Welcome to Salento, a small village full of colours in the heart of the Colombian Coffee Region. We set off to discover the Quindío region to see what this well-known town and its neighbouring wax palm valley (Valle de Cocora) has to offer. That’s why its so special!
After leaving Jardin in the morning, around 7 hours later and three bus changes, we’ve finally arrived at our destination. At a first glimpse, the colours, paintings and little balconies made us think back at where we were sometime ago; even the mountains that are completely surrounding the town are unbelievably similar! (read our post on How to Get from Jardin to Salento). Some asphalt roads, some dirt roads: all in all having a stroll around town is quite pleasant.
The main park and the town’s church
From one side of the main plaza you can get to the Calle 6 a.k.a Calle Real, the most touristy and well preserved street, from an architectural standpoint, of Salento. Even though its full of restaurants, hostels, shops and much more walking it is a must! Also because if you manage to get at the end of it a surprise will be waiting! The mirador Alto de la Cruz situated at the end of this street can be reached by walking up around 200 stairs from which you can enjoy bird’s eye views of town and surroundings.
Calle Real on a “not-so–busy” day
View from the Mirador
If you prefer having a small appetiser on what you’ll see in Valle the Cocora, make sure to head to the Ecoparque el Mirador, a kind of long balcony connected to the other mirador by a short nature path.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
VALLE DE COCORA
From the main plaza, every half-hour (or less sometimes) there are daily jeeps heading to the Valle de Cocora. After having crossed through trout farms and wide farmlands, you’ll be able to hike yourself one of the two paths heading to the famous Wax Palm Wood: the place where to see the highest palms in the world! Bucket list alert! Make sure to read our Complete Guide to Hike Cocora Valley!
The jeeps parked in the main plaza
The incredible palms of Cocora Valley
LOCAL GASTRONOMY
Have we not mention yet the famous trout? Yep, this typical local dish is the best you can get here, especially if you wanna taste it cooked in a thousand different way. If you wanna try it but still stay on the cheap head to the Restaurant Sabor Casero, located down the Calle 5, just a block from the main plaza. There you can get the daily menu with trout at just 8000COP. What a dish!
A SWEET FINAL
And as if the trout is not enough, you need to try the oblea, a kind of huge hard pancake that can be filled with blackberry jam and arequipe (something like a milk-based caramel). You will not regret it! So tasty!
At least plan to spend a couple of days here, otherwise, how could you try all the great food this place has…ehm… we meant activities..?
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