Explore Salento and the iconic wax palms of Cocora Valley on a private half-day tour with a 30-minute horseback option. Expect cloud-forest trails, sweeping views of Los Nevados, and local coffee-culture flavor.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A damp mountain breeze greets you as the van drops you onto Salento’s cobbled high street, where paint-bright houses lean toward the plaza and the Andes unspool behind them. Within an hour you’re in the Cocora Valley, under a sky threaded with cloud forest—tall wax palms rise like weathered columns, their fronds turning slowly as if watching the valley breathe.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to handle 1–3 hours of walking on uneven, sometimes steep trails; horseback option reduces exertion.
Wildlife
History
Salento grew as a 19th-century coffee town tied to the Paisa colonization of the upper Andes; Cocora Valley forms part of Los Nevados Park and preserves the national wax palm.
Conservation
The wax palm is protected—stay on trails, avoid touching or cutting palms, support local guides and small coffee farms that practice sustainable land use.
Reserve your spot on the Private Tour in Cocora Valley plus Horseback Riding today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures vary quickly in the valley—pack a lightweight waterproof shell over insulating layers.
Footwear matters
Trails are muddy and uneven; wear sturdy hiking shoes or ankle-support boots for the walk and stable soles for horseback mounting.
Hydrate and snack
Carry 1–2 liters of water and a high-energy snack—there are no services on the main valley trails.
Timing for views
Plan for mid-morning to early afternoon to reduce the chance of heavy clouds and afternoon rain obscuring vistas.
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against frequent mountain drizzle and wind in the valley.
Sturdy hiking shoes or ankle boots
Provides traction on muddy, rooty trails and stability for mounting horses.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Staying hydrated at altitude prevents fatigue and headaches.
Binoculars or camera with zoom
Useful for birdwatching and capturing distant wax palms and valley panoramas.