Updated September 6, 2023
This small town in the heart of Colombia’s coffee-growing region is a coffee lover’s dream come true, a hiking wonderland, and a peaceful paradise all rolled into one. Any questions? Drop us a line.
Colombia is known for making a mean cup o’ joe, and Salento is home to some of the best. Grab a cup at a local cafe for coffee that’s sustainable for both the environment and the local economy. If that wasn’t already a part of your Colombia itinerary, we bet it is now.
Salento is smack-dab in the middle of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle — so while it may not be hard to find a coffee shop, it definitely can be difficult to pick one! Locals boast that Cafe Jesus Martin serves the best, and we can’t disagree. The owner, Jesus Martin — or better known to some as the man who saved Colombian coffee — prides himself on his cafe’s sustainability and, of course, it’s perfect brew.
Ever wonder where all that delicious coffee comes from? Head on out past the center of Salento and to the countryside for a tour of a local Colombian coffee farm. These plantations, give great tours that show you the where and how Colombian coffee is crafted.
A truly stunning and unique place to hike in Colombia, we’d say this is a must-add to your Colombia itinerary! Make your friends jealous with some of the most gorgeous Instagram pictures you’ve ever taken. Don’t worry, we give you total bragging rights.
Wondering where to stay in Salento? The town is packed with accommodations perfect for any type of traveler. Some plantations even host Airbnb’s in rustic farmhouses — complete with all the cozy rural vibes you’ve been dreaming of.
Between the coffee and the Cocora Valley, what’s not to love about the gorgeous, rural Salento? A Colombian sight you need to see to believe, Salento’s countryside flourishes with color year-round so there’s never a bad time to visit!
You can find a bunch of great cloud forests in Colombia, but Salento might just be home to some of the best. While cloud forests are totally safe for travelers, they might not be around much longer due to climate change. You’ll want to check out this Colombian natural wonder sooner rather than later!
Whether you’re a fish fan or not, you’ve got to try the trout in Salento. It’s a Salento classic and a local delicacy. There’s plenty of places that serve it.
Uber in Colombia is always a great choice for transportation, but any local will tell you to take a spin on a Willie during your stay in Salento. Willies are old military vehicles that have become the workhorses of the coffee-growing region. Farmers use them to stack goods so high they literally go through the roof!
Every year, just outside of Salento, locals celebrate the Willie and all its useful glory by stacking them high with goods or random items and driving them through town. It might be a bit bizarre, but it’s definitely a unique Colombian festival you don’t want to miss.
When it comes to things you need to see in Colombia, we just can’t say enough. Get your cameras ready — the Mirador Salento offers views of the Cocora Valley that are so artsy it’ll pretty much break your Instagram. An easy climb, this attraction is totally free, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for cheap and free things to do in Colombia.
Give your legs a rest and tour the town on — horseback! Salento is in a pretty rural part of Colombia, so horseback riding is the perfect way to explore the area. Some tours will take you to local coffee plantations and others around the town. A rare experience you won’t have anywhere else, we’d say it’s just another reason that Salento’s one of the best cities to visit in Colombia!
Nestled deep in the woods just outside of Salento, the Acaime Hummingbird House is a unique point of interest in Colombia that many travelers miss without even realizing it. This peaceful preserve is home to tons of hummingbirds and some great hiking trails. Admission is cheap — about $2 — and includes a free drink and snack. We’d say that’s a win-win deal!
A classic Colombian tradition and a local fave, your trip to Colombia is simply incomplete without a game of Tejo. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically a bar game involving a heavy metal puck, gunpowder-filled targets, oh, and a lot of beer. Los Amigos is a popular bar.
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