Salento is a sleepy pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region that is definitely worth visiting. Salento is a relatively small pueblo – it occupies just 12 calles by 10 carreras. And it’s a place where horses trot down the street unmounted and roosters can be heard crowing in the morning.
Like many Colombian pueblos, the white-walled homes and shops in Salento have vibrantly painted doors and windows in eye-catching shades of cobalt, tangerine and turquoise.
The above photo is the Main Square in Salento where palm trees fill the central square in the sleepy Colombian pueblo.
Roosters and horses frequently roam the empty streets of Salento
Life centers around the main square, where the Our Lady of Carmen church is the main focal point on the northwest side. And where on the weekends, access is cordoned off to allow for food stalls, souvenir vendors and covered restaurants.
I grew up in a small town like this on the banks of the Missouri River back in the States and know all too well that not much ever happens in these places.
Town folk have the time to stop and say hello to you and ask you where you are from. No one really minds if you walk down the middle of the street as there aren’t that many cars anyway. And a minor event, like someone’s dog going missing, will keep the whole town in conversation for several days. Maybe even weeks.
There isn’t a lot to do here either. But that is kind of the point of visiting. Salento is nestled in the Central Cordillera of the Andean mountains. It’s a place to come to reconnect with nature. Somewhere to take long hikes and indulge in lots of food.
Horses are a common sight in Salento, as are the 360 degree views of the Andean mountains
It is for all these reasons that Salento is the perfect destination for a bit of respite from the overwhelming population in Medellín (with about 4 million in the metro area) plus avoid the pollution of Medellín. But the journey isn’t for the faint-hearted though. Allow for an 8.5-hour bus ride along windy mountainous roads. Each way. But the destination far makes up for the inconvenience.
Should you decide to venture into this part of the coffee region, then don’t leave without my guide to 48 hours in Salento:
Jesus Martin is a multi-level cafe that serves the best cup of coffee in Salento
Day 1 in Salento
6.30AM – Coffee First
Every day needs to start with a decent cup of Colombian joe. For the best cuppa and ambience in town, head to Jesus Martin. This quirky multi-level cafe was so inviting that I didn’t want to leave.
I might even prefer it over some of my favorite Poblado independent coffee roasters. You can have brunch here too, but I would highly recommend venturing to my next location instead! (Carrera 6. Between Calle 6 and Calle 7.)
The name says it all, Brunch is the only place in Salento to go to for a hearty breakfast
7:15 am – Breakfast at Brunch
Brunch De Salento is a compact diner just a few blocks from the main square. Owned by an Oregon native that has lived in Salento for over 6 years, this establishment has become one of the must go-to eateries in town, particularly for breakfast.
With good reason. The American influenced menu offers a dizzying array of choices. The portions are also American sized.
A unique twist in this establishment is that you can order anything off the menu at any time of the day. A backpacker at the table next to me choose to have a bowl of chili for breakfast. It was drizzling rain outside, so I could understand the decision.
I opted instead for the Midwest breakfast delicacy of biscuits and gravy. This dish consists of three soft – slightly sweet – dough biscuits covered in a pork sausage gravy. The gravy is white sauced based combining the drippings of the cooked pork sausage with a bit of white flour and milk and cooked until bubbly and thick.
If you haven’t indulged in this Southern comfort food, then this is quite possibly the only place in Colombia to try it. It is not a dish I find often on restaurant menus outside of the U.S., so was delighted to see it included. For me, it wasn’t quite like home – it never is! – but it was pretty darn close to being authentic.
If that is a stretch too far for your tastes, then consider the enormous breakfast burrito. The Australian couple sitting next to me wisely choose to share a portion.
Stuffed full of chorizo, cooked potatoes, scrabbled eggs, mushrooms and oozing with cheese, it is the perfect choice to set you up for the day ahead. Poblado brunch spots eat your heart out – literally!. (Calle 6. Between Carrera 4 and 3).
The Cocora Valley near Salento is filled with Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm
8:30 am – Hike the Cocora Valley
Coming to Salento without hiking the Cocora Valley would be like going to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower. You just have to do it.
What makes the Cocora Valley special are the hundreds of Quindío wax palms that sweep the landscape. The wax palm is the national tree of Colombia and this valley is their principal location. The six-hour hike winds through dense jungle forest before depositing you in an open valley dotted with these magnificent trees as far as the eye can see.
To get to the Cocora Valley you’ll need to grab a seat in one of the many Willy jeeps that transport tourists the 7 miles (11km) out of town to the start of the trail. During the weekday, the jeeps depart from the main square. At the weekend, you’ll need to join one of the jeep convoys leaving from Calle 3, between Carrera 4 and Carrera 3. Cost is a mere 3,200 pesos each way per person.
The trail isn’t very well marked and has a few obstacles. I’d recommending reading our detailed Guide to hiking the Cocora Valley – complete with information on what to bring and how to follow the trail – before you set out.
