering different temperatures.
A short hike will take you to the second hot spring, located at the base of another waterfall. The minerals found in these thermal waters are known for their detoxifying properties and benefits to circulation and oxygen flow. And of course, the main reason to take this tour is to soak in the hot springs themselves. The perfect activity after a day of hiking in the Cocora Valley.
Final Words on this 2-Day Salento Itinerary
In my opinion, Salento is a must-visit on any trip to Colombia. It offers an authentic experience of the country’s natural beauty and the warmth of its locals. Unlike the bustling cities of Medellín and Bogotá, Salento gives you a sense of peace and serenity. And, compared to Cartagena, you don’t feel like people are constantly trying to sell you something. You’re left in peace to explore the town and its surroundings at your own pace. Of course, the picture-perfect scenery and opportunities to buy authentic souvenirs are a bonus. I hope that many other travelers to Colombia will come to appreciate this charming town and create unforgettable memories here, just as I did.
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