Salento, Valle de Cocora Palms and the Coffee Region

Stunning countryside to say the least. Salento did not disappoint. The bus ride alone was stunning through the mountains of the coffee region.

Arriving in Salento, myself and a another couple stayed at a beautiful hostel called La Serrana. It was set in the most beautiful scenery high up in a valley with mountains all around. I could have easily stayed a few extra days, but now I was on a bit of a timeline since I’d changed my flight home.

Valle de Cocora

Valle de Cocora is one of the top sights in Salento. It’s worth donning a pair of rubber boots (wellys, gumboots) for the trek because it can get muddy. Due to my sea urchin spike in the top of my foot I decided to just do the short trek because I knew in covered shoes I’d be in pain. The others did a loop around Valle de Cocora and it was beautiful. On my route I was meant to just see the gigantic palm trees.

That being said, I think I didn’t take a turn that I should have. My path was very muddy and had a lot of bush, rivers and a few palms. It was still pretty – reminded me of New Zealand’s bush.

I still saw a decent amount of palm trees so all was not lost. I wish I’d gone for the full loop, I may have been able to manage it with my knee injury and foot, but it was too hard to tell beforehand.

Coffee Tour

When you’re in the coffee region of Colombia you kinda have to visit a coffee farm and do a tour. We learnt about the whole process, from planting, picking, processing, roasting to even making the best cup of coffee!

It was great fun and I learnt a lot. I’ve purchased a bit of coffee, so fingers crossed that NZ Customs and MAF let it come through!

Salento was a lovely trip and I thank all the people that recommended it to me! It was so green and peaceful.