Salento: Colombia's Hot Spot for Adventure and Coffee

Sunset tour of Salento

Mirador Alto de la Cruz is one of the best spots to take in Salento’s breathtaking views. A short but steep walk from town leads you to the perfect place to catch a sunset, have a picnic or take some photos. If you’re up for a little climb, it’s totally worth it!

Give yourself some extra time before sunset in case you want to stop in some shops or take breaks along the way.

Ziplining

In the same direction as Mirador Alto de la Cruz, there is a ziplining spot where you can zipline sitting up, flying like Superman or even upside down (I went upside down)! However, you zipline twice, so whichever way you choose to fly, you’ll have to do it again on the way back.

Cocora Valley waterfall hike

The hike is a short one — about 30 minutes. The main hill has a steep 50-degree incline, and the rest of the trail continues uphill on a narrow path through the forest. The reward? When you reach the top, you’ll feel the mist of the waterfall on your face. There's even a changing room at the top, so bring your bathing suit if you want to jump into the cool water and relax under the falls!

Valle de Cocora

When you search for Salento, Valle de Cocora is likely the first thing that pops up. If you’re in Salento, you can't skip taking an open-back vintage Jeep ride to the valley. Feeling adventurous? Stand on the outside of the Jeep for the ride!

Rafting

A little outside of Salento, you can take a rafting day trip on the Río La Vieja.

You’ll need to make your way to the tour company’s storefront, but they provide Jeep rides to and from the river. The river is classified as a Class 1, so you can easily float downstream and take in the scenery as much as you want.

Tejo

You have to play Colombia’s national game, Tejo, at Los Amigos. It’s similar to cornhole — but with gunpowder and beer. What could go wrong?

Horseback riding & coffee tour

Such a fun way to spend the afternoon! The tour starts with horses picking you up in Salento, followed by a 2–2.5-hour ride through scenic forests and rivers — it felt like something out of a fairytale!

This experience is the perfect mix of adventure and culture. It ends at Finca de Café Las Acacias, a coffee farm where you’ll learn about the coffee-making process, walk through the farm and enjoy a fresh espresso. The views (and the coffee) are amazing!

Paragliding & botanical gardens

Not far from the paragliding location is a botanical garden, which I highly recommend visiting before or after your flight.

• Pailart: Helados de Paila: Great mid-day ice cream/sorbet! So many yummy flavors.

• Parrilla y Vinos Juan Esteban: Great outdoor area in the town square.

• Andariego!: Good for an early morning coffee run or a mango smoothie!

• Kafe Del Alma: Fun place for music and drinks. Most places seemed to close early, but this place stayed open pretty late.