Last year when we went to Salento, we intended to go to Valle de Cocora, but we picked a bad day. This year our timing was near perfect. We only had to wait about 10 minutes for a jeep. When we arrived at the checkpoint we had the option of buying entry for a 6+ hour “up top the top of the mountain” hike, a 4+ hour loop, or a however long you like in and back. We chose the in and back option this trip. Next time we might pack a lunch and do the loop . . . or in and back from the other end of the loop.

Valle de Cocora is a sanctuary for the Quindío Wax Palms and the wildlife that depends on them. These are the tallest palms in the world at height of 150-200 feet. These palms can be found in other areas of the Andes of Colombia and Peru, but this is one of the areas where they are thrive.