Wax Palm Sanctuary tour in Salento: Hike among the highest palms

The tallest wax palms in Colombia grow in this private forest sanctuary.

The La Carbonera tour is a 5- to 7-hour guided experience in Salento, Quindío, where you hike or ride through the highest concentration of wax palms in Colombia, with a local guide explaining the forest's history and ecology. You choose between hiking trails and Jeep Willys transport depending on your preference. The tour includes lunch, rain tents, insurance and pickup from Salento. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

The experience

The wax palms here grow taller than anywhere else in the country, and you move through them on your own terms. The tour starts in Salento and branches into two routes: you can hike the forest trails at your own pace, or ride a Jeep Willys through the rural roads and viewpoints, switching between them as the day unfolds. Both paths pass waterfalls and open onto views that shift with the altitude and weather. A local guide walks or rides with you, pointing out the plants, animals and stories of the region.

The forest sits in a private space, which means the crowds that pack other Colombian attractions don't arrive here. You'll move through the highest concentration of wax palms without the noise of tour buses. Rain tents are set up at stops so weather changes don't cut the day short. Lunch is included, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on what works for your group.

Pickup happens from Salento, so you don't arrange separate transport to the trailhead. The tour runs 5 to 7 hours depending on how many stops you make and whether you lean toward hiking or driving. Insurance is included in the price, and the combination of lunch, gear and guidance means you show up and the rest is arranged.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Salento.
• a local guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch.
• rain tents at viewpoints.
• insurance policies.
• hiking access through the palm forest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 10:00

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 guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

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 9 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?Choose this tour if you want to move at your own pace through the forest: the mix of hiking trails and Jeep transport means you're not locked into either one, and the small group size keeps the experience quiet and unhurried.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 like when you get there?

The wax palms at La Carbonera are the tallest in Colombia, growing in their natural mountain forest. The tour passes through the highest concentration of them in the country, with waterfalls and viewpoints scattered through the forest.

Can I choose between hiking and driving, or do I have to pick one?

You can mix both. The tour offers hiking trails and Jeep Willys transport depending on your preference, and you can switch between them during the day as you move through the forest.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes private transportation from Salento, a local guide in English or Spanish, lunch, rain tents at stops, and insurance policies. You don't need to arrange anything separately.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs 5 to 7 hours depending on how many stops you make and whether you spend more time hiking or riding. Pickup from Salento is included.

Is this tour suitable for someone who isn't very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels because you can choose to ride the Jeep Willys instead of hiking, or mix the two. The guide adjusts the pace to your preference.