Map of Salento, Colombia

🌿 What to do in Salento

Salento offers a variety of exciting activities set amidst stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From coffee tours to hiking adventures, there's something for everyone in this picturesque Colombian town.

• Best Budget Activity in Salento:

  Valle del Cocora Hike: Embark on a scenic hike through the iconic wax palm forests of Valle del Cocora, home to Colombia's national tree.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Salento:

  Coffee Farm Tour: Immerse yourself in Colombia's coffee culture with a guided tour of a local coffee farm, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample freshly brewed coffee.

• Best Luxury Activity in Salento:

  Paragliding Adventure: Soar high above the Andes mountains on a thrilling paragliding experience, offering breathtaking aerial views of Salento's lush landscapes.

🍽️ Where to eat in Salento

Salento boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering a mix of traditional Colombian flavors and international influences. Must-try foods in Salento include delicious trout dishes, aromatic coffee, and hearty bandeja paisa.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Salento:

  Restaurante Bernabé•$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Colombian comfort food with a focus on fresh local ingredients.

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Salento:

  La Eliana•$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Innovative fusion dishes blending Colombian and international flavors.

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Salento:

  Helena Adentro•$$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Fine dining experience featuring gourmet Colombian cuisine with a modern twist.

• Best Budget Bar in Salento:

  La Parrilla de Mi Pueblo•$:

  Aguardiente, a popular anise-flavored Colombian liquor.

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Salento:

  Cafe Quindio•$$:

  Colombian craft beer paired with empanadas.

• Best Luxury Bar in Salento:

  El Patio de los Azahares•$$$:

  Premium Colombian rum cocktails served in an elegant setting.

🏞️ What to see in Salento

Salento is a treasure trove of charming landmarks that showcase its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. From colorful colonial architecture to panoramic mountain views, exploring these must-visit sites will enchant visitors.

• Calle Real

  Wander along Calle Real, Salento's main street lined with colorful colonial houses, artisan shops, and quaint cafes, offering a glimpse into the town's cultural heritage.

• Mirador Alto de la Cruz

  Hike up to Mirador Alto de la Cruz for a stunning panoramic view of Salento and the picturesque Quindio countryside, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

• Cocora Valley

  Explore the enchanting Cocora Valley, home to the towering wax palms, Colombia's national tree, set against a backdrop of lush green hills and misty cloud forests.

• Reserva Natural Acaime

  Visit Reserva Natural Acaime to observe colorful hummingbirds in their natural habitat and wander through serene nature trails surrounded by native flora and fauna.

• Salento viewpoints

  Climb the nearby viewpoints like Alto de la Cruz and El Mirador for panoramic vistas of Salento's rolling hills, coffee plantations, and the towering Andes Mountains.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Salento

Discover the vibrant shopping scene in Salento, offering an array of unique stores and markets where you can find handmade crafts, artisan goods, and souvenirs that capture the essence of the town's culture and heritage.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Salento:

  Mercado Artesanal de Salento: Explore Mercado Artesanal de Salento for affordable handmade crafts, local souvenirs, and traditional Colombian items, perfect for budget-conscious shoppers looking for authentic keepsakes.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Salento:

  La Tienda de los Artesanos: Visit La Tienda de los Artesanos for a diverse selection of artisanal products, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry, showcasing the talents of local craftsmen at reasonable prices.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Salento:

  Casa de la Cultura: Step into Casa de la Cultura for upscale handicrafts, high-quality textiles, and premium artisanal products that reflect the finest craftsmanship and design in Salento.

🚌 Getting Around Salento

• Public Transport

  In Salento, public transportation primarily consists of buses, which are a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around the region. Buses operate on set routes and schedules, making it easy for visitors to explore the area. The price of bus tickets varies depending on the distance traveled, with fares typically starting at around $1.50 USD. It is advisable to check the bus schedule in advance to plan your journeys accordingly.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  - The main bus terminal in Salento is located in the central part of the town, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving or departing from the area. - For those looking to explore the region further, the nearest train station is located in the city of Pereira, approximately a 45-minute drive from Salento. - The closest airport to Salento is Matecaña International Airport, located in Pereira, offering domestic and international flights for those traveling by air.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: There are several car rental companies in Salento, such as Avis, Hertz, and Budget, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs. Prices typically start at $30 USD per day. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: For a more eco-friendly option, visitors can rent bicycles from local providers like Salento Bike Rental and Ecobici. Prices usually start at $5 USD for a half-day rental, providing a fun and active way to explore the charming streets of Salento.