5+ Hours
Daily Tour
8 people
English, Spanish, French
Dare to conquer the heart of the Andes on one of our most complete hiking routes. This 12-kilometer loop is a total immersion in the Valle del Cocora ecosystem, for fit trekking lovers who want to go beyond the traditional viewpoints. From Salento, you'll explore the magical transition between pine forest, humid forest, and Andean peaks.
The expedition takes you up to Finca La Montaña, a natural lookout with views of the Cocora Canyon and Cerro Morrogacho, then descends to the mystical Acaime Reserve, the house of the hummingbirds, where you rest with a traditional snack of aguapanela with cheese surrounded by dozens of these birds. The return is legendary: you cross 7 suspension bridges over crystal-clear rivers, discover hidden waterfalls and pass through the Portón del Valle among mountains blanketed with wax palms.
Trail fact sheet
What will you experience?
Your day begins in Salento, where you're picked up at your hotel or our office and board a Jeep Willys to the Valle del Cocora. You start the hike through the densest wax palm valleys in the Coffee Region, among giants up to 60 meters tall made magical by the morning mist.
You climb to natural lookouts with 360-degree views over the Quindío River basin and enter a pine forest where the scent and temperature change, until you reach the summit at Finca La Montaña, at 2,860 m above sea level, facing the imposing Cerro Morrogacho.
You descend into the heart of the cloud forest to reach the Acaime Reserve, the house of the hummingbirds, where you enjoy the included snack (hot aguapanela with artisanal cheese) while dozens of hummingbirds flutter around you.
The return is the most adventurous part: you follow the river across the seven suspension bridges, pass hidden waterfalls and go through the Portón del Valle to see the last palm-covered mountains before heading back to Salento by Jeep.
Difficulty level and fitness
This is a highly demanding route: 12 km of uneven terrain with steep climbs up to 2,860 m above sea level and technical descents. We recommend it for people who exercise regularly or hikers who enjoy mountain challenges. Due to its length and descents, we don't advise it for people with knee injuries or heart conditions; for them we offer options with less physical impact. Eat breakfast beforehand so you have plenty of energy.
Departure times
We offer several morning departure times so you can choose the one that best suits your pace; you can select the available time when booking. Because this is a demanding trek, it starts early and requires advance booking to guarantee 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 plan to your pace or combine it with another experience? Tell us what you have in mind and we'll design a custom trek for you.
We meet at our Cocoratours office (Calle 2 #6-09, at the end of Calle Real, across from Hotel Mahalo). If you're staying in Salento's town area, we'll pick you up directly at your hotel in our private Jeep Willys to begin the transfer to the Valle del Cocora.
We begin the hike by crossing the most beautiful and dense wax palm valleys in the Coffee Region. You'll walk among these giants, up to 60 meters tall, while the morning mist adds a magical touch to the landscape. It's the perfect moment for your first stunning photos.
We climb toward strategic natural viewpoints. From here you'll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view over the entire Quindío River basin and the Cocora canyon. This is where you truly grasp the scale of the Coffee Cultural Landscape.
We continue the climb into an impressive pine forest. The scent and temperature change, creating a European mountain atmosphere in the heart of the Andes, ideal for enjoying the silence and untouched nature.
We reach 2,600 meters above sea level at this privileged viewpoint. From the farm we'll see the base of the imposing Cerro Morrogacho and the highest rock formations in the area before starting our descent into the heart of the cloud forest.
We enter the most biodiverse area to visit the Acaime Reserve. Here we'll enjoy the included snack (hot aguapanela with artisanal cheese) while many species of hummingbirds surround us in a unique natural spectacle.
We begin the return along the river on an adventure trail. We'll cross seven traditional hanging bridges, pass hidden waterfalls, and go through the "Valley Gate" to see the last palm-covered mountains.
We finish the 5 to 6-hour trek and return to Salento by Jeep. We'll drop you off at your hotel or the main square, with the satisfaction of having completed the most epic circuit in Quindío.
Yes. Because of reserve access and limited Jeep seating, 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 a physically demanding route: 12 km of uneven terrain with steep climbs up to 2,860 meters above sea level. Recommended for people who exercise regularly or hikers who enjoy mountain challenges.
The full tour, from leaving Salento to returning, takes 5 to 7 hours. The exact time depends on the group's pace and the stops at the Hummingbird House and viewpoints.
We meet at our office at Calle 2 #6-09, Salento (across from Hotel Mahalo). If your hotel is in Salento's town area, we'll pick you up in the private Jeep.
No. The snack is hot aguapanela with artisanal cheese, ideal for regaining energy in the mountains. We recommend bringing extra snacks and planning a hearty lunch in Salento afterward.
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.
Yes. They're traditional wood-and-cable bridges that are constantly maintained. Crossing them is one of the most exciting and photogenic parts of the route over the Quindío River.
Due to the length (12 km) and technical descents, we don't recommend this circuit for people with knee injuries or serious heart conditions. For them, we offer passes and routes with less physical impact.
In the cloud forest, rain is part of the magic and the tour runs as usual; that's why a rain jacket and footwear with good grip are mandatory. If the weather poses a risk, the guide will adjust the route.
Hiking boots with good grip, layered clothing, a rain jacket, at least 1.5 L of water, personal snacks, sunscreen, a cap, insect repellent, a charged camera or phone, and some cash.
We offer guided tours in 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Discount | 4 | 4 | 14% |
| 3 | Discount | 5 | 15 | 20% |
| 4 | Discount | 3 | 4 | 8% |
This tour includes entrance fees
includes admission to the stunning palm forest, the hummingbird house, and the wax palm gate in 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%!
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Member Since 2022
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Amazing views and birds galore