18 Best Things To Do In Salento Colombia: Food and Activities

Do you want to visit the town that inspired that wonderful Oscar-winning film “Encanto”? Head out to this destination, and you’ll surely find many enchanting things to do in Salento Colombia. 

Situated in Colombia’s coffee-growing area, Salento is a charming town sitting high at 1,895 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level, perfect for growing delicious coffee beans. Despite its small size, covering only 10 to 12 blocks and home to 7,100 people, Salento’s economy relies on coffee, farming, and raising cows.

This town’s timeless appeal draws many tourists, thanks to its well-kept old houses and lively streets filled with brightly painted doors and windows in shades like turquoise, tangerine, and cobalt. As Salento becomes a top destination, this article will reveal all the wonderful experiences waiting for you in this captivating Colombian town. Let’s start exploring!

18 Best Things to Do in Salento Colombia

Salento offers many attractions and is, perhaps, one of the best tourist destinations in the Colombian coffee region. Its incredible mountain landscapes, lush plantations, and assorted flora and fauna make Salento a breathtaking place for sightseeing.

In addition to the scenic views of this colonial town, the charming, laid-back Salento offers much more attractive and fun places to go for outdoor recreation. 

Continue reading to discover some of the best adventures you can experience while in Salento.

1. Visit the Coffee Factory

Salento has many coffee plantations which offer a coffee tour. The town also has at least 4 traditional fincas or coffee farms. If you are in the town, visiting one of such Fincas is a must, particularly if you want to learn how coffee is grown and manufactured.

You may also experience coffee tastings of the world’s finest coffee beans. It is an opportunity that you should not miss., especially since the regular cafes and restaurants, with a few exceptions, offer a cheap, quality coffee, while the premium variety is exported.

Wondering which coffee farm to visit? Consider the highly recommended Finca El Ocaso. It offers a great tour, plus you will enjoy the hike to the farm as it is located around 5 km from Salento.

2. Visit the Valle de Cocora

Do not miss Valle de Cocora, a beautiful valley near Salento famous for its beautiful Wax Palm Trees. You will easily find a 4-wheel drive from the central plaza to the valley. The journey takes thirty minutes to get to the entrance of Valle de Cocora. 

You can circuit hike through the valley, ride horseback, or simply stroll through the forest and enjoy the natural wonders.

3. Visit the Casa de los Colibris

If you plan to hike through the entire Cocora Valley and complete the loop, make a point to stop at the Acaime Hummingbird House. The entire hike will not take more than 10 minutes. You will see many different types of hummingbirds, particularly bird feeders.

You can also enjoy a serving of delicious warm Aguapalena with a hunk of cheese. The short trip will be a welcome reprieve during the hike around Valle de Cocora.

4. Explore the Calle Real and the Other Beautiful Streets

The Calle Real is the main street in Salento. A walk through the streets of Salento will take you back to colonial times as Salento has strived to retain its old-fashioned charm. Many houses and shops are still in their original form. 

You will find artisan jewelry shops, coffee shops, and restaurants on Calle Real. The walls are white, while the windows are painted in beautiful turquoise, tangerine, and cobalt colors. 

These traditional buildings, beautiful Colombian music, street food, and men in hats sipping coffee make the whole atmosphere very vibrant and charming.

5. Enjoy Fancy Coffee

Most coffee shops and restaurants offer cheap coffee, where loads of sugar overpower the taste of coffee. However, you will find some cafes around the main plaza which offer fancy coffee. 

While in the coffee triangle in Colombia, it makes sense to make the best out of your stay and enjoy all the coffee you can. 

6. Hike the Mirador

The Mirador Alto de la Cruz is a must-see place as it offers the best view over Salento. Climb to the top through the steps and capture the panoramic sights on camera. It is best to go before sunset to get the best shots and enjoy the landscape.

Once you are done, take the path on the left side and go to the Mirador de Salento to enjoy the sight of the beautiful mountain and valleys. You will not regret one moment of that hiking experience. 

7. Chocolate-Making Tour

Coffee and chocolate make the best combo, and Salento offers the best of both. A visit to a chocolate farm will show you how chocolate is made from the world’s finest cocoa beans. You will also get to taste the end product, which will be one delicious experience.

