Cocora Valley horseback riding tour from Salento
The ride starts in Salento to protect Cocora Valley's conservation.
A horseback riding tour through Salento and Cocora Valley in Colombia's Coffee Region, guided by a local expert who shares the stories of the mountains, farms and the wax palm that defines the landscape. Hotel pickup is included from Pereira, Armenia, Filandia or Salento. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and requires no prior riding experience; all-risk insurance and a horse handler are part of the package.
Step-by-step itinerary
Horseback riding and exploring Salento
- Meet guide at departure point
- Travel to Salento and mount horses
- Ride horses through Salento viewpoints
- Learn about Cocora Valley and wax palm
- Walk through Salento's picturesque streets
- Explore handicraft shops
- Return to hotel
The Experience
You'll meet your guide at your chosen pickup point and head to Salento, where the horses are saddled and ready. From there, the ride takes you through different viewpoints around town, each one stopping long enough to absorb the scale of the mountains and for the guide to explain what you're seeing—the farming traditions, the ecology, the reason this region matters. The horses move at a pace that lets you take photographs and listen without rushing through the moment.
Cocora Valley is the heart of what you've come to see: home to the wax palm, the world's tallest palm tree, and the reason Los Nevados National Park exists to protect it. The guide walks you through why this landscape is fragile and what makes it worth preserving. You'll also spend time on foot in Salento's streets, wandering past the Paisa architecture and the handicraft shops that line the town, before heading back to your hotel.
No riding experience is required—the horses are steady and the guide manages the pace. Wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen and water; the sun at this altitude is direct. A camera is worth the space in your bag. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for rain if the forecast calls for it. Travel time from your pickup point to Salento is built into the 6 to 8 hour total.
What’s included
- A live guide in English or Spanish.
- horse rental and a horse handler.
- all-risk insurance.
- hotel pickup and drop-off from your chosen departure point.
- access to the viewpoints and landscapes around Salento and Cocora Valley.
Operated by Gran Colombia Tours
Is this one for you?Choose your pickup city based on where you're staying in the Coffee Region—the guide meets you there and handles the drive to Salento, so you start the ride rested instead of exhausted. The 6 to 8 hour commitment fits a full day without eating into the next one, and because no riding skill is required, the only thing you need to decide is whether you want to spend a morning and afternoon in the saddle.
Traveler reviews
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Do I need to know how to ride a horse before booking this tour?
No. The tour is designed for all fitness levels and riding experience. The guide and horse handler manage the pace and ensure you're comfortable on the horse throughout the day.
What is the wax palm and why does it matter to Cocora Valley?
The wax palm is the world's tallest palm tree and grows naturally in Cocora Valley. The region's importance to Los Nevados National Park is tied to protecting this species and the fauna and flora around it from further damage.
Where does the horseback ride actually take place?
The ride starts in Salento, not in Cocora Valley itself. This arrangement protects Cocora Valley's conservation. You'll explore viewpoints and landscapes around Salento on horseback, then walk through Cocora Valley and Salento's town center on foot.
What's included in the tour price?
The tour includes the guide, horse rental, a horse handler, all-risk insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off from your chosen departure city. Travel time to Salento is part of the total duration.
Which towns can I be picked up from?
You can choose pickup from Pereira, Armenia, Filandia, or Salento itself. Select your preferred location when you book.
What should I bring and wear?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for riding and walking. Bring sunscreen, water to stay hydrated, and a camera for the viewpoints. The tour operates in all weather, so pack rain gear if needed.
Cocora Valley horseback riding tour from Salento
6h–8h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 152 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.9329 reviews







