What to Do in Salento, Quindío: a guide for 1, 2 and 3 days

Salento is one of the most beloved towns in the Coffee Region: colorful houses with wooden balconies, cobblestone streets, freshly roasted coffee, and, just a few kilometers away, Valle del Cocora. It's the ideal starting point for exploring Quindío. In this guide we suggest what to do in Salento based on how many days you have.

The Essentials in Town

Calle Real. This is the main street, full of craft shops, cafés, and colorful facades. It's worth strolling slowly, in the morning and again at sunset.
Alto de la Cruz Viewpoint. At the end of Calle Real, stairs climb to the viewpoint, with views over the town and the mountains surrounding the Quindío River valley.
The main square. The heart of the town, with the church and the Willys jeeps that leave for Cocora and the rural villages.
Play tejo. Colombia's national sport: you throw a metal disc toward a gunpowder-filled target. In Salento there are courts where visitors can learn.
Try the trout. It's the typical dish of the area, served with patacón.

If you have 1 day: Valle del Cocora and the town

With just one day, the priority is Valle del Cocora. Go early, when the sky is usually clearest (we explain it in the best time to visit Cocora), and spend the morning walking among the wax palms. Our guide to how to get to Valle del Cocora covers all the transportation options.

In the afternoon, back in Salento, stroll down Calle Real, climb to the viewpoint, and close the day with a single-origin coffee.

If you have 2 days: add a coffee farm

On the second day, learn where the coffee that makes the region famous comes from. Around Salento there are farms that open their doors to show the whole process: growing, harvesting, processing, drying, and roasting, with a tasting at the end. You can check the options for coffee tours in Salento.

Another afternoon option is a horseback ride through the rural villages around town. There are routes to viewpoints, rivers, and waterfalls, such as the horseback ride to Santa Rita waterfall.

If you have 3 days: Filandia or La Carbonera

With a third day, you can head out from Salento to another nearby destination:

Filandia: another colonial town less than an hour away, with a famous viewpoint and a strong basketry tradition. More ideas in plans in Filandia.
La Carbonera: the largest wax palm sanctuary, in Tolima, with uncrowded landscapes. It's a full-day trip; see the options for going to La Carbonera from Salento.
Cacao: if you're interested in chocolate, Quindío has farms that show the process from bean to bar. Check the cacao tour in Quindío.

Tips for Your Stay

Bring cash. Many small businesses, the jeeps, and farm entrance fees work best with cash.
Bring something warm for the night. Salento sits about 1.900 meters above sea level, and nights are cool.
Book ahead in high season. In December, January, Holy Week, mid-year, and long holiday weekends the town fills up, so book lodging and activities early.
Take it easy. Distances are short, but plans go better if you leave early. To combine several destinations in one day, private transportation saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Salento?

With two days you'll see the essentials: Valle del Cocora, the town, and a coffee farm. With three or more you can add Filandia, La Carbonera, or other experiences in the region.

Is Salento safe for tourists?

It's a quiet town that's very used to tourism. The usual precautions apply: don't leave valuables in plain sight, and travel with reputable operators and transportation.