Visiting Salento in Colombia: what to do, what to see and my recommended places
You plan to Visiting Salento in Colombia ? This colorful little village in the coffee region was one of my favorites during our family trip. With its colorful houses, shops, cafes, Willys jeeps, and the beautiful Cocora Valley, Salento captivated us with its charm and friendly atmosphere.
We spent two nights there and loved discovering the center of the village, visiting a coffee finca, playing tejo and exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Cocora Valley, famous for its immense wax palms.
I especially loved the atmosphere of Salento: it feels good there, you enjoy strolling through the streets, shopping, and enjoying the local life. It’s a destination I really recommend for a trip to Colombia, even with children or teenagers.
In this article, I share with you our experience, our hotel, our recommended places to eat, the activities not to miss, and all my practical tips for organizing your stay in Salento.
Salento at a glance
- Destination: Salento, in the coffee region of Colombia.
- Duration of our stay: 2 nights, 3 days
- How to get there: We arrived at the airport in Pereira before joining Salento by Uber.
- Where to sleep: Salento Mirador, ideally located near the main square.
- The must-see attractions: the Cocora Valley, a coffee finca, the historic center and Willys jeeps.
- Where to eat: Arepas Manaos, La Posada de Rubi and Beta Town Restaurant.
- How to get started again: Flota Occidental bus to Medellín, booked in advance.
Why visit Salento in Colombia?
Salento is a must-visit stop to discover the Colombian coffee region. This village has a lot of charm with its colorful houses, small shops, cafes, and always lively main square.
I loved walking down the main street, looking at the windows, discovering the craft shops and enjoying the atmosphere in the square. There is a church, two pharmacies, a supermarket, cafes and many shops.
It is a lively village, but we found a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. We felt comfortable enough to walk around and go out to eat as a family.
Salento is also the ideal starting point for visiting the Cocora Valley, famous for its immense wax palm trees. With its natural beauty, coffee culture and local life, it offers a truly wonderful experience.
For me, it’s precisely this mix that makes Salento so charming: you can go hiking in the morning, discover Colombian traditions in the afternoon, and end the day in a small restaurant in the center.
How do I get from the Pereira airport to Salento?
We arrived at the airport in Pereira and decided to get to Salento directly by Uber.
Taking an Uber from Pereira to Salento
We paid about 50 € for the trip, For the four of us, it was much simpler and faster for us, especially with the luggage.
After the flight, we didn’t particularly want to make multiple changes in transportation. The direct transfer allowed us to reach our hotel without any complications.
Can you go from Pereira to Salento by bus?
Yes, and it’s a significantly cheaper option. However, you first need to get to the Pereira bus station, find the bus to Salento and wait for its departure.
It’s therefore a bit more restrictive, especially if you’re traveling with several people or with luggage.
My advice: Compare the options based on your budget and the number of travelers. As a group of four, we preferred the simplicity of Uber, but the bus remains a good option for smaller budgets.
Where to sleep in Salento? Our experience at Salento Mirador
We stayed at the Salento Mirador, a hotel that we really liked, especially for its location.
We arrived in the morning and, luckily, our room was already available! We were therefore able to settle in immediately, allowing us to enjoy the village without waiting.
The hotel is just a few meters from the main square. It’s really convenient for exploring the city center on foot, going to restaurants, shopping, or having a coffee.
We also enjoyed the good breakfast and the beautiful view.
For us, it was a very good place to stay in Salento without having to take a transport for every trip.
Why we loved the Salento Mirador:
- Its central location, close to the square.
- Breakfast.
- The superb view.
- The possibility of discovering the village on foot.
What to do in Salento? The must-do activities
1. Take a walk in the historic center
This is one of my favorite things about Salento: just strolling around the village and enjoying its atmosphere.
The main street is lined with shops, cafes and colorful houses. You can buy souvenirs, discover local crafts or stop for a drink on the terrace.
We really enjoyed this walk, which we did several times during our stay. There is always something to observe and the atmosphere is particularly pleasant.
