Attraction
Calle Real
The main street, with its colorful houses, is lined with artisan shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. It leads from the plaza to the ascent to the viewpoint.
Colombia
City
Salento is a village of 10,000 residents in Quindío Department, 45 minutes from Armenia. Visit for its colourful colonial houses on Calle Real, the coffee fincas, and as the hub for Jeeps to Valle de Cocora.
by Felix Gillen
Salento is a village of 10,000 residents in Quindío Department, 45 minutes from Armenia. Visit for its colourful colonial houses on Calle Real, the coffee fincas, and as the hub for Jeeps to Valle de Cocora. Its historic centre is UNESCO World Heritage, the Coffee Cultural Landscape.
More districts in
The Valle de Cocora is a high valley (1,800-2,400 m) in Departamento Quindío's coffee region, north of Salento, roughly 20-30 minutes by jeep from the village. You go for the Quindío wax palms, which stand in great numbers on the pastures here. The valley lies within the influence area of Los Nevados National Park, at the headwaters of the Río Quindío.
Sights in
Discover the most important sights and attractions
National Park
Cocora Valley
The valley with the wax palms is in the north of the town between 1,800 and 2,400 m. Willys Jeeps take you there from the Plaza in about 20 to 30 minutes.
City walks in
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Town Center and Alto de la Cruz Walk
The short circuit begins at Plaza de Bolívar, leads via Calle Real and the stairs to Alto de la Cruz and on to Mirador de Salento. The route is just under 1 km long; allow about an hour due to the climb. Those wishing to avoid the steps can take the road via Carrera 4.
Stops (5)
Restaurants in
American-style eatery with large pancakes, burgers, and freshly squeezed juices. Many travelers grab a packed lunch here for their hike in the Valle de Cocora.
Restaurant with homemade cuisine, vegetarian or with meat and fish. The daily special is very affordable.
Food & Drink in Salento
In Salento, cuisine focuses on mountain trout and coffee from nearby fincas. Many venues are on Calle Real and the main square.
Patacón with trout
Trout with a large, flattened Patacón is the town's most famous dish. During the Festival de la Trucha, over 35 restaurants in Salento, Cocora, and Boquía participate.
Trout al ajillo
Trout in garlic sauce, one of the most popular versions in the main square's eateries. Trout also comes grilled or with other sauces.
Farmhouse Cafe
On fincas near Salento like El Ocaso, you can learn about cultivation and processing. Longer tours include a tasting.
Oldest place in Quindío
Salento was founded in 1842 as a penal colony and is considered the oldest town in the Department, hence its nickname Municipio Padre del Quindío. Since 2011, its center has been part of the World Heritage site Paisaje Cultural Cafetero.The earthquake of August 10, 2026, damaged 166 houses, with no fatalities. According to the municipality, tourism continues without general restrictions.
Getting Here and Around
Bus: From Armenia in about 45 minutes, from Pereira in about an hour.Valle de Cocora: Jeeps (Willys) depart from the Plaza.Filandia: Jeeps in about 40 minutes, return trip best booked in advance.
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