Quindío's Magical Towns experience from Salento

Salento , Colombia

Quindío's Magical Towns experience from Salento

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About this experience

Visit the colorful, charming towns of Quindío that will captivate you with their picturesque facades, gentle rhythm, exquisite coffee, friendly people, and mesmerizing mountainous scenery.

Available options

Quindío's Magical Towns experience from Salento

Pickup included

What's included

Knowledgeable guide in Spanish or English.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Typical Colombian lunch

Entry tickets to attractions mentioned

Coffee tasting at one of the farms.

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked you up at 8:00 am to drive to Río Verde Quindío, where a typical Jeep Willis transportation will be waiting to take you uphill to Buenavista.

You will be picked you up at 8:00 am to drive to Río Verde Quindío, where a typical Jeep Willis transportation will be waiting to take you uphill to Buenavista. Here, you will enjoy a marvelous view of Cauca's Valley.

Here, you will enjoy a marvelous view of Cauca's Valley and visit a coffee farm where you will learn about the whole process of coffee production. You will get to know the plantations, how coffee is harvested and prepared, the different methods for drying, and requirements to produce a top-quality coffee.

After this experience, you will move to the town of Pijao where you will walk along with beautiful houses full of vibrant colors and ornaments. Here you will learn about the history of this small town and the process of colonization that gave birth to the region, as well as the impact of the ‘coffee boom.’ After, you will visit a family's crafts workshop where you will get to know the traditional crafts of the region before going for a typical and delicious Sancocho (a traditional soup of large pieces of meat, tubers, and vegetables served in a broth) lunch.

After a tasty meal, you will head to the last stop for a coffee brewing method experience at a small coffee farm. You will learn how different brewing methods change the taste of coffee as you enjoy freshly prepared coffee with the best ingredients.

Finally, you will continue on the Jeep to return to Río Verde and back to your hotel.

What's not included

Unspecified food or beverage.

Tips and gratuities.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for travelers with impaired mobility.

Please inform us if you have any food allergies before taking the tour.

This tour includes insurance. Please send passport number by the time of booking to make the insurance effective

Important notes

• Please email Impulse Travel at info@impulsetravel.co to confirm your pickup time and location.

• The price you paid for the service does not include 19% V.A.T. This benefit only applies to foreigners entering as tourists, so it is necessary that you send us as proof a copy of your passport and the photo of the entry stamp to the country. As required by the national tax authority.

About Salento

Salento is a picturesque town in Colombia's Coffee Triangle, known for its vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a gateway to the Cocora Valley, home to the iconic wax palms, Colombia's national tree. The town's charming atmosphere and rich coffee culture make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Cocora Valley

The Cocora Valley is a stunning landscape filled with towering wax palms, Colombia's national tree. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature Half day to full day Free to enter, guided tours may have a cost

Salento's Town Center

The town center of Salento is a charming area with colorful colonial buildings, vibrant streets, and a lively atmosphere.

Historical/Architecture A few hours Free

Finca El Ocaso

Finca El Ocaso is a traditional coffee farm offering tours and tastings, providing insight into the coffee-making process.

Cultural/Agriculture 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter featuring rice, beans, ground meat, chicharrón, plantain, avocado, arepa, and sometimes a fried egg. It's a must-try for its rich flavors and substantial portions.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, gluten, and dairy.

Arepas

Corn cakes that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are a staple in Colombian cuisine and can be found throughout Salento.

Snack/Breakfast Vegetarian options available.

Coffee

Salento is in the heart of Colombia's coffee region, so trying locally grown and brewed coffee is a must. The coffee is known for its rich, smooth flavor.

Drink Vegan and gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Cocora Valley Coffee farm tours Horseback riding Coffee tasting at local cafes Strolling through the town center Enjoying the scenic views Visiting local museums Exploring colonial architecture

Best Time to Visit

June to August, December to January

The best time to visit Salento is during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.

12-24°C 54-75°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Salento is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. It's important to take precautions to protect your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using public transportation, especially at night.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially after dark.

Getting there

By air

El Eden Airport • 45 km from Salento

By bus

Terminal de Transportes de Armenia

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Salento. They run frequently and connect the town center with nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Tappx, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Cocora Valley Area

Day trips

Filandia

20 km from Salento • Half day to full day

Filandia is a charming colonial town with a rich history and beautiful architecture. It's a great place to explore the coffee region's cultural heritage.

Pijao

30 km from Salento • Full day

Pijao is a small town surrounded by lush landscapes and coffee farms. It's a great place for hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the coffee-making process.

Festivals

Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) • August

Pro tips

Visit the Cocora Valley early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Try the local coffee at one of the many cafes in town, and consider taking a coffee farm tour to learn about the coffee-making process.
Explore the town center on foot, as many attractions and shops are within walking distance.
Be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain, especially in the afternoon, and bring layers and a rain jacket.
Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals, as Salento can get crowded.