Introduction
Salento is a colorful town in the Colombian department of Putumayo. It’s known as the “coffee capital” of Colombia, and its well-deserved praise: Salento produces some of the country’s best coffee. If you’re looking for an offbeat destination that has its brand of charm and doesn’t get enough attention from tourists (yet), then Salento is for you!
Why is Salento so special?
Salento is a small town located in the Cauca Department, a region of Colombia known for its coffee cultivation. With its colorful buildings and bustling streets, Salento has become a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the best of Colombia’s culture.
Artists from around the country flock here for inspiration. They come to see artists at work and sometimes try their hand themselves! There are several art studios where you can witness artists painting murals on walls or creating sculptures out of recycled materials. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to take photos with street performers who offer their services on almost every corner!
Cafe Town
- Salento is a coffee town. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia.
- Salento is home to dozens of cafes, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee with locals over lively conversations about politics art, and culture. If you’re looking for something more laid back, head to one of several open-air parks where families gather to play dominoes or cards while children run around playing hide and seek (in Spanish, it’s called escondite).
- Salento attracts both backpackers and students who come here to enroll in Spanish language classes at local universities such as IES Internacional de Salento or Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL). Many students also take advantage of low-cost options like homestays or even rent apartments to save money so they can spend it on sightseeing activities or going out at night.
- If you’re an adventure traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination with amazing food, culture, and scenery then this place might be just what you’re looking for!
1. Step onto the World’s Largest Wax Palm Forest
- Step onto the world’s largest wax palm forest.
Salento, Colombia is home to the world’s largest wax palm. It is home to over 260,000 of these amazing trees that grow up to 40 meters tall! This tree species can be found only in Colombia and is a symbol of their culture.
2. Behold the Cocora Valley
The nearby Cocora Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the native people of the region, the Kogi. It’s also where you’ll find one of Colombia’s most fascinating natural wonders: El Cerro de La Vieja, or “Old Lady.” This massive volcano looms above the town at an elevation of 11,000 feet (3,350 meters). With its towering peaks and trails winding through clouds, it makes for an unforgettable afternoon hike.
If you’ve got time for more than just one day trip out from Salento, consider visiting another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Minca. This small town sits near Colombia’s Caribbean coast; it’s known for its spectacular scenery and outdoor activities such as zip-lining across rainforests or hiking up nearby mountains (again with stunning views).
3. Visit a Coffee Farm
- Visit a coffee farm to experience fascinating coffee.
The process of growing picking, and roasting coffee is fascinating to learn about. If you’re visiting during the harvest season (October to January), you can take part in the harvest yourself and learn first-hand how it all works. Or if you want to get a little more background on Colombian coffee culture, try going for a tour of an older plantation or visit one of Colombia’s many museums that teach about how this beverage came to be so integral to Colombia’s history, economy and culture.
4. Take a Scenic Drive to Valle de Cocora
If you want to get away from the city, head up into Valle de Cocora. It’s a small town in Quindio with a population of about 2,000 people, but it’s also one of Colombia’s most popular destinations. The valley itself is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia (the other being Tayrona National Park).
The main reason why people visit Valle de Cocora is to hike through its many paths and trails. There are plenty of places where you can stop along your way just so that you can take some pictures or marvel at how beautiful this place is! If you prefer not to walk on your own feet while visiting this colorful corner of Colombia then there are also horseback riding tours available as well!
5. Get Outdoors and Hike and Climb in Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados
- Hike to the top of the Nevado Del Ruiz.
- Climb the Nevado Del Tolima.
- Climb the Nevado Del Quindio.
- Climb the Nevado Del Chicamocha.
- Climb the Nevado Del Cocuy.
Color Town
- Salento is a colorful town.
Salento, Colombia’s coffee town, is located in the southwest of Colombia and has become famous for its vibrant colors and cultural heritage. Home to more than 100 festivals during the year, including one dedicated to local musicians and music fans called “Festival de Musica”, Salento offers visitors a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
- Colombia is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.
Colombia is known for its diverse eco-region with mountains up to 6,400 meters above sea level, plains at 2,000 meters above sea level, and jungle at 1,200 meters above sea level! There are several national parks where you can explore nature from an eco-tourism perspective: Parque Natural Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, and Amazonas National Park just to name but a few!
Conclusion
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Salento, Colombia. It makes for a great day trip from Bogota or Medellin and will take you on an adventure through time, showcasing traditional indigenous communities and history, as well as stunning natural beauty.