Trout is the local delicacy of Salento and this version in garlic cream sauce from Punto y Coma is the best
7:30 pm – Devour the Local Trout
The specialty dish of this region is trout, which is sourced from the local rivers. Most of the restaurants include trout in some guise on their menus.
Unusually, I hadn’t researched the best restaurants in town before arrival, so I found myself wandering in and out of a few cafes trying to find somewhere suitable to eat. And I noticed three police officers standing guard outside the local station. I motioned to my friend – with the better Spanish – to ask them if they had any recommendations.
One of the rather large constables pointed to Punto y Coma on the opposite corner of the square. My Finnish friend proceeded to ask, ‘Is it a good place?’ The uniformed man poked his bulging bully and replied, ‘I eat there every day!’.
As the way with small towns – and back to my point about not much ever happening in them – the friendly policeman kindly walked us to the restaurant in the drizzling rain to make sure we got to the right place.
Packed with locals and a sprinkling of foreigners, the food did not disappoint. We both ordered the trucha al vapor ajillo for 22,000 pesos. The pink like salmon fish arrived smothered in a garlic cream sauce and was served with a platter sized crunchy patacone. I think there as a small side salad too, but had no room for that! (Carrera 6. On the corner of Calle 5.)
Tejo is the national sport of Colombia and can be played at Los Amigos in Salento
9:30 pm – Try your Hand at Tejo
If you have any energy left, then head over to Los Amigos. At the back of this dive bar are seven tejo pits, where you can try your hand at Colombia’s national sport. We previously looked at playing Tejo in Medellín.
If you haven’t heard of Tejo yet, well it’s pretty simple. You throw a two-pound metal object that looks like a squat cone with a flat top, towards white triangular tiles called wicks, which are filled with gunpowder. The object is to cause an explosion.
About the only other rule that I could find is that you must drink beer whilst playing.
I was never successful at creating a spark. However, the prevalent smell of gunpowder, which reminded me of exploding fireworks, and the occasional waft of grey smoke filling the room indicated that others were. (Carrera 4. Between Calle 4 and Calle 3.)
Le K’fée is a great little cafe for a coffee and light breakfast in the heart of Salento
Day Two in Salento
8:30 am – Breakfast at Le K’fee
Le K’fée is a modern cafe off the main tourist area of Salento. The compact interior has a single cobalt suede effect bench lining one wall which is adorned with geometric patterned cushions. Opposite are two seater tables and wooden chairs whose seat backs and rods are painted in mis-matched shades of lemon, baby blue, black and bubble gum pink. The copper effect painted door is in the process of being covered with foreign coins.
Le K’fée is a cozy place to start your day with a cup of coffee. Also available are a wide selection of homemade cakes and pastries. There is also a limited brunch menu of granola, chia pudding, scones and homemade jam, which includes a fresh juice and hot drink for 15,000COP. (Corner of Calle 3 and Carrera 4).
Stop at the Cala Foto Studio in Salento to snap a picture in front of the town’s iconic Willy Jeeps
10:00 am – Snap a Memory
Just off the main square is Cala Foto Studio. In the back of the shop, on a gravel courtyard, are two heavily decorated Willy Jeeps.
For a small fee, you and your companions can don a wide-brimmed sombrero and a poncho which are characteristically found on the older gentlemen of the town. Then have Carlos Eduardo Rodriguez snap a photo for you.
The Willy Jeeps are a common sight around town as the serve both as taxis for tourists and as essential farm vehicles. Apparently, many of these 4x4s were originally built for the US military, but found their way to Colombia after becoming surplus equipment at the end of the Korean War.
A quintessential picture of Salento. Definitely worth capturing. (Near the corner of Calle 6 and Carrera 6).
Carrera 6 is the main shopping street in Salento where you can find all of your souvenirs
10:30 am – Stroll Carrera 6
From Calle 5, start your stroll down Carrera 6. This buzzing street is considered the main shopping street in town and where you should head for any essential souvenirs.
A lot of the shops appeared to be selling jewelry, but you can also pick up a hammock, some coffee, a sombrero, and some original artwork too!
Hike up the mirador in Salento for great views of the city and surrounding mountains
11:00 am – Hike the Mirador
At the end of Carrera 6, you will find a series of stairs leading up the hill. Climb up and take in the views.
Sadly, it was raining most of the time I was in Salento, so I never actually made it up myself. But the waiter at Brunch informed me that there are two breathtaking viewpoints from the top. One that looks out over the town, and another that takes in the view of the coffee farms in the distance. Maybe next time.
The Food Trucks in Salento is a great area to grab a quick alfresco snack
12:00 pm – Grab a Snack at the Food Trucks
For a quick snack, head to the elusive Food Trucks. This very trendy gravel courtyard is filled with a handful of street food vendors.
I tried some of the charcoal roasted pork belly. Also available were crepes, waffles, salads, arepas, and burritos. The al fresco picnic tables make it a great casual place to grab a quick bite before you head off to your afternoon adventure. (On Carrera 2. Between Calle 6 and 7).