2. Discover the main square and its church
The main square is the heart of the village. There you will find the church, cafes, many shops, and several convenient shops for travelers.
We went there several times during our stay, especially to take the Willys jeeps to the Cocora Valley and the coffee finca.
I loved this lively and friendly place, where you can simply sit down and watch the local life.
3. Visit the Don Elías estate: a discovery of the coffee culture
It's impossible to visit the coffee region and not discover how this emblematic drink is produced!
I had booked a tour of the Finca Don Elías on GetYourGuide, With a guided tour in French. The tour was scheduled for the beginning of the afternoon on the day of our arrival.
We took a Willys jeep to reach the finca. We really enjoyed this activity, which allows us to better understand the coffee culture and the local know-how.
I find it a wonderful experience to include in a trip to Colombia, as it allows you to discover another facet of the country and its traditions.
If you wish to have a visit in French, please check the language offered and availability at the time of booking.
4. Playing tejo at Cancha de Tejo Los Amigos
This is an original activity that we loved!
We went to the Cancha de Tejo Los Amigos, a bar where you can discover the tejo, a traditional Colombian game. The principle is to throw a metal disc at a target, with small explosive charges that produce an impressive noise when they are hit.
We had a great time, in a very friendly atmosphere.
And luck was on our side: we found a French family we had met a few days earlier in Bogotá there! That’s what travel is all about: you sometimes meet the same people hundreds of kilometers away.
Attention if you are traveling with children: Minors are not allowed in this bar after 6 p.m. We therefore went there taking this restriction into account.
5. Exploring the Cocora Valley
C’est l’excursion incontournable à faire depuis Salento ! La vallée de Cocora est célèbre pour ses immenses beeswax palms, l’arbre national de la Colombie, qui se détachent au milieu des prairies et de la végétation. Le décor est spectaculaire et fait partie des images les plus emblématiques du pays.
We chose the Average loop, en partant tôt le matin : environ 2 h de marche, avec deux miradors, et des paysages que nous avons adorés. Tous les détails (itinéraire, spots photo, conseils avec les enfants) sont dans mon article sur la vallée de Cocora en famille.
How to get to the Cocora Valley from Salento?
Rendez-vous sur la place principale du village, où une petite cabane vend les billets pour les jeep Willys. Nous y étions à 8 h, et la jeep est partie à 8 h 15, une fois pleine. Le trajet dure environ 20 minutes.
Comptez 4 500 pesos par personne et par trajet, soit environ 2,50 € l’aller-retour (tarif de juillet 2026). Prévoyez des species : la carte bancaire n’est pas acceptée pour les jeeps. L’entrée de la vallée coûte 30 000 pesos par personne, soit environ 8,50 €.
My advice for the Cocora Valley
- Leave early: il y a beaucoup de monde sur le site, et on profite mieux des paysages en début de journée.
- Drink enough water pour toute la randonnée. De petits stands près de certains miradors vendent aussi des boissons et des encas.
- Prévoyez une veste et un K-way : on nous a dit qu’il y a souvent du brouillard, et il fait frais le matin.
- Portez de bonnes chaussures : la balade est accessible, mais elle grimpe pas mal et le terrain peut être irrégulier.
- Choose an appropriate route à l’âge et à l’endurance du plus petit du groupe : nous avons fait la boucle moyenne avec les enfants.
- Pas de drone : leur utilisation est interdite sur le site.
6. Take a horseback ride around Salento
If you want to discover the surroundings in a different way, it is also possible to do so. horseback rides around Salento.
This is an activity to consider if you have a little more time on site. It allows you to enjoy the scenery of the coffee region at a different pace.
Consider checking the duration of the excursions, the conditions offered, and any age restrictions before booking, especially if you are traveling with children.
7. Take advantage of the colored Willys jeeps
The Willys jeeps are an integral part of the charm of Salento! These colorful vehicles circulate through the village and transport visitors, among other things, to the Cocora Valley and to some coffee farms.
