What to Bring to Valle del Cocora: Clothing, Footwear and Essentials

Valle del Cocora is a mountain hike, even though it's only half an hour from Salento. The weather changes quickly, the trails can be muddy, and at 2.400 meters above sea level the sun is strong. Bringing the right gear makes the visit comfortable and safe. This is the list we recommend to our travelers.

Clothing: Think in Layers

A base layer that dries quickly (avoid cotton if you're doing a long hike).
A light jacket or sweatshirt for cool mornings and foggy stretches.
Rain jacket or poncho. Even if it starts out sunny, rain is common in the afternoons.
Comfortable pants you won't mind getting dirty; quick-dry is best.
A change of clothes and dry socks to leave in the car or at your lodging so you can change when you return.

Footwear: The Most Important Item

This is the item that affects your hike the most. The trails combine stretches of grass, dirt, rocks, and, in the rainy season, plenty of mud.

For short walks among the palms, sneakers with good soles are usually enough on dry days.
For long hikes, such as the Hummingbird Circuit and 7 Bridges, wear hiking boots with good grip, ideally waterproof.
Rubber boots: a great option in the rainy months; they can be rented in the area.

Essentials for Your Daypack

Water (at least one liter per person for long hikes).
Snacks: fruit, nuts, or energy bars.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.
Insect repellent.
Cash for farm entrance fees, transportation, and food.
A bag for your trash: there are no trash bins along every stretch of the valley.
Phone with a charged battery and, if you can, a power bank.
Identification document.

What to Bring for Your Plan

Short hike

For a one- to three-hour route, such as the Mini adventure in the heart of Cocora, comfortable waterproof shoes, water, and sun protection are enough.

Long route or full circuit

Add hiking boots with good grip, more water, food for the road, and a warm jacket. There are demanding uphill stretches and river crossings over suspension bridges.

Horseback ride

Long pants (to avoid chafing from the saddle), closed-toe shoes, and a jacket. In the rainy season a poncho is essential. Learn about the horseback rides in Valle del Cocora.

With children

A complete change of clothes, an extra warm layer, snacks, and a short route. Kids love the valley, but they tire and get wet faster.

What's best to leave behind

Unnecessary valuables.
Heavy backpacks: they feel twice as heavy on the uphill climbs.
Drones without permission from the farms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cold in Valle del Cocora?

It's cool: temperatures usually range between about 12 and 20 °C and drop with fog or rain. When you walk in the sun it can feel warm, which is why layers work better than a heavy coat. Learn more about the best time to visit Cocora.