5 Hours
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English, Spanish, French
Get ready for the ultimate challenge in the Valle del Cocora. This hiking expedition takes you beyond the usual tourist trails into the private, exclusive area of the region's most iconic mountain: the mighty Cerro Morrogacho. Along bridle paths and untouched dirt trails, you'll climb past traditional farms and wax palm forests until you conquer the summit.
This route is designed for those seeking the true essence of the Andes. Since it's a restricted-access area, you'll enjoy pristine nature, with a good chance of spotting the Andean condor, deer and guans. At the summit, the reward is a commanding view of the entire Valle del Cocora, the Páramo de Romerales and, on clear days, the snowy silhouette of Tolima.
Trail fact sheet
What will you experience?
Your adventure begins in Salento, where you get your gear and a technical safety briefing before hopping into a Jeep Willys that takes you to the right-hand side of the Valle del Cocora, far from the tourist crowds, to the entrance of the private area.
There you start the climb along bridle paths, surrounded by traditional farms and pristine wax palms. The trail crosses a patch of high Andean forest, home to native wildlife: this is the stretch where you're most likely to spot the Andean condor, white-tailed deer, and guans.
After the effort, you reach the summit of Morrogacho, the highest point in the area. Feel the force of the Andean winds and, weather permitting, take in the entire Valle del Cocora, the Páramo de Romerales, and Nevado del Tolima on the horizon. Time for your reward: enjoy your high-altitude snack (chicken or veggie burger, energy bar, fruit, and water) with the best 360-degree view.
The descent is made carefully along the same mountain trails back to the base, where the Jeep waits to take you back to Salento to celebrate your conquest.
Difficulty level and fitness
This is a challenging trek: 12 to 14 km round trip with steep, sustained slopes. We recommend it for people in very good physical shape and, preferably, with previous mountain hiking experience. It's not for those looking for a leisurely stroll; for that, we have gentler routes in the Cocora. If you're unsure about your level, message us and we'll give you honest advice.
Departure times
We offer several morning departure times so you can choose the one that best suits your pace; you can select an available time when booking. Since this is a demanding climb, the trek starts early and requires advance booking to guarantee your spot, private trail access, and logistics. We recommend arriving 10 minutes before the start to make the most of the day.
What to bring and tips
Tips and safety
Customize your experience
Want to be more comfortable? Many hikers add hiking poles or rubber boots to keep their shoes clean. Find these and more under More options, right before the booking button. We can also tailor the experience to your pace or combine it with another activity.
We meet at our main office at Calle 2 #6-09 (across from Hotel Mahalo), or we pick you up at your hotel in Salento's town area. Here you'll get your gear and a technical briefing on the winds and terrain we're about to take on.
We set off toward the right-hand side of the Valle del Cocora. Enjoy an authentic ride in the Coffee Region's most iconic vehicle as we leave the tourist bustle behind and head to the private, exclusive area.
We begin the uphill trek. We'll walk along dirt trails surrounded by traditional farms and landscapes of pristine wax palms. It's a demanding but rewarding route, where the silence is broken only by nature.
We'll cross a patch of high Andean forest, home to native species. Keep your eyes peeled: this is the area where you're most likely to see the Andean condor, white-tailed deer, and guans.
You made it! We reach the highest point of the hill. You'll feel the force of the Andean winds and, if the weather rewards us, you'll see the entire Valle del Cocora, the Romerales Páramo, and the majestic Nevado del Tolima on the horizon.
It's time for your reward. Enjoy your Burger (Chicken or Vegetarian), along with your energy bar, fresh fruit, and mineral water, while you rest with the best 360° view in all of Quindío.
We carefully begin our return along the mountain trails. When we reach the base, our Jeep will be waiting to take us back to Salento to celebrate the conquest.
Yes. Since this route accesses a private reserve and has limited space, advance booking is required to coordinate entry, transportation, and guiding. You can book by paying 50% and pay the balance on the day of the tour.
It's very high intensity: 12 to 14 km in total (round trip) with steep, sustained slopes. Recommended for people in excellent physical condition.
Having done long or mountain hikes before is highly recommended. If you have no experience but are in good shape, message us and we'll help you decide whether this route is right for you.
Due to how demanding it is, we don't recommend it for young children or people without physical preparation. For an easier plan in Cocora, we have other family-friendly routes.
Your safety comes first. The guide will assess the situation and, if necessary, arrange a safe descent. That's why we keep a controlled pace with breaks.
Hiking boots with good grip, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and sunscreen are essential, plus preferably trekking poles for the 6 to 7 km descent.
Yes, Cocoratours lends trekking poles free of charge, but we have a limited number. To secure yours, request them in the notes when booking; they're assigned based on availability.
It includes a burger (your choice of chicken or vegetarian), an energy bar, seasonal fruit, and a bottle of mineral water, to enjoy at the summit.
It's a prime area for sightings, so the chances are high. As it's wildlife, its appearance depends on thermal currents and the day's weather.
Yes, with caution. Winds are stronger at the summit; the guide will show you where to stand to enjoy the view and your snack safely.
Pickup is included if your hotel is in Salento's urban area. You can also come to our office at Calle 2 #6-09. Pickups in remote rural areas have an additional cost.
Mountain weather is changeable, and the activity runs as normal in light rain (that's why a rain jacket is key). We only reschedule when the weather poses a risk to your safety.
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start of the activity: we refund 100% of what you paid, with no fees. You can also change the date at no cost with 24 hours' notice or more, subject to availability. With less than 24 hours' notice, or if you don't show up, the booking is non-refundable. See our Cancellation Policy.
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discount | 3 | 4 | 20% |
| 2 | Discount | 5 | 15 | 30% |
This tour includes admission
includes admission to the stunning wax palm forest in the Valle del Cocora. Get ready to marvel at the surreal landscape of the tallest palms in the world
Expert local guide to help you discover the area
This activity goes beyond a simple visit, as it includes an expert local guide whose mission is to make sure you don't just "see" the landscapes, but truly get to know and understand the place you visit, immersing yourself in its history and culture.
Includes private transportation in a Jeep Willys
This activity includes exclusive private transportation aboard an authentic Jeep Willys, provided directly by Cocoratours, ensuring comfort and a memorable experience
Book your activity now with just 50%!
At Cocoratours, we want planning your next adventure to be easier than ever. You can now book your favorite activity by paying just 50% today and the rest on the day of the tour.
Instant confirmation when you complete your purchase!
At Cocoratours, we want you to have all the information instantly. Once you confirm your purchase, you'll receive an automatic email with: your booking receipt, all the details of your activity, contact information and meeting points.
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Member Since 2022
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