Horseback Riding Cocora Valley: Wax Palms & Mountain Views

Six to eight hours on horseback through Colombia's tallest palms and mountain viewpoints

Horseback riding through Cocora Valley near Salento, Colombia, where you ride past Wax Palm Trees, the national tree, across misty green hills and UNESCO-recognized Coffee Region landscapes. A guide leads the route, handles the horses, and shares stories of the region. Hotel pickup is included from your choice of Salento, Armenia, Pereira or Filandia. The ride suits all fitness levels and requires no prior riding experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding and Cocora Valley visit

• Meet guide at departure point
• Travel to Salento and prepare horses
• Ride horses through viewpoints
• Listen to guide's stories
• Visit Cocora Valley natural park

The experience

You meet your guide at your chosen departure point and ride to Salento, where the horses are saddled and ready. From there, the route takes you through viewpoints across the mountains, stopping to take in the scale of the landscape and the stories behind it. The guide explains Colombian farming traditions, the region's fauna and flora, and the history woven into what you're seeing. You don't need to know how to ride beforehand. The guide and horse handler manage the logistics so you can focus on the ride itself.

Cocora Valley is a national park ringed by misty green hills and filled with Wax Palm Trees: Colombia's national tree and the world's tallest palm species. The valley sits inside the Coffee Triangle and borders Los Nevados Natural Park, which is why UNESCO recognized it as the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia Heritage Site. The ride takes you through this landscape over six to eight hours, with viewpoints built into the route so you can stop and photograph the terrain. Bring a camera. The guide will point out the best spots along the way.

All-risk insurance is included, along with the horse rental at Salento and the guide's expertise. Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the booking, so you don't arrange your own transport to the starting point. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen: the tour operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions you expect. The guide will contact you the day before to answer questions or help with any special needs.

What’s included

• Horse rental at Salento.
• a skilled guide who speaks English or Spanish and leads the route while sharing stories of the region.
• a horse handler to manage the animals.
• all-risk insurance covering the ride.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from your chosen departure point in Salento, Armenia, Pereira or Filandia.

Options for this experience

4 options

Pick-up in SalentoGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Pickup from Salento is included

Pick-up in FilandiaGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Pickup from Filandia is included

Pick-up in PereiraGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Pickup from Pereira is included

Pick-up in ArmeniaGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00Pickup from Armenia is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 12:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (6 to 75 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Gran Colombia Tours

Is this one for you?Choose your pickup location based on where you're staying in the Coffee Region: Salento, Armenia, Pereira and Filandia all connect to the same ride and landscape, so pick the point closest to your hotel to minimize travel time before the ride begins.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Do I need to know how to ride a horse before booking this?

No. The tour is designed for all fitness levels and prior riding experience is not required. The guide and horse handler manage the horses and the route, so you can focus on the ride and the landscape.

What are the Wax Palm Trees I'll see in Cocora Valley?

Wax Palm Trees are Colombia's national tree and the world's tallest palm species. Cocora Valley is filled with them, growing across the misty green hills that make up the landscape you'll ride through.

Where can I be picked up for this ride?

Hotel pickup is included from Salento, Armenia, Pereira, or Filandia. You choose your departure point when you book, and the guide will contact you the day before to confirm the time.

How long does the horseback riding take?

The full day runs six to eight hours on horseback, including stops at viewpoints and time to learn about the region's farming traditions and natural history from your guide.

What should I bring on the ride?

Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated throughout the day. A camera is essential. The guide will point out viewpoints along the route where the landscape is worth photographing.

Is Cocora Valley a protected area?

Yes. Cocora Valley is a national park and part of the UNESCO-recognized Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia Heritage Site, thanks to its location in the Coffee Triangle and proximity to Los Nevados Natural Park.