Awesome Things To Do In Salento, Colombia

Salento is a must for anyone traveling across Colombia Cofee Axis (the so-called Eje Cafetero) and a perfect town to base yourself for exploring the region. Not only because it is a very beautiful, colorful town with a lot to experience, but also because there are numerous tours and trips you can take from here, such as a hike in the Cocora Valley, a day trip to Filandia, and much more!

Salento, located in the Quindio department and surrounded by majestic Andes mountains is the heart of the coffee triangle and its most popular town.

It surprised me how much I loved Salento. I am always skeptical when it comes to touristy destinations. It was my introduction to the coffee region of Colombia, and although it is one of the most popular destinations in the area, it had a wonderfully intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

I loved it so much that I extended my stay and spent 10 days in Salento. That may sound excessive but hear me out!

I found it to be a great base to catch up on this blog, relax, and enjoy this beautiful region of Colombia. There are just so many attractions and things to do in Salento! I went on day trips, took many walks, ate delicious food, listened to live music over a glass of wine, and often wondered with no goal in mind – just the kind of travel I love!

Salento itself is super charming! It has retained its colonial old-world architecture and charm with a traditional feel and a very laid-back Colombian vibe. It is also very safe, also for solo female travelers, and packed full of Colombian magic.

So if you are looking for this perfect base for your Colombia coffee region trip, I tell you why this charming town might be the perfect choice in this Salento travel guide!

What is the climate like in Salento and what to pack?

The answer to this question is very important and it’s crucial you arrive prepared.

Colombia’s weather varies more based on the location or altitude than the time of the year. Given that Colombia is located near the Equator the weather is similar all year long and you will experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of nighttime all year long. There is a so-called rainy/cloudy season in Colombia but it is not as prevalent as in some Asian regions for example.

So when traveling in Colombia you need to be prepared for all weather.

When traveling in Colombia’s highlands which have a temperate climate you need to be prepared for differences in temperature between day and night and more frequent rainfalls which is typical for mountain regions. You will typically experience around 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day and at night it will drop to around 15°C (61°F).

Be sure to pack a rain jacket and a warm sweater as well as good walking shoes especially if you are planning on hiking. Hiking trails can get muddy and slippery so hiking boots would be the best! Although I hiked in my Tevas haha.

Just before I arrived I also bought myself a pair of jeans but you could do with a good pair of leggings or hiking pants.

I loved the Salento climate and I happily welcomed it after spending a couple of months traveling along the tropical and humid Caribbean coast.

When to avoid visiting Salento?

Although Salento can be visited at any time of the year there are some things you should keep in mind.

Salento is a very popular weekend getaway among locals so it can get packed during weekends and national holidays. The town will have a completely different feel during the weekdays when it’s more peaceful so try to plan your visit so you arrive outside of the weekend or holidays.

How many days do you need to explore Salento, Colombia?

I suggest a minimum of 3 days if you want to hike the Cocora Valley and tour some traditional coffee fincas. But you could easily stay for a week in Salento and have something to do every single day.

The town itself can be easily explored in one day but the beauty of the town also lies in its surroundings. I recommend reserving a day for at least one day trip, be it to Filandia or nearby waterfalls, another day for a coffee finca visit, and another one for Cocora Valley.

I also suggest you be quite flexible as I wasn’t the only one I know who extended their stay! You can probably see now why I simply couldn’t let go of this town!

Awesome things to do in Salento, Colombia

Explore the colorful town of Salento

Many towns in the Colombian coffee region still have a very traditional feel and appearance. Men sitting in coffee shops wearing cowboy hats and sipping coffee from fancy china, colonial colorful buildings, and street food, all spiced up by ever-so-present Colombian music.

Salento is no different. A bit more touristy, but still super charming and so pretty!

Be sure to take a walk down the Callee Real, where many coffee shops and restaurants are located as well as many artisan and souvenir stores with some of the best artisan jewelry I have seen in a while. It was so hard for me to resist spending all my money there.

But Salento is more than just Calle Real. I liked the Plaza de Bolívar where the Willy Jeeps depart from and where you will find a few excellent fish restaurants as well as a couple of great cafes! You can also rent a bicycle if you wish!

Walk up the Mirador Alto De La Cruz

Walk some decent amount of stairs and enjoy a spectacular view of the town! There are actually a couple of viewpoints up there – el Mirador Alto De La Cruz and Miraduro de Salento. The first one is where the I Love Salento sign is and the second offers beautiful mountain views! Unmissable during the sunset!

It is very much worth claiming the stairs as apart from 2 different viewpoints you can also grab a coffee with a view or eat a delicious meal at Botánica!

Visit Coffee Finca

You can’t say you visited the Colombian coffee region if you didn’t witness the coffee-producing process in one of the traditional fincas.

There are plenty of them across the region, and Salento boasts at least four coffee farms worth visiting. You will learn about coffee growing and manufacturing processes, and of course, sample the best coffee.

