Cocora Valley, Salento & Coffee Farm Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Salento Wax Palm Hike & Colombian Coffee Farm Visit

If you want to see Colombia’s tallest palms up close, taste real Salento cooking, and learn how coffee is made from bean to cup—all in one day—this tour covers it all. You’ll get local stories, great food, and real hands-on experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

Clouds hung low over the Cocora Valley when we arrived, and the air felt cool—almost damp—on my skin. The wax palms really do tower above you here; some looked like they were poking holes in the sky. Our guide, Andrés, pointed out a yellow-eared parrot perched way up high—honestly, I’d have missed it without him. You’ll hear birds everywhere, and if you’re lucky like us, you might spot a hummingbird zipping past. The grass was still wet from last night’s rain, so I’d recommend waterproof shoes if you have them.

Lunch in Salento was something else. We grabbed a table at Café Jesús Martín (the locals swear by their coffee), but honestly, it was the garlic trout that stole the show for me—crispy on the outside, soft inside. If fish isn’t your thing, there’s always bandeja paisa or sancocho soup. After eating, we wandered through Calle Real. The houses are painted every color you can imagine; I bought a small woven bag from Señora Marta’s stall—she told us she’s been making them for 30 years. The town feels lively but not crowded, especially if you go on a weekday.

The last stop was a family-run coffee farm just outside town. We walked through rows of coffee plants while Don Luis explained how they pick only the ripest cherries by hand. The smell of roasting beans hit us as soon as we stepped into the processing area—honestly, I’ve never had coffee that fresh before. We even tried our hand at turning the roasting drum (harder than it looks!). It’s easy to see why Colombian coffee has such a reputation after seeing all the work that goes into each cup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cocora Valley and Salento Experience

• Visit Wax Palm Valley in Cocora
• Taste typical Salento dishes
• Walk around Salento town
• Tour a traditional coffee farm

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The walk in Cocora Valley can be taken at your own pace, and there are plenty of places to rest. The town and coffee farm are accessible for most fitness levels.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable walking shoes (preferably waterproof), a light jacket—it can get chilly—and some cash for local crafts or snacks in Salento.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Absolutely. Just let us know your preference when booking and we’ll make sure there are tasty vegetarian dishes ready for you.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with AC, entry to Cocora Valley, bottled water, lunch with local dishes, a guided coffee farm tour (with tasting!), a small souvenir from Salento, and medical insurance for peace of mind.