8. Hike to Santa Rita Waterfall

The hike to Santa Rita on a clear day is also a highly recommended and enjoyable activity in Salento. You will enjoy the hike to the beautiful waterfall, a soak in its natural pool, and birdwatching amid the lush jungle scenery.

9. Ride in a Willy Jeep

You will see many Willy jeeps in Salento. The Willy is a part of Colombian Cultural Heritage and a symbolic vehicle in the Colombian coffee region. 

Willys has been around Colombia since 1946, after the Second World War, when America sold them at discounted prices. Local farmers and cafeteros used them for passenger, animal, and goods transportation. 

Riding a Willy jeep is fun, and you must not miss out on it. A jeep can carry 8 passengers at a time, but at least 2 to 3 people travel standing at the back. 

10. Taste the Aguapanela

Aguapanela is a popular Colombian drink from boiling and crystalizing unrefined sugarcane (panela). The crystallized sugarcane is then added to hot water. Aguapanela is usually enjoyed with lemon and a piece of cheese.

Do not forget to enjoy Aguapanela, especially on a chilly or rainy day, for some sugary warmth.

11. Hike to the Paramillo del Quindio Summit

The Paramillo del Quindio Summit in the Los Nevados National Park is 4,750 meters (15,580 feet) above sea level. If you are fond of mountaineering and have some experience, consider hiking the summit, which will take 3 days if you hike daily for 6 to 8 hours. 

The hike is quite difficult, so consider the undertaking only if you are up for the challenge.

12. Hike to the Nevado del Tolima Summit

Located in the Los Nevados National Park, the Nevado del Tolima is an inactive snowy volcano reaching a height of 5,276 meters (17,310 feet). 

If you plan an extended trip to Salento, consider hiking the Nevado Del Tolima. The roundtrip takes 4 days, and given the complexity of the hike, you should try it only if you have some mountaineering experience. The top view of the volcano is beautiful and worth the effort.

13. Visit to Altea de los Artisans

The Altea de Los Artisans, or the Artisan Village, is a hidden gem outside Salento within beautiful valleys and mountains. It is a small community located a 10-minute walk away from Salento. The local artisans make handmade jewelry and other artisan crafts.

You can look around and see the displays and workshops in their homes to see how the work is done. The artisans will gladly welcome you to see their workmanship. You can also buy something as souvenirs if you please and enjoy exploring what the community has to offer. 

The whole trip will take only an hour so you can easily spare time for the excursion.

14. Horseback Riding

In addition to the Willy jeep, horseback riding is very popular in Salento. 

If you have planned a trip to the Cocora Valley, you can explore the valley on horseback, and it will be unlike any other experience you have ever had.

15. Bike Riding

Using a bike is a wonderful way to explore a region. You can get to places far and wide and be independent while you are at it. 

There are many trails in and around Salento, perfect for off-road biking. If you are fond of cycling, you can use a mountain bike or rent a quad bike and have a delightful experience. 

16. Eat Trucha

Wondering what the most popular dish served in Salento is? It is trout or trucha. 

You will find it cooked and served in different forms across the restaurants in Salento. You can choose grilled, baked, or fried fish with the type of sauce you prefer. Prices also vary according to the restaurant and dish style.

17. Trip to Filandia

You can easily plan a day trip to Filandia when you are in Salento. It is a beautiful small town famous for its vibrant streets, coffee shops, restaurants, and artisan shops. 

Its scenic mountains are also a reason for visiting; you can also see the doble Cascada or double waterfall.

18. Try Paragliding

Feeling adventurous? Try paragliding and view the beautiful mountains, lush coffee plantations, and valleys from above. 

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will give you a different perspective of the magnificent Salento. You can inquire about this adventure from the hostel you are staying at or any local tourist agency for assistance.

Where to Stay in Salento, Colombia

When choosing where to stay in Salento, consider if you want to stay in town or on the outskirts. 

If you want to avoid the crowd and the hustle and bustle, the outskirts options may suit you, but getting food or other grocery items would be a hassle. The outer parts of town also offer excellent accommodation options, and you will also enjoy beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.

Accommodation options in Salento can be expensive too. You may find some economical options in hostels, many of which are out of town. Some hostels also offer private rooms if you prefer some privacy. 

We recommend some of the accommodations below.

