In short
- The short trail is roughly 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) long.
- It takes about 1.5 hours to hike this out-and-back route.
- You only pass through the main palm forest, skipping the jungle.
In this article
Cocora Valley offers an 11-kilometer loop trail that takes up to six hours. If you are short on time or prefer a lighter walk, you can choose the direct route. This path leads straight up to the iconic Quindío wax palms and back down to the start.
What is the Cocora Valley short hike?
It is a 4.2-kilometer (2.6-mile) out-and-back trail to the main viewpoints.
Instead of completing the full 11 to 12-kilometer loop, you stay on the path through the Wax Palm Forest. You will pass the Princess Cocora Statue and walk up to Mirador 1 and Mirador 2. This route skips the cloud forest, river bridges, and Acaime Hummingbird Sanctuary entirely.
How long does the short hike take?
The out-and-back walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
You will need about 10 minutes to clear the entrance gate at El Portón. From there, it takes roughly an hour to reach the upper viewpoints. You can hike at a relaxed pace and still return to the Jeep parking area in under two hours.
How much does the short hike cost?
You will pay around 10,000 COP in cash at the entrance gate.
Hikers cross private lands in the valley. The lower entrance gate, Finca El Portón, charges an entry fee of approximately 10,000 COP. Bring Colombian pesos in cash, as credit cards are not accepted at the gates.
How do you get to the trailhead?
Take a Willys Jeep from Salento's main square to the valley.
Jeeps depart from Plaza de Bolívar in Salento starting at 6:00 AM. The ride covers exactly 11 kilometers and takes about 30 minutes. A one-way trip costs between 4,000 and 5,000 COP. Pay the driver in cash when you board.
Short hike vs. full loop: which is better?
The short hike saves time and avoids heavy mud, while the full loop offers diverse landscapes.
The direct route is ideal if you only want to see the 60-meter-tall palms. The long loop adds a dense cloud forest section and swinging river bridges. The jungle portion is often very muddy due to year-round rain.
| Feature | Short Hike | Full Loop |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 4.2 km (2.6 miles) | 11-12 km (6.8-7.5 miles) |
| Time | 1.5 - 2 hours | 5 - 6 hours |
| Max Elevation | Moderate | 2,860 meters |
| Sights | Wax palms only | Palms, jungle, river, hummingbirds |
What should you bring on the short trail?
Bring cash, drinking water, and layers for changing weather.
- Waterproof gear: A lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Rain is possible year-round.
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or rented rubber wellingtons.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for the exposed hillsides.
- Cash: Small bills for the Jeep ride and entrance fees.
Questions travellers ask
Are there bathrooms on the short trail?
Facilities are extremely limited along the trail. Bring your own toilet paper just in case.
Do you need a guide for the short hike?
No, you can easily walk the 4.2-kilometer path on your own. Guided tours are available if you want to learn about the palms and local history.
Can you see the palms right away?
Yes. The wax palms dot the open hillsides immediately as you enter the main trail past the El Portón gate.