You will be surprised to hear that good coffee is a rare treat in Colombia, especially outside the coffee region. The majority of Colombia’s best-quality beans are exported. Although good quality coffee is available in stores, most Colombians and coffee shops opt for the cheap brand. Hence usually, the coffee served on the street, in restaurants, and in hotels is of poor quality and often heavily sweetened to kill the sour taste. For the best coffee in Colombia, you will have to opt for a high-end coffee shop like Juan Valdes or travel to Coffee Axis 😉

Here are some of the most recommended fincas in Salento:

Enjoy delicious coffee in town

There are plenty of beautiful and charming cafes to choose from in Salento and in this town, the coffee is truly great! If you normally drink your coffee with milk, I suggest trying tinto (black coffee) at least once. I have learned to drink black coffee in Colombia and particularly enjoyed it in Salento as the coffee was simply excellent.

One of my favorite cafes was Jesus Martin Coffee Shop. It is located just off the main square and is a go-to place for the best coffee in town. Pop in also to La Casa Café Galería for a great vintage deco and delicious desserts! Café Quindío is locals’ favorite and a great place to get souvenirs too.

Visit spectacular Valle de Cocora

Visiting Cocora Valley is one of the best things to do in Salento and is often the main reason many travelers visit the town. And although it isn’t the only great thing about the region, it is undoubtedly one of the best.

Imagine a large valley surrounded by green mountains shrouded in clouds and right there – towering palm trees. Yes, palm trees in the mountains! If this wasn’t enough you might spot soaring condors too! But the best thing about Valle de Cocora is hiking!

If you are a hiker, take on the full 5-hour loop hike. It is one of the best hikes I have ever done, and I hiked in Madeira, which is hard to beat.

This spectacular trail will take you into the forest, jungle, rivers, farmland, and of course, the tallest palm trees in the world.

It takes, on average, 5 hours to complete the hike, which includes many stops for photos. It can be pretty challenging at times but totally doable. I have met a family of 3 generations on the trek, so if you are at least moderately fit, you will enjoy it!

But don’t worry if you are not up for a hike! Just arriving at Cocora Valley will take your breath away! You can simply walk up the small one-hour hike to the viewpoint, marvel at the views, and observe the flying condors. Yes, you heard it right!

Hike to the Santa Rita waterfall

Unfortunately, this is one hike I missed while I stayed in Salento but I guess it’s a good reason to come back! But if you haven’t had enough hiking, the Santa Rita Waterfalls hike is apparently one of the best hikes in the region. 

You can either book a tour or hike it independently. To get there you will have to travel to Finca Santa Rita where you will pay  7,000 COP entrance as the waterfall is located on the private property.

The hike is between 1.5 to 5km long depending on how many waterfalls you want to see. It’s a lovely hike and dont forget your swimming costume!

Have a warming aguapanela

Tired and a bit cold after all the hiking?

I was freezing when I came back from Cocora. It started raining, I had to wait for a jeep (and I didn’t have my jacket) and a ride in an open jeep didn’t help. The warm aquapanela on my return to Salento was exactly what I needed!

I am not a fan of sugary drinks, yet this was a godsend on that particular day. Colombians love their aguapanela. 

Aguapanela or agua de panela is a traditional and popular Colombian drink. It is made from panela (unrefined sugarcane), boiled at a high temperature, and then crystallized. This is added to hot water, often served with lemon and a piece of cheese on a side. It is kind of a Colombian tea drink. Great after a long day hiking 🙂

And eat fresh trout

Hungry? No problem, Salento is the culinary capital of the Coffee Region.

Here you will not only drink the best coffee but also eat the freshest trout. A grilled trout is extra delicious. Usually served with rice and patacones, trout is a signature dish of the region.

If you want to truly explore Salento’s culinary scene here are some of my favorite restaurants:

Try Obleas with arequipe

And while we are talking about food – you need to try obleas with arequipe. 

Salento was also the first place I tried Arequipe. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t have a particularly sweet tooth, but something about Salento and the surrounding area made me crave sweets. So I tried the obleas (round waffles) filled with arequipe (Dulce de leche, which literally means “candy made from milk).

I will just say one thing – If you never try arequipe in your life, your life will not be complete. 

Many coffee shops also serve a carrot cake to die for!

Take a day trip to magical Filandia

I loved Filandia! It is one of the most charming towns I have visited in Colombia. Not only it is extra colorful, full of awesome artisan shops, and surrounded by incredible mountain views, but it also boasts some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in the area.

Make sure you take a day trip to Filandia during your stay in Salento, and when there, you cannot miss lunch in the restaurant Helena Adentro. The trout there was incredible, but all the items on the menu looked fantastic, and this restaurant is now one of the most famous in the coffee region of Colombia. 

One of the best things about visiting Filandia from Salento is getting there! You have to take a ride in the iconic Colombian Willy Jeep!

