Where is Salento?
Salento is a small town in Quindío, in Colombia's coffee region. The nearest cities are Armenia, about an hour away by road, and Pereira. Both have an airport and a bus terminal.
Step by step
From the city to the wax palms.
How do I get to Salento from Armenia?
Buses to Salento leave Armenia's bus terminal all day and take about an hour. You can also take a taxi: a driver guests often use is Don Fernando, +57 316 616 4999. He is an independent driver, so agree the fare and pick-up point with him directly.
How do I get to Salento from Pereira?
There are direct buses from Pereira's bus terminal, with fewer departures than from Armenia. The trip takes between an hour and a half and two hours. If no direct bus leaves soon, take a bus to Armenia and change there.
How do I get to Salento from Medellín?
There are direct buses from Medellín to Salento and the trip takes around seven hours. If the direct bus is full, travel to Pereira or Armenia and continue from there. Check current times before you travel.
How do I get to Salento from Bogotá?
By bus you travel to Armenia first, a long ride of eight hours or more depending on traffic. By plane you land in Armenia (El Edén airport) or Pereira (Matecaña airport) and continue to Salento by bus or taxi.
How do I get from Salento's square to the hostel?
Hilltop Salento is at Calle 7 #8-20, two blocks from the main square. It is a walk of a couple of minutes.
How do I get from Salento to the Cocora Valley?
Willys jeeps leave from Salento's main square and take 20 to 30 minutes to reach Cocora. They start early in the morning and leave as they fill up; there is nothing to book. The last jeep back is usually mid-afternoon: ask the time in the square before you go.
How long is the Cocora Valley hike?
There are two ways to do it. The full loop goes through the cloud forest and past the hummingbird house and ends among the wax palms; most people take five to six hours. The short walk goes straight to the palms and takes one to two hours there and back.
What should I bring to the Cocora Valley?
Shoes with good grip or boots, because the trail is often muddy. A rain jacket, water, sunscreen and cash: there are entrance fees on the trail. Start early; rain and cloud are more likely in the afternoon.
What are the check-in times at Hilltop Salento?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:00 and check-out from 10:30 to 11:00. There is no early check-in. Every guest must show a valid original ID.
Coming to Salento?
Message us and we will help with the route, transport from Armenia and the trip to Cocora. Hilltop Salento is two blocks from the square where the jeeps leave.