Wondering where to stay in Salento?
We can give you a good answer because we live in Colombia and have visited Salento several times.
Set in the lush hills of the Colombian Coffee Triangle, Salento is one of those rare destinations that lives up to expectations.
Whether you’re here to admire the wax palms of the Cocora Valley, take part in guided coffee tours or simply enjoy the charm of a small town, choosing the right place to stay can be a hit or miss.
After wandering Salento’s cobblestone streets for a while, waking to the sound of roosters crowing and enjoying the views of misty mountains, I have a clear picture of which places to avoid and which are special.
This guide offers clear advice on the best places to stay for your travel style: whether you’re a backpacker looking to save money, a couple looking for comfort and views, or someone who wants to be in the middle of the action without getting caught up in the hordes of tourists.
From colorful guesthouses with hummingbird-filled gardens to peaceful suburban farms with hammocks and the silence of the mountains, Salento has a lot more diversity to offer than you might expect from a place of its size.
I’ll also discuss some common mistakes tourists make, such as booking too far out of town without realizing how quickly the roads change from beautiful to uncomfortable. I’ll also share some local tips that aren’t always found on booking platforms.
Let’s take a look at the perfect starting point for your stay in one of the most beautiful areas in the Colombian highlands.
The best neighborhoods to stay in Salento are the city center, Via Palestina, and Boquia.
For most travelers, the city center is the best, but if you prefer to stay outdoors, Via Palestina or Boquia are the best options.
⚠️ Tip: Tap on the name to go directly to the part of the article where you can find more information about that neighborhood.
1. Salento Center (Centro): If you’re new to Salento, it’s a good idea to stay in town. You’ll be just steps away from cafes, restaurants, ATMs, and the main square, where most of the action happens. The neighborhood is charming, colorful, and safe, making it ideal for jeep tours to the Cocora Valley or a hike to a local coffee plantation. Be aware that the city center can be noisy, especially on weekends. For a quieter evening, choose a place to stay a few blocks from the main square.
2. Via Palestina : This scenic country road winds through lush hills dotted with traditional coffee farms. Today, many welcome guests for an immersive stay: private chalets, fresh coffee every morning, and breathtaking views across the valley. Transport is required (or a long walk or tuk-tuk ride), but it’s worth it if you’re looking for peace, quiet, and nature. Ideal for couples or solo travelers who appreciate a bit of privacy.
3. Boquia: Boquia is just a 5-10 minute drive from Salento and offers a quieter, more rural setting without sacrificing accessibility. This is the perfect location if you want to stay close to the Cocora Valley Trailhead or enjoy nature without being far from restaurants and shops. Some eco-lodges and guesthouses may seem remote, but you can still get to the city in no time by tuk-tuk.
If you are visiting Salento for the first time, staying in the city is undoubtedly the best option, and not just for practical reasons.
Salento may be small, but it is bursting with character, colour and charm.
As soon as you wake up, you are immediately surrounded by colonial houses in bright and cheerful colours, with balconies full of flowers and hummingbirds flying around as if they were the rulers of the area.
There is something wonderful about starting the day with a fresh cup of coffee in a street café, while you watch the local life come to life in the central square.
The advantage? Everything is within walking distance.
You are never more than a few minutes away from good restaurants, craft shops or the Jeep Willys that transport visitors to Cocora Valley.
If you want to visit a coffee plantation or go hiking, you don’t have to worry about transport or the return journey in the evening.
This comfort makes all the difference, especially in the countryside, where the roads quickly become muddy and tuk-tuks are not always available.
Living in the city also has some nice aspects that you don’t find in the countryside.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, you can easily meet other travelers: in hostels, cafes, or even on the lookout trail behind the church.
And if you like good food, Salento’s thriving culinary scene is a real treat. You’ll find everything from trout prepared seven different ways to wood-fired pizzas and vegan options.
Sure, the city can get busy, especially on weekends, but if you choose a spot a few blocks from the main square, you can still have a quiet evening.
In short, a stay in Salento offers you the best mix of culture, convenience, and comfort.
This is where the energy is created and the experience takes on its full meaning.
Discover the Cocora Valley on horseback, take part in a coffee tour and taste the local fried fish that Salento is famous for.
If you dream of a “coffee farm in the mountains,” then Via Palestina is for you.
This winding country road, just outside the town of Salento, takes you through lush green hills lined with working fincas and hidden eco-lodges.
It’s the kind of place where you wake up to the sound of birdsong, breathe in the scent of fresh coffee beans drying in the sun, and enjoy your morning coffee while looking out over cloud-shrouded valleys.
For nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet, it’s a dream.
The strong point of this place is authenticity.
You’re not just close to the coffee, you’re right in the middle of it.
Many fincas offer tours and tastings, or even let you join in the harvest when the season is right.
Accommodations range from rustic huts to elegant boutique lodges, but the common thread is the setting: panoramic views, starry skies, and a tranquility that you can’t match in the city.
But you’ll have to accept that you’ll feel a little disconnected.
Some places are a 15- to 30-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city. The ride is beautiful, but not always pleasant.
But if you’d rather relax, journal in a hammock, and fall asleep to the sounds of nature than the nightlife, it’s definitely worth it.
This area is ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone planning a longer, quieter stay.
You’ll still have access to the restaurants of the Cocora Valley and Salento whenever you want, but your pied-à-terre will feel like a different world, in the best sense of the word.
You can easily reach the Cocora Valley by getting into one of the jeeps from the town square. Salento is known for its nature and the ubiquitous greenery.
Boquia is a place that will surprise you.
Situated between Salento and the start of the road to the Cocora Valley, it offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere without sacrificing comfort.
Just a five-minute drive or tuk-tuk ride from the city center, Boquia is the ideal base for travelers who want to stay close to the center but not in the middle of the action.
What makes Boquia special is its balance.
You’ll find small guesthouses, eco-lodges, and chalets nestled in lush vegetation and lulled by the gentle flow of the Quindio River.
Some locations even offer direct access to quiet hiking trails or lesser-known natural pools.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for nature close to home but still want to head to Salento for dinner, a jeep tour to Cocora, or a nightcap.
The area is much less touristy than the city centre, which is an advantage if you are visiting for a weekend or during the Colombian holidays, when Salento is very busy.
In Boquia you have plenty of space to relax and you are more likely to spot toucans or monkeys in the trees than street vendors or groups of tourists.
Transport is easy to arrange and if you feel like it, you can even walk into town (although the climb back is a challenge).
For many travellers, Boquia is the ideal compromise: quiet, authentic and close to everything.
If you are travelling as a couple, with your family, or are simply looking for a quieter, greener place to completely unwind, Boquia is one of the most underrated places to stay near Salento.
