Cocora Valley and Salento Horseback Riding Day Tour

Salento , Colombia

Cocora Valley and Salento Horseback Riding Day Tour

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If you enjoy natural destinations but you like levelling up your experiences: ride your horses and discover Colombia’s beauty through its national parks. In this tour, you will be guided along the mountains of Cocora Valley. You will learn about Colombian farming traditions, and have the chance of taking incredible pictures of the breathtaking landscapes. We have designed this for you to have a fulfilling trip.

- Visiting Salento on the back of a horse
- Exploring stunning landscapes
- Getting in touch with locals
- Learning about the Coffee Region, its fauna and flora like the National Palm Tree
- Unforgettable memories of your trip to Cocora Valley

Available options

Pick-up in Salento

From Salento<br/>Pickup included

Pick-up in Pereira

From Pereira<br/>Pickup included

Pick-up in Filandia

From Filandia<br/>Pickup included

Pick-up in Armenia

From Armenia<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Horse handler

Horse rental at Salento

Gran Colombia Tours Guide

All-risk insurance

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

First, meet our skilled and experienced guide in the chosen departure point. He will take you to Salento where your horses will be set and ready for you to ride them. This is where the adventure actually starts. The horses will drive you through viewpoints, stop and stare at the magnanimity of the landscapes. Let our guide tell the stories of the region and everything you need to know to appreciate the place even more.
Afterward, you will be ready to go to the Cocora Valley.

The Cocora Valley is a great natural park surrounded by misty green hills and mind-boggling landscapes full of Wax Palm Trees, the Colombian national tree. Its location on the Coffee Triangle and its closeness to Los Nevados Natural Park made them worthy of the UNESCO’s recognition as Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia Heritage Site.

Stop 3

You can start the tour from Armenia

You can start the tour from Pereira

You can start the tour from Filandia

What's not included

Extra purchases

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Bring comfortable shoes and clothes

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Keep hydrating constantly and use sunscreen

You do not need to know how to ride a horse

Don’t forget your camera. There will be viewpoints along the ride

The Tour Guide will contact you the day before in case you have any questions or assist you with any requirements

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.