Plaza de Salento Salento
Salento, Colombia: A vibrant colonial town in the coffee region, famous for its colorful architecture, towering wax palms, and rich coffee culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Plaza de Salento Salento
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Salento, Colombia: A vibrant colonial town in the coffee region, famous for its colorful architecture, towering wax palms, and rich coffee culture.
"This amazing coffee hub was simply exceptional. There were activities for everyone to enjoy."
📸 Capture the Colors
The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make for stunning photos. Visit early for fewer crowds!
🛺 Willys Jeep Adventures
Willys jeeps are the iconic transport to Valle de Cocora, departing from the plaza. Book in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Plaza de Salento
Central Salento
The vibrant heart of Salento, lined with colorful buildings, artisan shops, and local eateries. A perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere.
Valle de Cocora
Near Salento
Home to the iconic Quindío wax palms, this valley offers breathtaking hiking trails and stunning natural beauty.
Artisan Shops
Around Plaza de Salento
Discover unique handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local products from talented artisans in the shops surrounding the plaza.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Colors of Salento
Gateway to Natural Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Colors
The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make for stunning photos. Visit early for fewer crowds!
🛺 Willys Jeep Adventures
Willys jeeps are the iconic transport to Valle de Cocora, departing from the plaza. Book in advance!
☕ Coffee Farm Tours
Experience a coffee farm tour for an authentic taste of the region's famous coffee. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you hike in Valle de Cocora. Wear comfortable shoes!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Colors
The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make for stunning photos. Visit early for fewer crowds!
🛺 Willys Jeep Adventures
Willys jeeps are the iconic transport to Valle de Cocora, departing from the plaza. Book in advance!
☕ Coffee Farm Tours
Experience a coffee farm tour for an authentic taste of the region's famous coffee. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you hike in Valle de Cocora. Wear comfortable shoes!
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Browse the charming shops around the plaza for unique handicrafts and local souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Salento is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful architecture, and proximity to natural wonders like Valle de Cocora. Visitors enjoy the local cuisine, artisan shops, and the unique coffee farm experiences. However, some find it overly touristy and repetitive, suggesting a focus on social media appeal over authenticity.
"Salento in general feels overly touristy. If you can avoid it and instead visit more authentic places, which there are plenty of, you’ll probably enjoy the experience more. The number of visitors is overwhelming any day of the week, and almost everywhere you go you’ll find the same offerings, which quickly becomes repetitive and boring. It feels like a place that exists mostly for social media."
Mabelin Santos
"Salento is a lovely town with innumerable attractions close by. Although we stayed for two nights, I wish that we had another three days to explore the area. Great town, good food, welcoming people, and fantastic atmosphere."
Arthur Krzycki
"Nice plaza with plenty colorful gift shops around & restaurants."
Cashflow RE Diana Lovetravel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Salento is by flying into Armenia Airport (AXM) and then taking a taxi or bus to Salento. Alternatively, you can take a bus from major cities like Pereira or Armenia. The journey from Medellin takes about 6 hours by car. +2
The iconic Willys jeeps are the primary mode of transport to Valle de Cocora. They depart regularly from the central plaza in Salento. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
Salento is a very walkable town, especially the area around the main plaza. For excursions to nearby attractions like Valle de Cocora, Willys jeeps are readily available.
Yes, you can drive to Salento. Many visitors rent cars or drive their own vehicles. Parking can be limited in the town center, especially during peak times.
Yes, buses are available from Salento to other towns in the Eje Cafetero region, such as Filandia and Armenia, making it easy to explore the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza de Salento is a public square and is free to enter. You only need to pay for activities, tours, or purchases within the plaza and surrounding areas. 
There is typically a small entrance fee for Valle de Cocora, and the cost for the Willys jeep transport from Salento is around 10,000 COP (approx. $2.7 USD) round trip.
Most coffee farms offer tours with an entrance fee, which varies depending on the farm and the duration of the tour. It's advisable to check in advance. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended to book popular tours, especially for coffee farms and Valle de Cocora hikes, in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Most shops and restaurants around Plaza de Salento are open daily, typically from morning until late evening. Hours can vary, so it's best to check individual establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
The Plaza de Salento itself, with its colorful architecture, is a prime photo spot. Don't miss the viewpoints like Mirador de Salento for panoramic shots of the town and surrounding landscape.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the charm of the plaza. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying a drone in Salento or Valle de Cocora to avoid any issues.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for the plaza and town. For Valle de Cocora, a wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the landscape, and a telephoto can be useful for wildlife.
Generally, yes, but some farms may have specific restrictions. Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially of staff or private areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most famous local dish is 'trucha' (trout), often served fried or grilled with patacones (fried plantains). Bandeja Paisa is also a popular hearty option.
The plaza and surrounding streets are lined with numerous restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine. La Cuesta de La Abuela is recommended for trout and bandeja paisa.
While traditional Colombian cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. You can often find vegetarian options like patacones, salads, and vegetable stews.
Prices can vary, but expect to pay around 18,000 COP for trout, 8,000 COP for patacones, and 26,000 COP for a Bandeja Paisa. Budget-friendly options are available.
Absolutely! Salento is in the heart of Colombia's coffee region. Many cafes offer freshly brewed local coffee, and coffee farm tours provide a deeper understanding of the process. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Many of Salento's main attractions, like the plaza itself and scenic viewpoints, are free to enjoy. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Valle de Cocora
Getting to the Valle de Cocora is an experience in itself. Willys jeeps, the iconic vintage jeeps, are the primary mode of transport from Salento's main plaza. These colorful vehicles depart frequently and offer a bumpy but authentic ride into the valley. The journey takes about 20 minutes and provides scenic views along the way.
Many visitors combine a visit to the Valle de Cocora with a tour of a local coffee farm, offering a comprehensive taste of the Eje Cafetero's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. When planning your visit, consider the weather. The region can experience rain at any time, so packing a waterproof jacket and being prepared for changing conditions is advisable. The altitude can also affect some visitors, so staying hydrated and taking breaks is recommended. The Valle de Cocora is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers seeking to experience the unique charm of Colombia's coffee region.
The Charm of Salento's Plaza
+1Surrounding the plaza are numerous artisan shops selling a wide array of handmade crafts, souvenirs, ponchos, and local products. This is an excellent place to find unique gifts and support local artisans.
The plaza is also the central point for transportation, particularly for the Willys jeeps that ferry visitors to attractions like the Valle de Cocora.
It's a lively hub throughout the day, buzzing with activity, street vendors, and local families. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can offer a more tranquil experience, while evenings bring a vibrant, social atmosphere. +1Experiencing the Coffee Culture
These tours provide fascinating insights into the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting of coffee beans. You'll learn about the dedication and skill involved in producing the perfect cup. Many tours include a tasting session, allowing you to savor the distinct flavors of freshly brewed Colombian coffee. Some farms also offer accommodation, providing a unique opportunity to stay amidst the coffee plantations.
Beyond farm tours, you can experience the coffee culture by visiting the many cafes in Salento itself. Enjoy a meticulously prepared cup of local coffee while soaking in the town's charming atmosphere. The Plaza de Salento is a great starting point to find these cozy spots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit