Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Sarah Wilson
Planning a trip to Colombia’s coffee region? Salento is a top destination. Its green valleys, colourful balconies, delicious food, and close access to the Cocora Valley make it a great addition to any Colombia itinerary.
I spent two relaxed days here, found Salento incredibly easy to explore and could easily have stayed here a little longer.
This guide covers everything I did, how to get around, and practical details to help you plan your own visit.
Getting to Salento from Medellín
I travelled from Medellín to Salento by bus. Reaching the terminal was simple — a quick 15-minute taxi ride — and Uber is very easy to use in Medellín.
One local tip: Uber drivers often ask passengers to sit in the front seat to avoid drawing attention from the official taxis and traffic police!
There are two bus terminals in Medellin. For Salento, I travelled from Terminal Sur. The bus terminal itself is modern and surprisingly clean — even the public toilets are far better than those I’ve used here in Malta — but do keep 2000 pesos (roughly 50 cents) handy.
I pre-booked my bus through RedBus, and it cost me around €20. It departed at 9 AM and arrived in Salento around 4:30 PM. The route is long but very scenic, so book a window seat and the bus does stop for a 30-minute break halfway for food and toilet facilities, which makes the ride more comfortable.
Where to Stay in Salento
I stayed at Selve Verde. Like many hotels here, I paid in cash on arrival. Breakfast was included, and the bus stop was a 15-minute walk away. With mountain views and hummingbirds, it made an ideal base for a slow stay in the coffee region. It’s a budget hotel but there is plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets.
That evening, I walked into town and had dinner at Maria Ocampos. The pan-cooked trout was excellent — definitely my favourite meal of my entire time in Colombia.
So, Why Visit Salento?
Travellers, such as myself, come to Salento for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful streets, coffee culture, and dramatic scenery. It’s compact, safe, friendly, and perfect for wandering without an agenda. It’s also the jumping-off point for Colombia’s most famous landscape: the Cocora Valley.
Getting Around: The Willys of Salento
The colourful Willy jeeps are the main way to get around town. They leave from the main square and run frequently to nearby coffee farms, viewpoints, and the Cocora Valley.
I could have taken a Willy to my coffee tour, but the walk was too tempting — a gentle one-hour downhill stroll with beautiful views. For everything else, the Willys were cheap, efficient, and part of the fun of being here.
Day 1: Coffee Farm Tour & Salento’s Viewpoints
Ocasa Coffee Tour
I did the Ocasa Coffee Tour, one of the region’s most popular coffee farms. There are plenty of smaller coffee farms, but Ocasa came recommended, and I really enjoyed it.
You can walk there from the town square in about an hour, and the tour ends just as the Willys arrive to take everyone back to town — perfectly timed.
The tour was interesting and very hands-on. You even get to pick your own coffee beans, which is where I got bitten. I highly recommend bringing insect repellent even if you’re usually not prone to bites.
Dinner & Evening in Salento
Before finding somewhere for dinner, I strolled through the plaza and headed to the nearby viewpoints:
• Mirador Alto de la Cruz – a steep staircase, but worth it for views over town, especially near sunset.
• Mirador Salento – countryside views and an easy walk.
It’s a short walk between the two. The Mirador Salento is actually just a stone’s throw from Maria Ocampos Restaurant, where I ate the first night. I didn’t realise that at the time.
For dinner, I ended up having trout again at Donde Laurita. This time, I opted for grilled with a garlic sauce, and it was excellent, but I still preferred the one the night before.
Day 2: Cocora Valley & A Slow Afternoon in Town
No visit to Salento is complete without seeing the wax palms of the Cocora Valley. These are Colombia’s national tree and can reach up to 60 metres, making them the tallest palm species in the world.
Cocora Valley Tour
I joined a four-hour tour. You can easily visit the valley on your own, and it would work out a lot cheaper. But having a guide means learning about the landscape, wildlife, conservation efforts and not having to worry about the logistics. The scenery is truly breathtaking — photos don’t do the scale of the palms justice.
I returned to Salento around lunchtime.
Slow Afternoon in Salento
The rest of the day was relaxed:
Coffee (again — you can’t visit the coffee region and not indulge!)
Souvenir shopping -if you want coffee and didn’t buy any on your coffee tour, there’s an Ocasa Coffee Shop on the square.
People-watching in the main square.
I felt very safe wandering the town on my own, even in quieter areas.
So, how much time should you set aside for Salento?
For a relaxed itinerary, spend two days: dedicate one day to the coffee region and viewpoints, and another to Cocora Valley and exploring the town. If you want more hiking or to slow down, plan for three days. Prioritise visiting a coffee farm and Cocora Valley, as both are highlights.
Practical Travel Tips for Salento
Bring cash—some shops, hotels, and cafés don’t take cards; plan ahead. There are several ATMs on the square, some worked, some didn’t.
• Take insect repellent—the farms are beautiful but buggy.
Arrive early for dinner—restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so go before 7 PM for the best chance of getting a table.
• Carry a layer—mornings can be cool.
Willy jeeps leave from the main square—arrive at least 30 minutes before your planned departure for Cocora to ensure a spot, especially on busy days.
Travelling Onwards: Getting from Salento to Pereira & Bogotá
I took a local bus from Salento to the Pereira bus station, which was inexpensive and easy. From there, I caught a local taxi to the airport. I’m fairly sure I was charged the tourist rate, but it was only a few dollars, so I wasn’t too concerned.
From Pereira airport (PEI), it was a short flight onwards to Bogotá. Pereira is the closest and easiest airport to use for travel in and out of Salento.
Final Thoughts
Salento is the kind of place where it’s easy to slow down and enjoy the scenery. With coffee farms, mountain views, and the Cocora Valley right on its doorstep, it’s a highlight of any Colombia trip — especially if you like a relaxed pace.
Next Stop: Bogota
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