Hiking the Cocora Valley in Colombia

I was never a big hiker until I undertook a multi-day trek in Nepal a few years ago. While I still can’t really claim to be a hardcore hiker, I do take time for hikes a lot more often now. The distances, the physical challenge and the long hours don’t scare me anymore… In fact, it’s now what I’m drawn to!

Ten years ago, when I visited Colombia, I spent the little time I had in the country visiting my local friends instead of visiting the country. Though I never regretted that decision, I was bummed to have missed out on what seemed like one of Colombia’s highlights: the Cocora valley. “I’ll just have to come back one day” I said…

And come back I did! Ten years later, I finally had the chance to visit the Cocora valley in Colombia! What was even better, this time around I was actually into hiking!

This hike was not only a highlight in Colombia for me, it was one of my favourites of all times. Not too long, not too strenuous and full of gorgeous and unique views.

We headed to the town of Salento, the hub for hikes in the valley. I found the town itself to be very touristy but extremely charming. We spent our first day in Salento wandering around, walking in and out of little boutiques, eating tasty dishes and drinking incredible coffee, straight from the source.

Colombian coffee on the side of the road
Colombian coffee on the side of the road
taking multiple food breaks a day...
taking multiple food breaks a day…

 

The next day we woke up shortly after dawn to start our hike. From the town square, a bunch of jeeps were waiting to bring hikers to the valley. The ride to the valley in itself was absolutely stunning! I would have loved to walk there like some people did, but I figured walking those extra kilometres would be pushing it. Besides, a ride hanging from the back of a willy jeep seemed so much cooler!

Cocora valley Colombia, Jeep
the jeep to Cocora

 

Because it had been raining the days before our arrival, we rented some rubber boots from a kiosk at the beginning of the trail. They turned out not to be necessary but I was happy I could walk freely, jump into mud pools and cross small creeks without a second thought.

getting the most out of my rubber boots
getting the most out of my rubber boots

 

The scenery kept changing as our hike progressed. From farms, to jungle, over hanging bridges,  through flower fields…

farmer on his wat to his finca
farmer on his way to his finca
farms, hiking cocora valley, colombia
farms
mud puddles in the morning light
mud puddles in the morning light
in the woods...
in the woods…
over the bridges
over the bridges
high altitude flowers
high altitude flowers

 

Finally we arrived in an exotic fairy tale setting…

Cocora VAlley, Colombia
hello wax palms!
Cocora valley, Colombia
enjoying the unique view

 

The tall wax palms skyline. Just incredible!

Cocora valley, Colombia
I could have stayed for hours!

 

I never really understood how it was possible that we didn’t see any of the other hiker during our whole time in the valley. Especially because we started out with so many. We did the somewhat shorter version of the hike, skipping the hummingbird station, Acaime. No regrets here as we saw lots of humming birds on the way.

Cocora valley, Colombia
a dream come true

 

A word of advice for anyone thinking about doing this hike, leave as early in the morning as possible. You’ll have magical morning light to start your hike with, you’ll be less likely to get caught in the rain (it often comes down pouring the afternoon) and you’ll avoid the crowds. Just check when the first jeeps leave and make sure you catch one. It’s a half day hike so don’t forget to bring water and some snacks!

 Did you know about the Cocora Valley? Would you put it on your bucket list? 

The post “Hiking the Cocora Valley, Colombia” first appeared on Travel Cake. 

 

Comments

11 responses to “Hiking the Cocora Valley in Colombia”

  1. Dana Carmel Avatar

    Such a timely post…I’m headed to Salento in October and will be taking this hike. Can’t wait. Beautiful pictures!

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Oh, how wonderful! I’m sure you will LOVE it! I wish I was also headed to Colombia in October! 😀

  2. Renuka Avatar

    Sounds like a great place for hiking. I love hiking! My best trails have been in Sikkim and Darjeeling. Hiking gives you more freedom to look around, take pictures and really soak in the natural environment.

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      I would love to hike in Sikkim and Darjeeling! Next time I visit India, that’s where I’m heading for sure!

  3. vidushi Avatar
    vidushi

    Hi sarah

    Great post! Is it okay to hike Concora Valley in December? Cannot find a definitive answer in Colombia

    Thanks

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      I think you can visit Cocora year round, you’ll just have to take into account that you might get caught in the rain more often. It’s so beautiful though, it’s worth going regardless of the weather!

  4. kim Avatar

    Heej you are back!! 😀 Where have you been?

    on topic: wauw, what a beautiful landscape.. would love to go over that bridge 😀

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Yes, I’m back! Woot! 😀

  5. Shelagh Boughton Avatar
    Shelagh Boughton

    Defo a highlight of my Colombian adventure, even though we missed the early morning sunlight/mists. Your pix are superb and a fabulous reminder. A friend and I hiked it a week ago, the sun shone all day and we included the hummingbird station with its little cafe. Salento is delightful.
    Loving your quirky tips, wish I’d found them (and you) earlier! Will just HAVE to return to Bogota for a crazy mad night of Dancing and Dining.

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Yes, Salento is soo delightful! I too would like to go back! There is still so much of Colombia I haven’t seen!

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