Table of Contents
The City of Salento
Salento is a colorful and lively town that perfectly captures the essence of the Colombia countryside. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and friendly locals create an inviting atmosphere.
Over the years, Salento Colombia has grown in popularity, attracting travelers from all over the world who come to experience its unique charm and natural beauty.
Despite the increase in tourism, the town has managed to maintain its authentic vibe, with local markets, artisan shops, and vibrant festivals. The best restaurants in Salento are found along the main streets, offering everything from traditional Colombian food to international cuisine.
This blend of old and new makes Salento Colombia a must-see for anyone exploring the Colombia countryside.
Weather in Salento: What to Expect
The weather in Salento Colombia is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
The region experiences a rainy season typically from April to November, so packing accordingly is essential. Despite the rain, the landscape remains lush and vibrant, making it a beautiful time to visit for nature lovers.
Dry season visitors, from December to March, enjoy sunnier days perfect for outdoor activities in the Valle del Cocora and around Salento. If you are planning hikes or coffee tours, always check the local forecast, as weather in Salento can change quickly.Text full inline
Salento to Medellin: How to Travel Between Cities
Traveling from Salento to Medellin is straightforward and offers a glimpse into Colombia's diverse landscapes.
The journey can be with direct buses, 5-7 hours drives, winding through scenic mountain roads.
Medellin, known as the City of Eternal Spring, contrasts with Salento's rural charm with its vibrant urban culture, nightlife, and innovative public transport. Many travelers use Medellin as a gateway to explore more of Colombia after their countryside adventures.
If you are planning your route, Salento to Medellin is a classic Colombia travel experience.
Visiting Salento is so unique, and combining it with a visit to Medellín makes this trip one of the best for culture and budget-friendly travel in South America!
Where to Stay in Salento: Hotels and Hostels
When it comes to accommodation in Salento Colombia, options range from cozy hostels to boutique hotels. Many travelers prefer hostels for their social atmosphere and budget-friendly prices, while others opt for hotels that offer more comfort and privacy.
Popular choices include charming guesthouses with traditional architecture and modern amenities. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best spots.
If you are wondering where to stay in Salento, look for places close to the main plaza or with views of the Colombia countryside. Many hotels and hostels also offer easy access to the famous Valle del Cocora.
I stayed at the Viajero Hostel, a young and energetic hostel with many backpackers and a stunning view.
Many activities are proposed in the afternoon and evening to socialize, and they even organize daily tours, including coffee tours and trips to the Valle del Cocora or Valle del Carbonara.
The Exciting Countryside Activities Around Salento
Coffee Tour: Discovering Colombia’s Coffee Culture
One of the highlights of visiting Salento Colombia is the coffee tour. Colombia is famous worldwide for its rich coffee culture, and Salento is at the heart of it.
Coffee tours typically take you through scenic plantations where you learn about the coffee growing process, from bean to cup. You will get to taste freshly brewed coffee and meet local farmers passionate about their craft.
This immersive experience is both educational and delicious, making it a must-do activity in Salento. If you love coffee, do not miss the chance to join a coffee tour and discover why Salento Colombia is a top destination for coffee lovers. Many Salento coffee experiences can be booked directly through your hotel or hostel.
Exploring Valle del Cocora and More
Beyond coffee tours, Salento offers a variety of other excursions. Adventure seekers can explore the Valle del Cocora Colombia, famous for its towering wax palms and breathtaking hiking trails.
There are 4×4 bus rides every hour or so from Salento to the valley, and it takes about 20 minutes to get there. You will find a range of activities, from hiking and horseback riding to bird watching and dining in restaurants with beautiful views and creative decor—perfect for photos. Colombian people especially love these scenic restaurants!
I did the hike, which takes a good part of the day, from going to the valley, doing the hike, and coming back. The hike itself is really nice, with various environments at once. Do it clockwise, and you’ll start slowly with beautiful views over the valley, with palm trees standing all around you.
Later on, you can visit a hummingbird house, where you can see some, though not as many as I saw in Costa Rica’s Monteverde. Another part of the hike is in the forest with hanging bridges, which is a cool experience.
The last part is walking down the next valley, with cows surrounding you. You have to pay to access various parts of the hike, so in total it will be around 50K COP, and the hummingbird house was 20K (with a beverage included).
Hidden Valley: Valle del Carbonera
Near Salento, you also have another famous valley, Valle del Carbonera. This valley is less visited but offers stunning landscapes and peaceful trails. It is a great alternative for those looking to explore beyond the popular Valle del Cocora.
The valley features beautiful streams, lush vegetation, and opportunities for bird watching. If you want a quieter experience, Valle del Carbonera is a hidden gem in the Colombia countryside.
Hot Springs in Santa Rosa
Salento weather is quite good, with a bit of chill and cool moments and also warmth, depending on the day. Sometimes you wish to have a jacuzzi to warm up. Well, one hour from Salento, you have the city of Santa Rosa where natural hot springs are available. This is a nice local experience, open during the day and also in the evening. After a long hike in the Valle del Cocora or Valle del Carbonara, relaxing in the hot springs is the perfect way to unwind.
Conclusion
Salento is perfect to discover the countryside of Colombia. You have here a charming small city, colorful, with many good restaurants and shops.
Nearby you have great activities, mostly related to nature or local productions like coffee and cacao. Most activies are chill ones, not like in Muzo to explore the mines or in santender where you can do some scary-high rappeling in caves. Here it's chillll.
For foreigners, this is a must-do destination, don’t miss it!
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FAQ
Salento is generally considered safe for solo travelers, with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of activities to do alone or with new friends.
The dry season, from December to March, is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring Valle del Cocora. However, the town is beautiful year-round, with lush scenery even during the rainy months.
