Horseback riding in Cocora Valley: Wax palms and viewpoints

Two viewpoints, a river crossing, and the tallest palms in the world

Horseback riding in Cocora Valley takes you through diverse mountain ecosystems (wax palm forests, fog forest and cattle farms) on a guided ride that crosses the Quindío River and reaches two high viewpoints with 360-degree views. A Spanish-speaking guide leads the ride, which includes horses, palm tree entry tickets, rain tents and insurance. The route takes roughly two hours.

The experience

The ride starts at the Cocoratours cavalcade and climbs into terrain where wax palms, Colombia's national tree, rise above the fog forest canopy. You'll cross the Quindío River as it narrows into a small waterfall, then ascend to two separate viewpoints where the landscape opens up in all directions. The guide points out natural and artificial landmarks along the way, including the possibility of spotting an Andean condor.

What makes this route popular is the range of ecosystems compressed into one morning: you move from river level through wet forest into the high palm groves, each zone with its own vegetation and views. The ride follows mountainous roads and cattle farms, so the terrain varies enough to keep the day interesting without being relentless. Rain tents are provided, since fog and mist are common at elevation here.

The guide speaks Spanish and leads the entire ride. Horses and all safety gear, including insurance policies, are included in the booking. If you're new to horseback riding, the operator notes the route suits all fitness levels, though it does involve sustained time in the saddle on uneven mountain ground.

What’s included

• Horses and all tack.
• Spanish-speaking guide for the full ride.
• entry tickets to the wax palm viewpoints.
• rain tents.
• insurance coverage.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (19 to 44 years) · Senior (45 to 77 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cocoratours Valle de cocora

Is this one for you?Book this ride if you have a free morning or early afternoon in the area and want to see the wax palms from the high viewpoints rather than from a distance. The two-hour timeframe fits easily into a day that includes other activities in or around Salento, and the guide's Spanish narration works best if you speak the language or travel with someone who does.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the wax palms I'll see in Cocora Valley?

Wax palms are Colombia's national tree and grow taller than any other palm species on earth. In Cocora Valley they dominate the high forest, and the two viewpoints on this ride let you see them from above and around, rather than just from the ground looking up.

How long does the horseback ride take?

The ride lasts roughly two hours from start to finish, including the river crossing and both viewpoint stops.

Do I need horseback riding experience to book this?

No. The operator notes the route suits all fitness levels, and the guide leads the entire ride. You should be comfortable spending roughly two hours in the saddle on mountain terrain, but prior riding experience is not required.

What's included in the price?

The booking includes the horse, a Spanish-speaking guide for the full ride, entry tickets to the palm tree areas, rain tents, and insurance policies. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to and from Salento to reach the starting point.