La Serrana, a beautiful farm built on 20 hectares of land and located 30 minutes from the town, is one of the most popular hostels in Salento. The hostel features socializing areas and a well-stocked kitchen where you can get fresh produce. Price ranges from $5 to $30.

Hostel Ciudad de Segorbe is located close to the town’s central plaza. It offers breakfast, and you can have coffee or tea anytime. The hostel may be loud, especially at night, due to its location. You can opt for a shared or a separate room, and the price would vary accordingly ($21 to $80)

Viajero hostel is located five minutes away from the town. You can avoid the crowd while not being too far from the town. El Viajero offers relaxing activities such as yoga. The prices are also quite affordable, and you can opt for a private room or a dorm.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Where to Eat in Salento, Colombia

Salento has many interesting eating options, and you will find many restaurants throughout the town. Some of the great restaurants are listed below.

Restaurante Meraki

If you are looking for great food at economical prices, Restaurant Meraki is an option. It offers various forms of trout and international cuisines like pasta or tacos. Most menu items are priced under $10, and the food is delicious.

Donde Laurita en Salento

Another restaurant with good food and amazing prices, Donde Laurita en Salento has an amazing Colombian menu. You will enjoy a hearty meal in the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant.

Rincon de Lucy

Rincon de Lucy is located on the Calle Real. The restaurant offers delicious traditional food at very low prices.

Café Bernabe Gourmet

A slightly more expensive choice, Café Bernabe Gourmet is famous for its grilled trout, served with rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Getting to and From Salento, Colombia

It is quite easy to get to Salento. Most people arrive there from Bogota after they’ve seen their entire Bogota to-see list. 

You can take a bus to Armenia if you are also doing the same. From there, you can catch any one of the frequent buses on that route to Salento. You can also fly to Armenia and then catch a bus to Salento.

The journey from Armenia to Salento is 24 kilometers long and will take an hour due to road conditions. Buses from Armenia depart for Salento up to 9 pm, and you will find a bus within an hour when you go to the bus stop.

There is only 1 bus station in Salento, located at the end of Calle 5.

If traveling to or from Medellin, you can take the direct shuttle bus to Salento. More like a minivan-bus hybrid, the shuttle bus makes two daily trips and doesn’t operate at night. You can book it through the hostel or hotel where you are staying.

When to Visit Salento, Colombia

The weather of Salento is like that of a tropical rainforest. The town is the hottest in January, with a temperature of 23°C, and the coldest in November, having a temperature of 20°C. 

So, considering the weather, the best time to visit Colombia would be December, January, and February, and then June until September. The temperature will be pleasant, and you will experience average rainfall.

Tourist-wise, the busiest months in Salento are April, January, and May, respectively. Unless you purchase plane tickets in advance, be prepared to pay an extravagant price if you travel during this time. Hotel bookings will also be expensive.

The tourist crowd gets smaller in July, so the prices will be lower if you travel around that time.

How To Stay Safe In Salento, Colombia?

Salento is considered to be a very safe area for tourists. 

When visiting the town, try to avoid venturing alone at night. Also, if you are hiking the Mirador, make a point to get down before it gets dark. During the tourist season, the number of robberies increases as many tourists waiting to see the sunset forget to pay attention to their belongings.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Where to Go After Salento

Once you have explored Salento and want to explore other parts of Colombia, you will have different options. Some places you can visit include:

• Cartagena – here are what things to do in Cartagena
• Santa Marta – here are what things to do in Santa Marta
• San Gil
• San Andres Island

All in all, Salento is definitely worth visiting. You can easily plan a 2 to a 3-day trip to the town. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Things to do in Salento Colombia

Is Salento Colombia Worth Visiting? 

If you have seen the animated movie “Encanto,” you’ll get an idea of the bewitching pull of Salento with its traditional architecture and breathtaking mountainscape. On top of that, plenty of fun-filled outdoor activities, delicious local food, and breathtaking views will keep you enchanted. 

Salento is also a favorite tourist destination among Colombians on vacation, so take that strong recommendation from the locals as a resounding YES! 

Is Salento Safe? 

Salento is generally safe and considered one of Colombia’s best destinations for solo travelers and families. Basic precautions must be observed, just as with any other foreign destination.

Conclusion – Things to do in Salento Colombia

With these travel pointers on what to do when you visit Salento, may you revel in the beauty of this delightful colonial town.

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