Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Learn how to reach the valley, what to pack for the mud, and how to navigate the private property fees.
Getting there
Getting to the trail
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Traditional Willys Jeeps depart frequently from Plaza de Bolívar in Salento. | 30 minutes | 4,000 - 5,000 COP each way | Jeeps begin running as early as 6:00 AM and leave when full. Ride on the back bumper if you want a thrilling view. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best weather is during the dry seasons from December to March and July to August. Trails are less muddy. Rain is still possible, so start early.
What to bring
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Willys Jeeps depart as early as 6:00 AM.
They leave from Salento's Plaza de Bolívar when full.
How the day runs
Trail options
Complete the 11 to 12-kilometer circuit through the palm forest and jungle.
- Jeep to Valley
Catch an early Willys Jeep from Salento to avoid crowds.
- Start Hike
Begin the trail and pay the first entry fee.
- Acaime Detour
Stop at the Hummingbird Sanctuary for hot chocolate.
- Finca La Montaña
Reach the highest elevation point at 2,860 meters.
- Wax Palms
Descend through the main palm forest viewpoints.
A 4.2-kilometer out-and-back trail to the main wax palm lookouts.
- Jeep Ride
Take the 30-minute shared transport from Salento.
- El Portón Gate
Pay the 10,000 COP fee to enter the palm forest.
- Mirador 1 & 2
Spend time taking photos at the main viewpoints.
- Return
Walk back down to the parking area and catch a Jeep.
Packing and Preparation
Weather changes quickly in the cloud forest. Bring sturdy hiking boots. If you do not have boots, you can rent rubber wellingtons in town. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person.
You must bring Colombian pesos in cash. Credit cards are not accepted for Jeep transport or the trail entrance gates. There are very few bathrooms on the trail, so pack your own toilet paper.
Easiest way to do it
Cocora Valley Shared Tour
4 h 15 min 4.9 (49)
- Coffee Farm Experience (If chosen)
- Private guide
- Entry ticket to Cocora Valley.
- Transportation from and to the meeting point in Salento
From$63per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How much does it cost to hike Cocora Valley?
You pay private property owners in cash. Each farm charges its own small fee (recently roughly 10,000–30,000 COP each).
How do you get from Salento to Cocora Valley?
Ride a traditional Willys Jeep from Plaza de Bolívar in Salento. The 30-minute ride costs 4,000 to 5,000 COP each way.
Can you do Cocora Valley in half a day?
Yes. The shorter out-and-back hike to the main palm forest viewpoints takes about 1.5 hours. With transport, it takes around 3 hours total.