8+ Hours
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English, Español
This is the most complete experience you can have around La Carbonera, the largest and best-preserved wax palm sanctuary in the region and the world's most extensive forest of our national tree, with over 500,000 palms. It's designed for those who want it all: the majesty of the sanctuary, the thrill of a horseback ride along traditional trails, scenic hiking through the El Rocío area and the purity of a páramo waterfall.
Aboard a private Jeep Willys, you'll climb into lands where time stood still, accompanied by a bilingual guide who is an expert in high-mountain terrain. It's a private expedition, far from mass tourism, designed to make the most of every minute of the day with comfort, adventure and the most photogenic scenery in the Andes.
Tour Facts
What will you experience?
Your day begins in Salento with a 1.5- to 2-hour climb in a private Jeep Willys along the old La Línea route, stopping at viewpoints above 3,000 m to see the ecosystem change. Once you reach the heart of La Carbonera, you trade the engine for the nobility of a horse on a 45-minute guided horseback ride along private trails (optional: if you prefer, you can start hiking right away).
Then you head on foot into the densest wax palm forest on the planet, walking in the shade of giants up to 60 meters tall in an area of absolute silence. Recharge with a full lunch (vegetarian option available) at a traditional high-mountain farm with the best view of the mountains.
To finish, you descend to the páramo waterfall along an easy trail and explore the El Rocío area, home to endemic birds, before returning by Jeep to Salento while enjoying the sunset colors over the valleys of Quindío and Tolima.
Difficulty level and fitness
Hiking in La Carbonera and El Rocío is easy to moderate, since the Jeep drops you off at strategic points. The biggest challenge is the altitude (up to ~3,200 m): we recommend staying well hydrated to prevent altitude sickness. The horseback ride is suitable for beginners and optional. Not recommended for people with serious respiratory or heart conditions.
Departure times
We offer several morning departure times so you can choose the one that best fits your pace; you can select an available time when booking. Since this is a full-day plan with several activities, it starts early and requires advance booking to secure your spot and coordinate transportation 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 adjust the hiking level, extend the horseback ride, or combine this plan with another experience? Tell us what you have in mind and we'll tailor it for you.
We start with pickup at your hotel (in town) or a meeting at our main office (Calle 2 #6-09). You'll receive your bottle of mineral water and a safety briefing.
A 1.5 to 2-hour climb in a private Jeep Willys across the Central Andes. A scenic drive along the old "La Línea" route, with stops at key viewpoints to watch the ecosystem change at over 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level.
Once in the heart of La Carbonera, we trade the engine for the nobility of the horse. Enjoy a 45-minute guided horseback ride along private trails, feeling the rhythm of the mountains just as the old mule drivers once did.
Option 2 (Vehicle-Assisted): A Jeep tour to specific spots with short walks to admire and photograph the tallest palms, ideal for those who prefer to avoid prolonged exertion.
We begin an exclusive trek through the densest wax palm forest on the planet. We'll walk in the shade of 60-meter (200-ft) giants, discovering the biodiversity of the cloud forest in an area of absolute silence.
Enjoy a full lunch (vegetarian option available) at a traditional high-mountain farm, recharging with the best view of the mountains.
Final descent to the waterfall area. A gentle trail leads us to the páramo waterfall, a sacred spot to cool off and capture spectacular photos of the cascading water.
We wrap up the expedition with the Jeep ride back to Salento, enjoying the sunset colors over the valleys of Quindío and Tolima
Yes. Because it involves access to private land, the horseback ride, and lunch at the farm, advance booking is required to coordinate all logistics. You can book by paying 50% and pay the balance on the day of the tour.
You can come to our office at Calle 2 #6-09, Salento (at the end of Calle Real), or we'll pick you up at your hotel in town. Pickups in rural areas have an additional charge.
No problem. The 45-minute horseback ride is recreational, on safe trails with very calm horses, ideal for beginners and kids. It's also optional: anyone who doesn't want to ride can start directly with the hike.
The hike through La Carbonera and El Rocío is low-to-moderate in intensity, since the Jeep drops us off at strategic points. The biggest challenge is the altitude, so we recommend staying well hydrated.
We reach points close to 3,200 m (10,500 ft) above sea level, so a good windbreaker or thermal jacket is essential.
Yes. A full lunch is included and we offer a vegetarian option. Let us know when booking about any allergies or special diets so we can prepare it perfectly.
A windbreaker or thermal jacket (required), comfortable long pants, shoes with good grip, sunscreen, a cap, and a power bank. There is no cell signal or outlets at La Carbonera.
No. La Carbonera is a place to disconnect; bring cash, since there are no card terminals either, and a power bank for your camera.
Although the physical effort is low-to-moderate, the altitude can affect people with serious respiratory or heart conditions. If this applies to you, check with your doctor and message us for advice.
It's a cloud forest and rain is part of the experience; the tour runs as usual (that's why a waterproof jacket is key). It is only rescheduled if the weather poses a risk.
We have bilingual guides (Spanish and English). If you need the tour in English, select it at checkout.
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 | 3 | 6% |
| 2 | Discount | 4 | 4 | 11% |
| 3 | Discount | 5 | 5 | 15% |
| 4 | Discount | 6 | 15 | 22% |
The most complete version in the region
The La Carbonera tour stands out as the most complete in the region. As a longer and less touristy route, this experience offers full immersion in a wax palm forest that is considerably larger and denser than others
This tour includes admission
includes entry to the impressive wax palm forest at La Carbonera. Get ready to marvel at the surreal landscape of the tallest palms in the world
This activity includes a meal
This activity is complemented by a delicious culinary experience, as it includes a traditional countryside lunch at Finca La Cañada and snacks for the trail
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
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.
Book your activity now with just 50%!
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Member Since 2022
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