We loved seeing them in the main square and using them for our excursions. They have become one of the symbols of our stay.
It is also a typical means of transport that contributes to the experience of travel.
Where to eat in Salento? Our top recommendations
Arepas Manaos: the food court
On the day of our arrival, we had lunch at the food court at Arepas Manaos.
It was a convenient solution for eating after the journey from Pereira, before starting our visits.
We enjoyed this relaxed option, especially when traveling with family and wanting to eat without spending too much time at the table.
La Posada de Rubi: a local address
After our hike in the Cocora Valley, we went back to the hotel to take a shower before going to lunch at The Posada de Rubi.
We liked the local side of this address, which seemed less touristy to us. It was a good break after our morning walk.
Beta Town Restaurant: a good place with children
On the evening of our second day, we had dinner at Beta Town Restaurant.
The little extra that pleased the boys: there’s a small football field! They loved being able to play during our visit to the restaurant.
If you’re traveling with children or teenagers, this is a detail that can really make the meal more enjoyable for everyone.
Doing some shopping in the main street
We also took advantage of our evenings to discover the shops in the center. The main street has many stores and it is pleasant to stroll around after dinner.
It’s the perfect opportunity to bring back some memories and to enjoy the atmosphere of the village one last time.
Is Salento suitable for a family trip?
We found Salento very pleasant to discover as a family. The center is easily walkable and the activities allow you to mix nature, culture, and relaxation.
We loved being able to visit a coffee finca, discover the tejo, go hiking, and enjoy the restaurants in the village.
The Cocora Valley is also accessible to families who choose a route adapted to the age and endurance of children. All that is required is to properly prepare the hike and to bring water.
The boys also appreciated the more spontaneous breaks, such as the little football match and the shops in the center.
Is Salento a safe destination?
We found Salento pleasant and quiet during our stay. We felt comfortable strolling through the center, shopping, discovering restaurants, and enjoying the main square.
As is the case everywhere when traveling, it is still important to keep an eye on your personal belongings and to take the usual precautions.
What we particularly appreciated was the friendly atmosphere of the village and the pleasure of being able to discover a good part of the center on foot.
How to get from Salento to Medellín?
After our two nights in Salento, we continued our journey towards Medellín.
We had booked a bus from the company. The Western Fleet, with a departure scheduled for 10 a.m.
Where is the Salento bus station located?
Attention, the bus station is located outside the center of the village. To get there with our luggage, we took an Uber.
So be sure to allow for a little extra time on the morning of departure to get to the station and board the train in peace.
Do I have to book the bus in advance?
Yes, I strongly recommend that you book in advance. Buses can quickly get full, which can complicate the rest of your itinerary if you plan to leave at a specific time.
We traveled with Flota Occidental. Check directly with the company for the available schedules, booking conditions, and the exact departure location.
My advice: plan ahead for this booking, especially if you are traveling with others.
Our itinerary in Salento in 2 nights
Here is the itinerary of our stay to help you organize your days.
Day 1: Arrival, coffee finca and discovery of the village
- Arrived in Salento the morning after arriving from the airport in Pereira.
- Accommodation in Salento Mirador, with a room available upon our arrival.
- Lunch at the food court at Arepas Manaos.
- Departure by Willys jeep for the visit of the Don Elías finca in the early afternoon.
- Return to the village and departure to Tejo at Cancha de Tejo Los Amigos, taking into account the restriction on minors after 6 p.m.
- Shopping in the main street.
- Dinner at the restaurant and overnight at Salento Mirador.
Day 2: Cocora Valley and good local restaurants
- 8 a.m.: Departure by Willys jeep to the Cocora Valley.
- Hiking on the middle loop, amidst spectacular landscapes and palm trees.
- Return to Salento in the early afternoon.
- Lunch at La Posada de Rubi.
- A walk in the village and a little football match for the boys.
- Dinner at Beta Town Restaurant, with its small football field.
- Last shopping session in the mall.
- Return to the hotel for the second night.
