Cocora Valley: Home of the Wax Palm

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Hike among the world's tallest palm trees in this iconic Colombian landscape near Salento, offering trails for all levels of adventurers.

The Cocora Valley, near Salento, Colombia, is famed for its unique landscape of rolling green hills dotted with towering wax palm trees, the tallest palm species in the world. As part of Los Nevados National Natural Park, it offers hiking trails through stunning scenery.

A brief summary to Cocora Valley

Vía al Valle de Cocora, Km 11, Salento, Quindio, CO
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cocora Valley.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and potential afternoon showers, especially on weekends.
Wear appropriate footwear, as trails can be muddy, especially during the rainy season.
Bring cash for entrance fees, which are required at different points along the trails.
Consider hiking the loop clockwise to see the palm forest first, as the valley often clouds over by midday.
Pack snacks and water, as there are limited options for purchasing food and drinks within the valley.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The most common way to reach Cocora Valley is by taking a "Willy" jeep from the main square (Plaza de Bolivar) in Salento. These shared jeeps depart frequently throughout the day, typically leaving when full. A round-trip ticket costs approximately COP 10,000 per person. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes on a bumpy ride, dropping you off near the trailhead.
Walking

From the Willy drop-off point, the hiking trails begin. To reach the shorter trail through El Bosque de Las Palmas (the wax palm forest), walk up the road from where the jeeps drop you off. For the longer loop, walk through the blue gate on your right-hand side. Remember to bring cash for entrance fees to the different trails.

Discover more about Cocora Valley

Cocora Valley, a highlight of Colombia's Coffee Triangle, is renowned for its surreal landscape dominated by the Quindío wax palm, the country's national tree and the world's tallest palm. These slender trees, reaching up to 200 feet, create a striking contrast against the lush green hills and frequent low-hanging clouds.The valley offers several hiking options, from shorter routes through the iconic wax palm forests to longer loops that meander through cloud forests and farmlands. The most popular loop trail is approximately 12 km and takes 4-5 hours to complete, presenting moderate challenges with some rickety bridges. Another option is a shorter, easier out-and-back trail that focuses on the most scenic palm grove. For a more challenging experience, the Cerro Morrogacho trail offers a climb through cloud forest to a high summit, though it doesn't pass directly through the palm forest.Visitors can also explore the valley on horseback, offering a different perspective of the landscape. Birdwatchers can visit the Acaime Hummingbird Sanctuary, a detour off the main trails, to observe a variety of hummingbird species. The valley's climate is generally mild, but rain is common, so appropriate gear is recommended. Starting the hike early helps to avoid crowds and potential afternoon showers.