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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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Exploring Coffee Country: 3 Days in Salento, Colombia

Last Updated: August 26, 2022 · Colombia, South America

When touring Colombia’s coffee country, Salento is simply not to be missed. After having traveled on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, I was super excited to explore the Zona Cafetera.

I was nearing the end of my research semester in Bogotá, where I anxiously awaited the arrival of my travel partner and love, Paul, to join me for a 10-day journey exploring the quaint small-towns sprinkling Colombia’s coffee region. 

Up first on our coffee country bucket list was the colorful town of Salento. To make the most of your time in Salento, here’s my 3-day recap of our stay + our best tips on what to do in Salento, Colombia!

Exploring the colorful pueblo of Salento, Colombia in the heart of Colombia's coffee country, Zona Cafetera. 3 day itinerary on what to do and see in Salento! BUCKETLIST BRI // #colombia #salento #coffeecountry #viajar
Exploring the colorful pueblo of Salento, Colombia in the heart of Colombia's coffee country, Zona Cafetera. 3 day itinerary on what to do and see in Salento! BUCKETLIST BRI // #colombia #salento #coffeecountry #viajar
Exploring the colorful pueblo of Salento, Colombia in the heart of Colombia's coffee country, Zona Cafetera. 3 day itinerary on what to do and see in Salento! BUCKETLIST BRI // #colombia #salento #coffeecountry #viajar

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!

Table of Contents show
Day 1: Arriving in Salento
Where to stay in Salento, Colombia
Where to eat in Salento!
Day 2: What to Do in Salento, Colombia
Coffee tour with Las Acacias Coffee Farm
Shopping in Calle Real
Sunset at the Mirador de Salento
Day 3: Hike to the nearby Valle de Cocora

Day 1: Arriving in Salento

We flew from Bogota to Pereira, which is where most travelers begin their Zona Cafetera journey. Our plan was to visit Pereira on our way back, on the way to the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal, at the end of our trip.

Traveler’s Tip: Grab a bus from the airport straight to the center of Pereira. It is cheap and comfortable, so definitely save your money and take a bus. Otherwise, you’ll spend 5x more with a taxi. Ask the bus driver to drop you off near the main square. Mention the church, if needed, to give the driver a rough location of where you want to go.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty Pereira

From Pereira, we took a bus and arrived in Salento in the early evening. We hadn’t booked a room in advance, which was our mistake. Salento was unexpectedly busy!

Here’s our suggestion on where to stay and eat for your first night in Salento.

Where to stay in Salento, Colombia

We strolled the streets, asking random hostels how much it cost for a private room for a couple. Everything we found was at least 60K pesos, which was way over our budget!

And then we found the hostel Estrella de Agua. We slept in a private cabin that was tiny and colorful for 25K pesos/night. It was perfect. Just a stone’s throw away from the main square in Salento, the Estrella de Agua hostel is the ideal place to stay! It gives off a very artsy, nature vibe with friendly felines, a singing parrot, art sculptures and plenty of smiley faces.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
Our colorful little cabin!

The bathroom facilities were clean and reliable and the morning breakfast was so delicious. If you stay in Salento, book a tiny little cabin here! Tents and dorms are also available, for an even better price.

Where to eat in Salento!

Salento is fairly small, but there are plenty of food options to choose from. For a typical Colombian meal that’s moderately priced, head to Donde Laurita.

There, Paul and I had a proper introduction to the local specialties. Among them, the oh-so-delicious truta a la plancha (grilled trout). I had trout with garlic and patacon (plantain), which literally melted in my mouth.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
Truta with garlic butter sauce

Paul ordered the most famous bandeja paisa, which honestly could have fed a family of four. It’s loaded with rice, beans, pork rind, avocado, patacon, chorizo, shredded meat, plantain, arepa, and to top it all off—a fried egg!

For delicious coffee and cakes in the afternoon, don’t miss out on the Café Jesús Martín. Located just off the square!


