Hiking Cocora Valley, Colombia: The World’s Tallest Palm Trees

Are you planning on hiking Cocora Valley (Valle del Cocora) in Salento, Colombia? Read our guide below for everything that you need to know to hike this incredibly unique spot amongst the world’s tallest palm trees!

There are so many amazing things to do around the colourful town of Salento, Colombia (read all about our top 10 here). But, hiking Cocora Valley is usually number one on most people’s lists. In fact, many people visit Salento due to its close proximity to the Cocora Valley. Salento to Cocora Valley is one of the most popular things to do in Colombia. It really is a must-see destination for nature lovers and really just about everyone and offers one of the best trekking experiences in the country. You can opt to discover this natural spot on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback.

How to get to the Cocora Valley?

Travelling from Salento to Cocora Valley is pretty easy and straightforward. Just head into the main square in Salento where you will see a whole load of colourful ‘Willy Jeeps’ just waiting to take you to the Cocora Valley.

The Jeeps operate on a timetable and leave at least once per hour. The timetable does, however, change regularly. So just make sure that you check with your hotel or at the ticket booth in the square what time they will be leaving. Despite the timetable they do also they’re full (in both directions), so even if you miss a given departure time, you might not have to wait that long. Visiting the Cocora Valley is the most popular thing to do in Salento, so there are always plenty of people waiting to go from Salento to Cocora Valley and therefore the Jeeps leave pretty quickly. 

The cost for a shared ride from Salento to Cocora Valley is 4000 pesos. If you don’t want to wait for the next one or if you’d prefer a private transfer, you can organise your own Willy ride but it will cost a lot more (around 35,000 pesos).

To return to Salento from Cocora Valley, you will find the jeeps in the same spot leaving every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Travelling by a Willy Jeep is also quite an, um, experience! The Jeeps can ‘technically’ hold seven people seated, but, the drivers will happily pack in at least 11 people to make their money’s worth. This means that if you’re one of the last few to squeeze onto the jeep or if the driver thinks that you look strong, you’ll be standing on a platform at the back of the car holding on for dear life as it rides along the rocky roads! Chris had the pleasure of experiencing this on our journey from Salento to Cocora Valley and it isn’t something he’ll forget in a long time!

Hiking the Cocora Valley

There are two main routes around the Cocora Valley. The easy or the hard way. The longer Cocora Valley trail is the main hike which takes you around the whole valley. You can opt to do this one clockwise, and the counterclockwise trail.

The short way

Distance | Round trip is around 2.5 km

Time | 60-90 minutes

Difficulty | Nice and easy (even in the mud)

If you’re only in Salento for a short time or if you would prefer to spend all of your time in the  Valle de Cocora amongst the palm trees then fear not, this option is for you! Simply head straight for the palm trees! 

To take this option, when you get off of the Willy Jeep walk straight along the dirt track. Do NOT pass through the blue gates or go down the path to the right. Follow the clearly marked trail for around 1km and you will come to a clearing dotted with palm trees. You’ll know that you have found the right spot. You can then spend however long you like taking in the incredible scenery and enjoying your time in the Cocora Valley.

The long way

Distance | Round trip is around 15 km

Time | 5-6 hours to complete the loop

Difficulty | Moderate – Difficult (in parts, with the mud)

This is the trail that we opted for, it’s the one where you get to see the most however, it is definitely also the hardest option. Luckily you’re rewarded with an incredible view at the end of it. The hike is 12 KM long with an optional extra 4 KM and takes about 5-6  hours. When planning you’re hike, ensure that you have allowed yourself enough time to take in the incredible views throughout the hike of the Cocora Valley.

We opted to trek this trail anti-clockwise so that we were rewarded with incredible views at the end of our trail instead of the beginning. If you do this then you start by seeing the palm trees in the distance and end up amongst them at one of the most famous photo spots. As well as the more touristy area 

To do this, when you’re dropped off, turn left down a mud trail instead of going straight on for the short trail. There are 2 entrance fees for the longer trail, one at 5000 COP and one at 6000 COP (approx £2-£2.30 in total).

If you don’t fancy a long hike then you can opt to just see the palms, this trail takes you around 1hr. The longer hike takes you across multiple bridges, lakes and beautiful lush vegetation. It’s also super muddy, so be prepared!

Hiking alternative in Cocora Valley

We don’t recommend this option but, for those more comfortable on four legs rather than two, you can go horseback riding throughout Valle de Cocora. On arrival, you will find a number of locals who want to rent you a horse – however, unfortunately, not all of the horses are looked after here and throughout Central and South America something that becomes very clear after a moment looking over the horse.

In order to avoid this issue as well as possible, you can arrange horse rides in town where you can speak with your accommodation about a recommended company before visiting Cocora Valley, then once you arrive, also check on the condition of the horse before getting on it to be sure that you feel comfortable with the hoses welfare.

Planning a visit to Salento and the Cocora Valley? Read our guide on all things Salento!

Where to stay in Salento?

Despite it being a small town there are plenty of options to stay when visiting Salento. You first need to decide if you want to stay within the town or up in the hills surrounding it. Both have pros and cons and for us, it really came down to what our priorities were and this was seeing the palm trees and experiencing the town.

Soa Hostel

Due to the above, we opted to stay in Soa Hostel. It’s right on the main street so it was the perfect location for us. It definitely wasn’t the most luxurious place that we have ever stayed. However, it was cheap, in a great location and had a lovely little chill-out spot so suited us perfectly. Privates cost £25 and a dorm bed costs £7 per night.

You can book a stay in Soa Hostel here.

Coffee Tree Hostel

If you are looking for something a bit more luxurious (but, still budget-friendly) with incredible views then Coffee Tree Hostel is the one for you. Prices vary from £46 for a private and £12 for a dorm room.

You can book a stay in Coffee Tree Hostel here.

How to get to Salento

From Armenia

Minibuses run to and from Armenia every 20 minutes between the hours of 5.20 a.m. and 8 p.m. The bus only takes 45 minutes so this is definitely the shortest journey. This option costs 4500 COP per person. Just note that the bus passes through town, via the plaza before leaving Salento via the Transport Office.

From Medellin

There are four express vans per day from Terminal del Sur in Medellin with Flota Occidental (47,000 COP, seven hours), departing at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Vans leave from Salento Transport Office to Medellin at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. 

From Bogota

There are no direct buses from Bogota to Salento. Instead, you will need to take a bus from Bogota’s Terminal De Transporte Salitre to Armenia and change. It appears that only one company is operating the Bogota-Armenia route (Boliviariano) with departure times at 8 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 8.45 p.m., 9.15 p.m. and 9.45 p.m. This journey takes around 9 hours and costs 45,000 to 50,000 COP. Then, follow the above directions for onward travel from Armenia to Salento.

Travelling to Colombia? Read our ultimate Colombia Travel Guide here to plan your trip to Colombia.