Willy Jeep is not only a symbolic vehicle of the Colombian coffee region but it has also been recognized as an official Colombian Cultural Heritage.

Willy jeeps were Used by the American Army during the Second World War. After the war, they started selling them at a very attractive price in developing countries, including Colombia. The first Willys appeared in Colombia in 1946. Colombian farmers and cafeteros appreciated them for their power and maneuverability and were used to transport goods, animals, and passengers. The fully loaded jeeps hold the name of ‘Yipao’ (and the cargo is pretty impressive) and are also often called ‘mulas mecánicas’ (mechanical mules).

Visit the Artisan Village (Aldea de Los Artisanos)

This is totally off-the-beaten-track thing to do in Salento and it is crazy that no one is talking about this place. I was lucky enough that I had been told about it by the owner of my hostel.

Aldea de Los Artisanos (The Artisan Village) is a small community located 10 minutes walk out of the town of Salento. You can learn how artisans create their craft and buy some great handmade jewelry and artisan goods. But there is absolutely no pressure to purchase anything. 

Those guys will be more than happy to show you around, and all their workshops and displays are held in their homes. This was a great experience, and as much as I resisted purchasing souvenirs in the town, I bought a necklace in one of the shops there, not only because it was beautiful but also because I wanted to support the local artists. 

The artisan town is beautifully set within the valleys and mountains of Salento, and the whole trip could be made in an hour. Please put it on your list!

Go bike riding or rent a quad bike

I was surprised to see many travelers coming to Salento specifically to take a mountain bike tour. It turned out that there are many trails suitable for off-road bike riding, so if this is something you love, do it in Salento.

You can also rent a quad bike (only available with the guide) and take an off-road tour of the surrounding area. It is indeed a great way to explore this wonderful region.

Or try horseback riding

Horseback riding is very popular in the area of Salento, and the great news is that you can take a ride around Salento trails but also enjoy the Cocora Valley from a horse saddle. I am scared of horses. Yes I know, maybe one day I will face the fear. But Salento wasn’t that place. But many travelers say it is truly one of the best things to do in Salento.

Play the game of Tejo 

This game is pretty explosive in the literal meaning of the word!

It is played by throwing a metal disc (Tejo) at a target situated in a clay-covered box. The goal is to hit a metal ring, known as the “bocin,” that is placed in the center of the clay. Around the bocin are small paper envelopes filled with gunpowder called “mechas.” When the Tejo hits a mecha directly, it causes a loud explosion, which is one of the most exciting aspects of the game.

Tejo is a traditional Colombian national sport with deep roots in the country’s culture, and dates back hundreds of years, originating from the indigenous people of central Colombia, like the Muisca. The best place to play Tejo in Salento is Los Amigos Bar on Calle Real.

Have a glass of wine and listen to live music in Cafe de Alma

In the evening, head to Cafe de Alma and relax while pondering over your daily adventures. The service and staff in this place are top-class. They have live music most of the night and are very nice and reasonably priced (for Colombian standards) red wine.

I loved ending my day there. It is nicely located at the bottom of the viewpoint and a great spot for people-watching.

Where to stay in Salento, Colombia?

Colombia is a great country to travel on a budget and it boasts wonderful hostels and Salento is no different.

I stayed in Casa la Eliana, and I really enjoyed my stay. I actually booked a private room to give myself some ‘me-time’ and get work done. This hostel is lovely, with a great kitchen, outside garden, and friendly staff. I heard only great things about Viajero Hostel.

Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel is very popular among travelers and it’s beautifully located. If I ever return to Salento – I will definitely check it out!

If you are looking for a nice hotel in Salento you should take a look at Terrazas de Salento or Hotel Casa Quinta Salento if you are looking for a more affordable option.

Ecohotel Piedemonte is an excellent choice if you are looking for a retreat in the countryside. Stunning!

How to get to Salento?

The easiest way to get to Salento is by bus from Armenia or Pereira. It takes less than an hour to get to Salento from both cities but Armenia is a bit closer. There are direct buses to Armenia and Pereira from Medellin and Bogota.

If you are traveling from Jardin you will have to get to Rio Sucio first then to Armenia.

You can also fly to Armenia from all major cities in Colombia.

Is Salento Colombia safe for solo travelers?

Salento is one of the safest towns in Colombia and in fact, the whole coffee region of Colombia is a solo travelers paradise. Plenty of social hostels, kind people, safe evening walks, and even solo hikes – I felt really safe traveling on my own in Salento. Of course, nowhere is ever completely safe, especially if you don’t follow common sense and typical safety tips.

But you will feel very comfortable traveling alone around this part of Colombia!

Exploring more of Colombia’s Coffee region? Check out my complete guides to other wonderful towns like Filandia or Jardin and also in this post you will find everything you need to know before you travel to Zona Cafetra Colombia!