Traveler’s Tip: Street food in Colombia is pretty safe to eat (at least I never had any issues), delicious and cheap! You can grab a few stuffed arepas (with meat or cheese, etc) at a local stand for less than 50 pesos. It’s definitely a must while in Salento and in other countryside small towns!


3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
Time for a break at Café Jesús Martín

Day 2: What to Do in Salento, Colombia 

There are plenty of things to do in Salento, Colombia.

Here are our favorite three activities to do in Salento which you can easily do in 1 full day:

1. touring a local coffee farm

2. shopping in Calle Real

3. sunset at Mirador de Salento (viewpoint atop Salento)

*Bonus: Salento is a favorite backpacker’s destination, not only because its adorable on its own, but because the incredible Valle de Cocora, is accessible via Salento. I touch base about the wax palm tree valley here, but you can jump to the full article here!*

Coffee tour with Las Acacias Coffee Farm

Actually, we just happened to stumble across Las Acacias Coffee Farm as we headed towards another more well-known coffee farm. A bright-blue eyed Colombian stopped us in our path.

He kindly asked us for a few minutes to explain his family’s traditional coffee farm. We listened eagerly, and without any pressure at all from his side, decided to take a coffee tour with them instead.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
Ripe coffee fruit

We were SO happy to have found Las Acacias and definitely recommend you do your Colombian coffee tour with them!!

The farm is next to the dirt path, which you take to head to the coffee farms (any local can point you in the right direction). It’s a nice walk outside of Salento, so no need to get a taxi.

The farm is set in nature, with loads of flowering plants, orchards, animals, fresh coffee aromas, and the friendliest of people! Before our tour, we got to try fresh coffee, and this cup of coffee my friends is unlike any other!

It’s real coffee, with a full and flavorful taste. It’s so creamy, slightly fruity, and sweet!

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri

Our guide showed us the whole process and explained all the steps that it takes for the coffee bean to grow into a flowering plant, to harvesting, to sorting, to drying, to roasting, to grinding, to cup, and more.

At the end of our tour, we got to again taste the coffee. We ended up buying packets for all of our family and friends because they sell only to their guests; they do not export to big companies who can manipulate the coffee.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
How the beans are dried by the sun

They provide fresh, natural, coffee, using only traditional methods. No fertilizers or chemicals to keep bugs away; instead, they use a natural mix of organic compost.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri

Shopping in Calle Real

Salento’s main square and the main street are adorably aligned with crazy colorful artisanal shops and boutiques. Definitely take the time to slowly stroll around and visit all the local stores and specialties.

We couldn’t resist and ended up buying a double hammock, some gifts, and Paul got me a Wayuu mochila bag for my birthday that I didn’t have the chance to get while in La Guajira, where the indigenous Wayuu people live. 🙂


Traveler’s Tip: Yes, you can bargain a little in Colombia! Don’t go overboard, but you can knock off a few pesos with a good deal (i.e. if you buy several things from the same shop!)


Sunset at the Mirador de Salento

At the end of the main street in Salento, you will see stairs leading to the top of a hill. There, you can take in the beautiful panoramic views of the Colombian countryside, as you overlook the quaint small town that rests below.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
Sunset atop Salento’s mirador

It’s the ideal place to sit and watch the sunset as you munch on a bag of chips and drink a refreshing beer. There isn’t much else to do up here, other than enjoy the view and company of friends or your other half. Don’t forget to take a few pictures before heading back down for the evening.


Traveler’s Tip: While in Salento, do not miss out on a wild experience playing Colombia’s national sport—Tejo! Tejo consists of three essential things: a good aim, beer, and plenty of exploding gunpowder. For a game, head to Los Amigos.


Day 3: Hike to the nearby Valle de Cocora

A trip to Salento isn’t complete without a hiking trip to the magnificent Valle de Cocora, where the world’s largest palm trees—the wax palm trees—adorn the vivid green valley and soar 200 ft/60 m in the sky!

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri

To get there, it’s fairly easy. Colorful WWII jeeps line up on the main square, ready to be packed with locals and tourists alike. Get there early to grab one on time! The earlier you go, the more time you will have to hike the valley.


