Colombia’s Valle del Cocora: Majestic Wax Palms in the Heart of Coffee Country
This week, I finally explored Colombia’s renowned coffee region, a highlight I’d eagerly anticipated since arriving in the country a couple of months ago. Unfortunately, persistent rain and lingering illness—including a stubborn stomach parasite—dampened my experience more than expected.
I based myself in charming Salento, the epicenter of Colombia’s coffee culture. This picturesque town, with its colorful balconies and vibrant wooden doors, offered cozy coffee shops for rainy afternoons, delectable restaurants, and artisan boutiques that inevitably expanded my backpack.
While Salento captivates, its true draw lies in the surrounding lush green mountains and coffee fincas. The star attraction is Valle del Cocora, a breathtaking valley dominated by the world’s tallest palm trees—giant wax palms reaching up to 60 meters (nearly 200 feet). Hiking among these towering giants is an unforgettable sight.
After rainy days and recovering my strength, I embarked on the scenic 4-hour hike from Salento into the valley. The trail wound past cow farms, through misty cloud forests, and culminated at a mountaintop café, where I sipped hot chocolate while watching hummingbirds dart about.
As a coffee enthusiast, I was thrilled for plantation tours. Though weather and health limited me to one—Don Eduardo’s Coffee Plantation, my second in Colombia after Finca La Victoria near Minca—the experience was rewarding. Freshly roasted coffee hit the spot, but next time, I’ll explore more fincas and nearby Filandia.