Taking the premium coffee tour at Ocaso is an essential activity in Salento
2:00 pm – Coffee Tour
Venturing into the heart of Colombia’s coffee region and not going on a coffee tour is about as sinful as coming to Salento and not hiking the Cocora Valley. There are several operators and tour types to choose from. I choose to go on the Ocaso Premium Coffee Tour.
This immersive three-hour experience includes an in-depth explanation of the history of coffee in Colombia and how coffee goes from seed to your cup. Additionally, you get a chance to pick your own coffee beans from the farm.
The tour ends with an hour cupping experience, where you learn to distinguish different characteristic aromas of coffee and taste the difference in various preparation methods.
Our guide Arlez spoke impeccable English and was extremely knowledge. I thought I already knew a lot about coffee, but learned substantially more on this tour.
For great Indian food in Salento, head to La Eliana
7:00 pm – Dinner at La Eliana
If you are craving Indian food, then La Eliana is the restaurant to head to. You don’’t really expect to find decent Indian food in Colombia, much less in a small town like Salento, but La Eliana did not disappoint.
All the curries are made from scratch and are bursting with flavor. You can even choose your spiciness level. I chose a thai green chicken curry with rice. I also ordered the roasted eggplant dip, which was served with warm flatbread. Both tasted fresh and authentic. (Carrera 2. Between Calle 6 and Calle 7. Next door to the Food Trucks.)
Coffee Tree is a boutique hostel in Salento nestled on the quiet outskirts of town
Where to Stay in Salento
Airbnb and HostelWorld are both great sites to peruse for accommodation in Salento. But if you are too lazy to research, then my recommendation would be Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel.
Don’t let the name put you off. While this establishment does have dorm rooms and caters mostly for backpackers, they also offer some exquisitely furnished private rooms too.
As goes with the name, the interior is very boutique. It’s location on a stand-alone two-acre plot of land away from the main tourist streets, which means it is quieter and has better views than lots of options. Additionally, it includes a free breakfast of either eggs or pancakes, served with a fruit salad and banana.
The staff all speak English and are extremely helpful in helping you to arrange tours. And they can provide ideas for your stay in Salento. Oh, and did I mention they have a good selection of wine and cold beers for purchase that you can drink on the spacious veranda snuggled up in a fleece blanket? (Carrera 9, Calle 9-06)
How to Get to Salento
By Bus – Buses leave several hours a day from the South Bus Terminal in Medellín. Flota Occidental operates the service. Cost is 45,000 pesos one-way.
Both buses I took had many amenities to make for a comfortable ride. The return bus even had a toilet and seat back TV screens showing 15 movies in English and dozens more in Spanish. The service is scheduled to take 6.5 hours. However, due to recent rains and mudslides causing one-way roads, our journey was 8.5 hours.
By Plane – Whilst I enjoyed the mountain views on my bus drive, you may want to consider flying from Medellín to Armenia and then taking a bus from there. With cheap flights often available from the Medellín airport, this option will not only save you a couple of hours, but would be a little more pleasant too.
By Car – I assume the car journey is the same as the bus. If so, expect a slow and arduous journey!!!
Map of Salento
The Pueblos Near Medellín
We have been looking at the pueblos worth visiting near Medellín in a series on this website. So far, we have looked at eight pueblos near Medellín:
- Guatapé – a very popular pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake.
- Jardín – a tranquil get-away from Medellin that boosts breathtaking mountain views and less tourists than Guatapé.
- Jericó – a picturesque pueblo known for its religious attractions, well-preserved colonial architecture and heritage, generous nature all around, hiking, paragliding, amazing landscapes and much more.
- Santa Fe de Antioquia – known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobbled streets.
- El Carmen de Viboral – the heart of Colombia’s ceramics industry.
- San Carlos – a hidden gem surrounded by rivers, waterfalls and nature.
- Abejorral – another hidden gem surrounded by waterfalls and dazzling landscapes with many opportunities for hikers and rock climbers.
- Barbosa – an overlooked pueblo very near Medellín with streams, waterfalls, natural swimming pools, hiking, horseback riding and many other things to do.
We plan to look at several more pueblos near Medellín.
We also looked at Salento, which is a popular pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region that is definitely worth visiting.
Top Things to See and Do in Colombia
On the Medellin Guru website, we have been looking at some of the most beautiful places in Colombia in a series of top things to see and do in Colombia. This is due to many readers asking about several of these things to do in Colombia.
We have looked at 20 of the top things to see and do in Colombia, in alphabetical order:
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Medellín’s Feria de Las Flores – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
Also, we included Salento and the Cocora Valley in our list of the top 20 tourist attractions in Colombia.
The Bottom Line: Picturesque Salento
Whether by air or land, traveling to Salento is a highly recommended getaway from the big city bustle of Medellín.
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