Santa Rita Waterfall hike in Salento: Forest trail and town walk

A towering waterfall hidden inside forest, reached by unconventional hiking through old tunnels.

This tour combines a forest hike to Santa Rita waterfall in Colombia's Coffee Region with a walking tour of Salento's colonial architecture. You hike muddy slopes and rugged trails to reach the 20-meter waterfall surrounded by forest, then walk Salento's adobe and mud houses with colorful wooden balconies, climb to the Alto de la Cruz viewpoint, and see the church and distant mountains. The tour runs 5 to 6 hours and includes park entry, a gastronomic experience, a guide in English or Spanish, all-risk insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Pereira, Armenia, Filandia or Salento.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike waterfall and Salento walking tour

• Hike to Santa Rita waterfall
• Walking tour of Salento town
• Visit Alto de la Cruz viewpoint

The experience

The hike itself is the draw: muddy slopes and rugged trails lead deeper into the forest until Santa Rita waterfall appears. A 20-meter drop surrounded by trees. The unconventional route, including passages through old tunnels, is what makes the waterfall feel removed from the usual trail. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and a cane if you need one. The path goes up and down, and the ground is wet. A guide leads the way and carries all-risk insurance, so you're covered for the terrain.

After the hike, the tour shifts to Salento's streets. You walk past adobe and mud houses with wooden balconies and flower-decorated gates: authentic architecture from the early 20th century when coffee towns took their shape. The guide points out the colorful stairs that climb to Alto de la Cruz, a viewpoint where you can see a large part of the town, its church, and on clear days, part of Armenia and the mountains of Los Nevados National Natural Park. A gastronomic experience is included, so you eat as part of the day.

Pickup happens from your hotel in one of four towns: Pereira, Armenia, Filandia or Salento. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for rain and mud. Bring water, sunscreen and a camera. The guide will contact you the day before to answer questions or help with any needs you have.

What’s included

• Santa Rita Natural Park entrance.
• a gastronomic experience.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• all-risk insurance.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Pereira, Armenia, Filandia or Salento.

Options for this experience

4 options

Pick-up in SalentoGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00Pickup from Salento is included

Pick-up in FilandiaGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00Pickup from Filandia is included

Pick-up in ArmeniaGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00Pickup from Armenia is included

Pick-up in PereiraGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00Pickup from Pereira 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 dayDepartures at 07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 to 80 years) · Under 4: 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Gran Colombia Tours

Is this one for you?Choose your pickup town at checkout (Pereira, Armenia, Filandia or Salento) based on where you're staying in the Coffee Region, and the guide meets you at your hotel. The muddy, rugged terrain means you need proper hiking shoes and comfort on steep, wet slopes. The tour suits all fitness levels when you come prepared for that kind of ground.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I start this tour from different towns in the Coffee Region?

Yes. Pickup is available from Pereira, Armenia, Filandia or Salento. You choose which one at checkout, and the guide meets you at your hotel.

What is Santa Rita waterfall like when you reach it?

Santa Rita is a 20-meter waterfall set inside forest, surrounded by trees rather than open rock. The unconventional hike and old tunnels you pass through on the way make the setting feel secluded and unusual.

How difficult is the hike to Santa Rita?

The trail goes up and down through muddy slopes and rugged ground, so it is not flat or easy. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential, and a cane helps if you need support on steep or slippery sections. The tour suits all fitness levels when you come prepared for wet terrain.

What do you see in Salento after the hike?

Salento's colonial streets show adobe and mud houses with colorful wooden balconies and flower-decorated gates from the early 20th century. You climb to the Alto de la Cruz viewpoint, which overlooks the town, its church, and on clear days, the mountains of Los Nevados National Natural Park.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes Santa Rita Natural Park entrance, a gastronomic experience, a guide in English or Spanish, all-risk insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off from your chosen town.