Breakfast in Cocora Valley.
Cocora Valley — is famous for having the world's tallest palm trees. It's more commonly known in Spanish as “Valle Del Cocora”. Even though it is quite crowded with tourists, you can still find amazing quiet corners with endless views of the tall palm trees. I wanted to enjoy this place without tourists, so I decided to book a room, that faces directly the valley. An experience like no others, to wake up in the jungle with the sunrise and enjoy breakfast with a breathtaking view.
Where to stay?
When people visit the Cocora Valley, they stay in Salento — a touristic village that welcomes thousands of visitors every year. To reach the notorious valley, tourists have to take a jeep that drives for 30 minutes.
Why not enjoy the view directly from your room?
I recommend staying in Cabañas Valle del Cocora La Truchera — an accommodation located at the feet of the cloud forest, in the Nevados National Park. The highlight is waking up with the breathtaking view overlooking the Cocora Valley. A unique experience, immersed in nature.
I recommend staying for one night, because most of the facilities, coffee places, restaurants, and Internet connection, are available in the village of Salento and not in the valley.
To enjoy the experience to the fullest, try to reach the homestay at 5 PM, stay overnight, have a delicious breakfast on the room balcony (included in the price), and between 8-9 AM start one of the many hikes available in the Cocora Valley, so that you are able to avoid crowds of tourists coming.
How to reach the Cocora Valley?
FROM BOGOTA’
You can take the bus from Bogotá to Armenia (7 hours drive) — from Armenia, you have to change the bus to Salento (40 minutes drive). From the main square in the centre of Salento, there is a jeep called ‘Jeep Willis' — that drives every hour from 8 AM to 5 PM — to the Cocora Valley (30 minutes drive).
It's easier than it sounds. The bus company that operates the Bogotá - Armenia route is ‘Bolivariano’. All the buses have Wi-Fi and toilets, and they are very cheap and comfortable. Even though the journey was quite long, I personally loved the scenic driving route. You are driving through a jungle, with spectacular views overlooking green valleys. The best landscape I saw in Colombia.
FROM MEDELLIN
If you are in Medellin, there is a direct bus all the way to Salento village (6 hours drive).
Hiking in the Cocora Valley.