Traveler’s Tip: You can either do a short cut hike straight to where the wax palm trees are concentrated or, you can do a 5-6 hour tour, hiking through part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. Hike over grassy fields and dense forests, across bridges and rivers and past goats, horses, cows, and more!


There is also a hidden gem that’s not to be missed on this long hike, the Acaime Casa de Los Colibris. Nestled deep in the hills, this hummingbird sanctuary is a must-see.

You won’t believe how many species and colors of hummingbirds there are buzzing just one foot in front of you! To this day, this place is still on my list of absolute favorites. I tell you about it more in my guide to the Valle de Cocora.

3 Days in Salento, Colombia | Bucketlist Bri
See you next time Salento!

Salento, Colombia is already a popular bucket list destination among foreigners, and it’s no surprise why! Its small-town charm, colorful colonial stores, delicious local specialties, and nearby Valle de Cocora, all give Salento its uniqueness.

I hope you enjoyed this simple yet adventured-packed 3-day itinerary for exploring Salento on a budget. I can highly recommend every activity we did and the places we got to eat or stay.

Exploring the colorful pueblo of Salento, Colombia in the heart of Colombia's coffee country, Zona Cafetera. 3 day itinerary on what to do and see in Salento! BUCKETLIST BRI // #colombia #salento #coffeecountry #viajar
Exploring the colorful pueblo of Salento, Colombia in the heart of Colombia's coffee country, Zona Cafetera. 3 day itinerary on what to do and see in Salento! BUCKETLIST BRI // #colombia #salento #coffeecountry #viajar
Exploring the colorful pueblo of Salento, Colombia in the heart of Colombia's coffee country, Zona Cafetera. 3 day itinerary on what to do and see in Salento! BUCKETLIST BRI // #colombia #salento #coffeecountry #viajar
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By: Bri · In: Colombia, South America

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Dear me, thank you 🥰 This is your sign to tak Dear me, thank you 🥰 

This is your sign to take yourself to your dream destination (even—or especially—if you have to go solo!) ✨✨✨

Follow along to see my adventures in Japan! 🇯🇵 

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Memories from Morjim, Anjuna, & Panjim (Goa, India Memories from Morjim, Anjuna, & Panjim (Goa, India) 🇮🇳 

1. Waiting on India's first digital nomad conference to start! (CYF CON) 

2a. The funkiest hippie/night market in Anjuna

2b. Overlooking the beautiful and historic Panjim (the capital of Goa) 🌴

2c. One of the oldest + most popular Portuguese Baroque-style chapels in Goa (Lady of Immaculate Conception, Panjim)

3. I specifically requested a yellow scooter just so I could take a picture like this lol 🛵

4a. Kitty portrait inside a really cool speakeasy

4b. Feeling cute at the cutest little outdoor gin cocktail bar 

4c. Sunset over Chapora Bay + Arabian Sea

4d. Nightlife / beach shacks on Arpora 

5. Looking out at the sea from atop the ruined Chapora Fort

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9b. Local Goans + holy cow walking on Mandrem beach at sunset 🌅 

10. Enjoying our stay at the lovely  @anamivagoa 

PS. All of these memories and experiences wouldn’t have been possible without @nurall_co 💛 Nurall's next remote work retreat is in KHAO LAK, THAILAND 🇹🇭this July 2023 (cost: $900 USD only). Comment or DM me for an extra 5% off if you’re interested in signing up!

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Whether its for adventure, community, or leveling Whether its for adventure, community, or leveling up your business, a digital nomad / remote work retreat is one of the best ways to work remotely and travel! 💻✈️

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Retreats offer curated itineraries/experiences designed to bring you epic adventures in bucket list destinations, plug you into the local scene, and collab with like-minded souls — all while leveling up your business/entrepreneurial skills and remote lifestyle and giving you creative space to cowork in beautiful places. 🤗

On a digital nomad retreat, you might...

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< 1 week until we get to do this again! Adventur < 1 week until we get to do this again! 