Day 3: Departure for Medellín
- Departure from the hotel and journey by Uber to the bus station.
- West Flota bus at 10 a.m. to reach Medellín, with a reservation made in advance.
How long should I stay in Salento?
We spent two nights there, which allowed us to discover the must-see sights without spending too much time on our itinerary in Colombia.
With good organization, two nights are enough to visit the village, discover a coffee finca, hike the Cocora Valley, and enjoy some good restaurants.
On the other hand, the program is quite busy. If you have time, I recommend that you stay an extra day. You can go horseback riding, discover other activities in the area, or simply enjoy the village without checking the time.
My opinion about Salento: a real coup de cœur in Colombia
Salento is one of my most beautiful memories of Colombia. I loved its colorful center, its main street full of shops, its lively square, its cafes, and its friendly atmosphere.
We also loved discovering the coffee culture, playing tejo, and exploring the Cocora Valley. And the boys enjoyed the more spontaneous moments, especially football and the breaks in the shops.
This is a step I highly recommend when traveling with family in Colombia. It allows you to discover another facet of the country, between local traditions and spectacular natural landscapes.
If you’re planning your itinerary, don’t miss Salento: for us, it was a real revelation!
FAQ: Visiting Salento in Colombia
What to do in Salento, Colombia?
The must-dos are discovering the historic center, visiting a coffee finca, hiking in the Cocora Valley, playing tejo, and strolling through the village’s shops.
How many nights to spend in Salento?
We spent two nights here, which allowed us to discover the main sites. A third night is interesting for enjoying other activities, such as a horseback ride, and taking more time to enjoy the area.
How to get from Pereira to Salento?
We took an Uber from the Pereira airport for about 50 euros for four people. The bus is cheaper, but requires you to first get to the Pereira bus station and then wait for the departure to Salento.
How to get to the Cocora Valley?
Head to the main square in Salento, where you will find the ticket office for the Willys jeeps that serve the valley.
Can you do the Cocora Valley with children?
Yes, by choosing a route adapted to their age and physical condition. Plan to bring water, good shoes, and enough time to walk at your own pace.
Where to sleep in Salento?
We stayed at the Salento Mirador. We liked its location a few meters from the main square, its breakfast and its stunning view.
How to get from Salento to Medellín?
We took a Flota Occidental bus with a departure at 10 a.m. Since the bus station is located outside the city center, we took an Uber to get to the station. It is best to book your ticket in advance, as seats can quickly become full.
Is Salento suitable for families?
Yes, we found the village pleasant for a family stay. With its walks, shops, excursions in nature and restaurants, there is plenty to keep both young and old busy.
Which eSIM card to choose to get internet in Colombia?
During a trip to Colombia, I strongly recommend installing one eSIM card before departure. It allows you to have Internet from the moment you arrive at the airport, without having to look for a local SIM card. It’s very convenient for ordering an Uber, using Google Maps, checking bus schedules, booking activities, or contacting your hotel. In Colombia, we especially used the Internet to facilitate our travel between the different stages of our trip.
To stay connected during your stay, I recommend two solutions: Saily, With my promo code TMH15 to receive 15 % % off, or Holafly, With my code TRAVELMEHAPPY for 5 % % off.
- Saily: Discover the Saily eSIM offers — promo code TMH15: -15 %.
- Holafly: Discover the Holafly eSIM offers — promo code TRAVELMEHAPPY: -5 %.
Consider installing and configuring your eSIM before departure, following the instructions provided by your provider. Also ensure that your phone is compatible with eSIMs and that your plan covers Colombia well.
My advice: Don’t leave without a solution to connect to the Internet! On a trip, it’s a real time and peace of mind saver, especially when you plan your travels as a family.
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- All our articles about Colombia : please consult our section dedicated to this destination.
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From Bogotá to Salento, passing through the Cocora Valley, Medellín, Guatapé, Tayrona and Cartagena de Indias, we share our discoveries and tips to help you organize your own trip in Colombia. Enjoy reading and have a good trip!
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