The best areas to stay in Salento are Plaza de Bolivár, the Cocora Valley, El Laureles, Los Nevados National Natura Park Area and at one of the many coffee farms (Finca Stays).
This might be an overwhelming and somewhat confusing answer to your question about where to stay in Salento.
But don’t worry, because, in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Salento, regarding the type of travellers you both are.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button.
Or simply continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Salento.
Even though Salento is just 280 kilometres from Medellin and 300 kilometres from Bogota, it’s still a full day of travelling in order to reach this popular destination.
But, in return, you stay in a picturesque town close to the Cocora Valley, one of the top attractions Colombia has to offer.
If you’re lucky, you can even spot the condor in this valley, but the valley has to be completely cloud-free.
But in Salento, there are other things to do that make it such a popular destination, for example, going on a coffee plantation tour, a mountain bike ride through the hills, exploring the local nightlife scene and devouring the famous Trucha (trout) either with a crispy layer or covered in a heavenly cheese sauce.
As you’re staying in the countryside, Salento offers a good variety of hotels with some of the most stunning views surrounded by greenery.
In other words, Salento is a must-visit for everyone who visits Colombia.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
Where to stay in Salento? Keep reading!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Salento
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| The best areas to stay in Salento | What’s so special about this area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Plaza de Bolívar Salento & Calle Real | This is the heart of Salento and offers a charming experience with its colorful colonial architecture, bustling main square, and lively atmosphere. You’ll find numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and local markets here. Staying in the town center allows easy access to the famous Cocora Valley, known for its towering wax palm trees. |
| 2. Cocora Valley | While not exactly an area to stay overnight, the Cocora Valley is a must-visit spot. Many tourists choose to stay in Salento and take a day trip to the Cocora Valley to see the iconic wax palm trees and hike through the stunning landscape. This area is famous for its natural beauty and offers some shorter and longer hiking trails. There are a few accommodations located here though, and it’s also possible to camp nearby the valley. |
| 3. El Laureles | This area is a bit quieter compared to the town center but still provides easy access to Salento’s attractions. It offers a more peaceful setting, often surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful views. This could be a great option if you want a balance between convenience and tranquility. |
| 4. Los Nevados National Natural Park | If you’re interested in exploring the natural wonders of the region, consider staying near or within Los Nevados National Park. This area offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and experiencing the unique ecosystem of the Andes. Manizales, a nearby city, can serve as a gateway to this park. |
| 5. Coffee Farms (Finca Stays) | For a truly immersive experience, consider staying on a coffee farm (finca). Many coffee farms in the Salento region offer accommodations for visitors. This allows you to learn about the coffee production process, participate in activities, and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. |
The Cocora Valley, often cloudy, is still magnificent.
These Jeeps, which are parked at Plaza de Bolívar Salento, will take you to the Cocora Valley.
The Cocora Valley when it’s not that clouded.
One of the coffee plantations that give excellent tours!
How to get around Salento?
The main reason for staying in Salento is to visit the Cocora Valley in the early morning.
The town of Salento is not large at all and you can easily walk from one point to the other, for example, from your hotel to the town square.
But in order to reach the Cocora Valley, you do have to travel a bit.
Right at Plaza de Bolívar Salento, the town’s square, there are several busses and pick-up trucks that take you to the Cocora Valley.
Alternatively, you can rent a bike to move around.
Especially when you want to stay at hotels that offer magnificent views, which are located outside Salento, this comes in handy if you don’t travel by car.
Note: During our last visit to Salento, we drove from Medellin to Salento, which is definitely doable, but time-consuming.
There are countless road works and it’s nearly impossible to drive faster than fourth kilometres an hour as many trucks take this hilly route as well.
Once we were in Salento, having a car does come with its benefits, especially when you want to visit the Cocora Valley and the coffee plantations at your own pace.
It’s not necessary though as Salento is perfectly equipped for tourists.
If you do have to drive a car, keep in mind that the hotels with stunning views are located on top of a hill and you need some serious horsepower and driving skills to reach the hotel.
The view from one of the hotels we stayed at (which we recommend further in this article).
The famous Trucha (crispy fried).
The famous Trucha with shrimp covered in a cheese sauce.
Right at the centre of Salento, there are plenty of street food vendors that serve tasty foods like this Chorizo.
The best areas to stay in Salento are:
1. Plaza de Bolívar Salento & Calle Real
The most convenient and best area to stay in Salento is Plaza de Bolívar Salento and the nearby Calle Real.
These two parts of the centre are by far the most bustling areas and offer a wide variety of hotels, hostels, restaurants and bars.
The town center is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets.
This creates a picturesque and inviting ambiance that is perfect for leisurely strolls and exploring.
As you’re located so centrally, you have direct access to the busses, trucks and pickups that take you to the Cocora Valley but also to other towns.
It also comes with other conveniences, as the pharmacy and bank with an ATM are located here.
During the weekends, the nightlife scene at Calle Real is definitely worth checking out, although it’s quite tame during the weekdays.
When it comes to convenience, there are no better areas to stay in Salento than Plaza de Bolívar Salento & Calle Real.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Salento in this particular area are handpicked by us and visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Cocora Valley
The Cocora Valley is renowned for its tall wax palm trees, which are Colombia’s national tree and a symbol of the region.
The valley’s lush greenery and misty mountains create a mesmerizing and ethereal atmosphere.
While it’s not possible to sleep in the Cocora Valley itself, it is possible to camp closeby.
Waking up with a mountain view is quite the experience.
You can also be one of the first to explore the Cocora Valley in the early morning.
During the day, the valley gets quite busy.
There are various hiking trails in the Cocora Valley, ranging from short and easy walks to more challenging routes.
The scenery is truly remarkable, with opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andean cloud forest.
If there are no clouds, it is possible to spot a condor.
But that doesn’t happen much, though.
Most tourists reach the valley from Salento by jeep.
When you stay in this area, you can take the jeep back to Salento
You can also take a scenic jeep ride that adds to the adventure and allows you to soak in the surrounding landscapes.
The downside of staying here is that you don’t have access to common facilities as you basically camp on a large grass field.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Salento in this particular area are handpicked by us and visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. El Laureles
El Laureles is a quieter area compared to the bustling town center.
It offers a more relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Many accommodations in El Laureles provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes.
This area is perfect for enjoying sunsets and immersing yourself in nature.
While it’s a bit removed from the town center, El Laureles is still within a reasonable distance from Salento’s attractions.
You can easily access the town’s offerings while enjoying a quieter stay.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Salento in this particular area are handpicked by us and visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Los Nevados National Natural Park Area
This area is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the unique ecosystems of the Andes.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including paramo landscapes, lakes, and endemic species.
Los Nevados National Park offers a range of hiking trails for different skill levels.
You can embark on multi-day treks or shorter day hikes to enjoy the pristine
Some areas near the park, like Santa Rosa de Cabal, offer access to relaxing thermal springs.
This is a great way to unwind after a day of exploration.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Salento in this particular area are handpicked by us and visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Coffee Farms (Finca Stays)
Staying on a coffee farm provides a unique opportunity to learn about the coffee production process, from bean to cup.
You’ll gain insight into the local culture, history, and traditions surrounding coffee cultivation.
These farms are often located in the serene countryside, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of urban areas.
You can enjoy the tranquility, fresh air, and peaceful landscapes.
Many coffee farms offer activities such as guided tours, coffee-tasting sessions, and workshops where you can participate in the coffee-making process.
It’s an educational and hands-on experience.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Salento in this particular area are handpicked by us and visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas to stay in Salento
The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Salento including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Salento.
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