Adventures await us in our beasty 1990 Roadtrek 🚐🌲🥾 — she’s been sitting out winter in Washington while we tanned our toes in Mexico 🇲🇽 

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Tell me what kind of summer you’re manifesting in the comments! 🧡

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I’m stoked (read 90% nervous, 10% excited), to share that @slomadstories is officially OUT THERE! 

I actually had the first episode published on April 4th, but was too shy to share about it until now. 

But, as you’ll hear when you tune in... (🥳) this podcast isn’t just about highlighting raw, meaningful stories of adventure by ordinary people who seek an extraordinary life — YES, it’s mostly about that — but the very heart of this podcast is about DOING things despite how much they SCARE you or thrust you into the UNKNOWN.

I’ve always *tried* to live my one very short life by seeking to know, chasing curiosity, and jumping headfirst into the journey. 

— This podcast is simply a new endeavor, a new project that WILL NOT stop whispering at my heart. I’ve been trying to deny this urge, this tug, for so long! The whispers started in 2020 when a person who I thought would become a close friend bailed on the idea to start one together. So I let the idea go, for a while. But then it came back twice as strong in 2022, when I was living as a temporary nomad in Portugal for two months. It was there that I had my podcast cover art designed. That was already 1.5 years ago! 

Life passes us by...

We hear the whispers, we see the project coming to life in our heads, we feel the pull...

But we say no over and over again, and we make very legitimate excuses, until ultimately, the idea, the spark, the magic, fades; it chooses someone else to birth the idea and manifest itself into creation (something I learned reading “Big Magic” by Liz Gilbert, it’s amazing, go read it!). 

I have no idea why I felt the need to start a podcast, it’s not like I am already juggling enough.

But I wanted to, for me.

For you ✨ 

For everyone who ever chased that feeling, that tug. 

Because that?? 

That’s been my life for the last decade. I moved abroad countless times — and stayed — from Nepal to Mexico and beyond, and I would’ve never done ANY of it if I had not listened to the whispers.

This podcast is about continuing in the pursuit of the unknown, seeking more, and taking decisive action.

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Bri
MINI GUIDE TO JIUFEN 🏮🇹🇼👇 🍡 Explor MINI GUIDE TO JIUFEN 🏮🇹🇼👇

🍡 Explore Jiufen Old Street and try local street food (The taro balls came highly recommended! We ate giant pork buns, xiao long bao dumplings, and a vegan pork noodle dish!) 

🍵 Visit the iconic A-Mei Tea House for traditional tea ceremony and sweets (a bit touristy, but worth it for the views imo)

🐉 Pick up some of the magic of “Spirited Away” in the shops (there are so many souvenirs and Studio Ghibli themed goods)

⛰️ Hike to the top of Keelung Mountain for a fun and sweaty adventure (go before sunset and go prepared for thousands of steps, lol)

🏮Wander through the narrow alleyways — explore away from Old Street!! 

⛏️ Learn about the town’s history at the Jiufen Gold Mine Museum — you can take night tours for a small fee or organize them through your hotel

🎭 Visit the two-story historic Shengping Theater, an abandoned cinema that provides a glimpse into Jiufen’s past

💦 Explore the nearby Golden Waterfall (10 minute drive)

Most people only come to Jiufen for a couple of hours to stroll through Old Street and take a photo of the teahouse since it evokes the bathhouse in Spirited Away🏮🐉 with its architecture and lanterns. But DON’T make the mistake of coming only for a day!! 

There is so much to do in Jiufen, even though we stayed 2 nights in the town (highly recommend), we wished we had stayed longer. 🥹

Oh yeah, and BRING AN UMBRELLA!! ☔️ Or don’t, the locals will give you one out of the goodness of their hearts (our hosts were the sweetest!!) ❤️

Save this to your Taiwan bucket list, pass this reel along to a friend, anddd check out my blog @bucketlistbri .com for more adventures abroad! 💃

#discovertaiwan #jiufen #spiritedaway #northtaiwan #asiatravel #travelbucketlist #jiufenoldstreet
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