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Bucketlist Bri

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Hiking the Valle de Cocora in Colombia

Last Updated: October 20, 2021 · Colombia, South America, Travel Blog

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The Valle de Cocora, or the Cocora Valley, is best known for its soaring palm trees. In fact, these palm trees, known as wax palm trees or palmas de Cera, are the tallest in the world! Reaching heights of 200 feet or 60 meters. Planning a trip? Hiking the Valle de Cocora remains one of my favorite bucket list experiences.

Read more below to discover my best tips! As I mentioned in my story guide on Salento, the Valle de Cocora is accessible via WWII jeeps that line up on the Salento square.

Guide to Hiking the Valle de Cocora in Colombia

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Getting to the Valle de Cocora

To get there, it costs around 3000 pesos per person one way. Ask any local on the square for the departure times and they’ll know immediately. We left quite early, at around 7 am.

If you can be flexible with your time in Salento, try to move around your activities so that your day in the Valle de Cocora is on the best weather day of the week.

Traveler’s Tip: The earlier you arrive at the valley, the better! You will have no pressure hiking the long tour, which is what I definitely recommend doing.

The WWII jeep ride is so much fun, but slow. It takes around 30 minutes to get there. As we approached the valley, excitement tingled in my belly. I could see the palm trees soaring on the mountain ridges in the distance!

When we arrived there was a handful of restaurants on the right-hand side of the road that you cannot miss. Save these for after your hike when you are super hungry. It’s so worth the wait!

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia

Short vs Long Hike in the National Park Los Nevados

When you arrive at the valley, you have two options:

  1. The short route which leads straight to the palm trees where they’re most concentrated or;
  2. the long route which is a 5-6 hour hike that goes across fields and through forests, over bridges and rivers, and finishes at the heart of the palm tree valley. 
Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia

Plus, with the long hike, you get to stop by the hummingbird sanctuary which is nestled in nature somewhere around the halfway mark. This is what we did, and honestly, it was amazing.

The long tour is a moderately difficult hike, it goes up and down, but it’s nothing extreme so no worries!

The only negative I could see about the long hike is if you got really unlucky with bad weather. If this is the case, you could either postpone, truck on despite the weather, or do the short hike straight to the palm trees. We were fortunate enough to have sunny, blue skies!


Traveler’s Tip: To do the short hike, continue straight/left when you reach the gate. To do the long hike, take a right at the gate/sign. You can’t miss it!


There is a very affordable entry fee as the valley consists of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. There will be a person somewhere along the path to collect the fee. It’s not a scam! It’s for the protection of the Parque Los Nevados. You will get a little ticket.

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia |

The hike was so beautiful, I felt like I never put my camera away. The palm trees lining the hills in the distance were so beautiful. The wooden bridges were so much fun to cross. And the best part? It wasn’t touristy at all. We only saw a handful of travelers, mostly because everyone takes the short route. So if you go early, you’ll have the hike mostly to yourselves!

Hummingbirds at Acaime Casa de Los Colibris

Everyone who treks the Valle de Cocora should make a pit-stop at the Acaime Casa de Los Colibris. There is an additional fee of 5,000 pesos to enter (if I remember correctly!), but the fee includes 1 drink.

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia |

Traveler’s Tip: For your drink, you should try the hot chocolate and cheese. You’ll get a bowl of hot chocolate and a side plate of fresh cheese that you dip in the! Putting cheese in the drink, or dipping it in your drink, is very famous in Colombia (also often served with agua de panela). Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try it!


When we approached the sanctuary on a hill, we started to hear a slight humming noise filling the silence. When we looked up, there were all types and colors of hummingbirds whizzing around from tree to tree. I had never seen that many in one place in my life!

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia |

The hummingbirds are very used to humans being near, so you can even hold up the hummingbird feeder and several will take a drink at the sugar water! They are inches away from you so you can see every detail of their movements. It is magical! 

While we were enjoying the view and our choco + cheese combo, a family of coatis came scurrying down the hill to get their morning portion of rice! They were so cute and a curious sight to see!

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia

Palm Tree Paradise!!

There is a bit of a climb to do after you leave the hummingbird sanctuary and get back on route. The views from the top are stunning! Take a break on the bench that sits right next to the mountainside finca.

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia |

Take in the views of the valley below and pat yourself on the back because you just hiked all the way up there!

You’re almost there! Follow the dirt road all the way down to the heart of the wax palm trees. Take in the breathtaking views as the soaring palm trees collide with the mountainous landscape!

Hiking the Valle de Cocora Colombia |

On a side note, as beautiful as this place is, sadly it will not last for another couple decades. Due to a combination of reasons, like the palm trees being constantly exposed to the elements, historical overproduction of wax candles and other materials, overgrazing by the farmers’ cattle, and a spike in tourism frequenting the valley, the palm trees are dying in alarming numbers.

You will see the fallen palm trees as you cross the field and realize that one day, they will all be gone. As much as I loved this place and am happy to encourage others to visit, it’s sad to know that it will no longer exist.

The Colombian government recognized the extinction of the wax palm already in 1985 and measures are in place to protect the park. This is why it is of utmost importance that you respect nature while you visit. Please don’t litter or throw your trash. Keep it until you can find a proper waste bin for disposal.

Hiking the Valle de Cocora near Salento, Colombia

The Valle de Cocora is the ideal place to visit for anyone who loves nature. If you have the chance to tour Colombia’s coffee country, make sure to put Salento and the Valle de Cocora at the top of your bucket list!

  • Hiking the Valle de Cocora near Salento, Colombia: Ultimate Travel Guide // Bucketlist Bri // #colombia #travel #valledecocora #palmtrees
  • Hiking the Valle de Cocora near Salento, Colombia: Ultimate Travel Guide // Bucketlist Bri // #colombia #travel #valledecocora #palmtrees
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By: Bri · In: Colombia, South America, Travel Blog

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Comments

  1. Faye says

    November 25, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    This looks amazing, i’m just worried about getting lost on the long hike. Is it well signposted and an easy to follow route? Thankyou!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      November 25, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      Hi Faye! Yes, absolutely. You will see signage and the path is well indicated (at least from what I remember). If you go, definitely pay to enter the hummingbird sanctuary even though it’ll add some hiking time 🙂

      Reply

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National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
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+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

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I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

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Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

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On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

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Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

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I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
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