Cocora Valley: Hiking Amongst the Giant Palm Trees
Reaching Cocora Valley by Jeep: The 'Willie' Ride
Our Cocora Valley adventure began not with a gentle stroll, but with a thrilling Jeep ride! These Jeeps, affectionately known as 'Willies' locally, are the primary mode of transport to the valley. Finding them was an adventure in itself – forget relying on Google Maps; the designated pick-up point was a small ticket counter near the Salento plaza.
I snagged the front seat, naturally. Ru, ever the adventurer, opted for a standing position in the back – a testament to his adventurous spirit and a slightly less comfortable ride. The journey itself? Pure magic. Winding mountain roads gave way to breathtaking views, the scenery transforming from lush green hills to a landscape that felt straight out of Jurassic Park. It was exhilarating, a truly memorable experience.
El Bosque de las Palmas: Exploring the Main Attraction
Arriving in the Cocora Valley felt like stepping into another world. The immediate recommendation was to head straight for El Bosque de las Palmas – the main attraction, and for a good reason. A small entrance fee of 20,000 pesos later, we were ready to explore.
The choice was ours: a shorter hike or a much longer one, clocking in at around 12km. We opted for a more manageable trek, aiming for Mirador number one, then continuing up to the breathtaking Mirador number two. The views from the second viewpoint were simply stunning – iconic Instagram shots don't lie! The climb was definitely worth it. I mean, who needs a gym when you have this?
While we didn't pack water bottles (rookie mistake!), a small kiosk at Mirador number two offered refreshments. A much-needed iced tea and the stunning panoramic view made it all worthwhile. We spent some time soaking in the scenery, the silence punctuated by occasional Spanish chatter from other hikers. It felt very tranquil despite some people around.
Descending was a different experience altogether – a mixture of cautious steps and joyful relief at having reached the top. We treated ourselves to some well-deserved cake in a charming little café nestled within the park before beginning the ride back to Salento. It's a place I will never forget!
Hiking Options in Cocora Valley: Choosing Your Path
The main attraction in Cocora Valley, El Bosque de las Palmas, offers a delightful choice for hikers: a shorter, more manageable trek or a significantly longer 12km adventure. We opted for the shorter route, aiming for Mirador number one and then pushing on to the spectacular Mirador number two. The decision hinges on your fitness level and the amount of time you want to dedicate to exploring this stunning landscape.
Reaching the best viewpoints requires a good amount of uphill walking. This is a detail you should be aware of before heading out. Alternatively, horse riding is available, though I didn't investigate how well cared-for the horses were. The views, however, more than compensate for the effort involved in the climb. Mirador number two offered breathtaking panoramic vistas – the iconic Instagram photos are entirely justified!
While the ascent is challenging and rewarding, the descent is a slightly different beast. It's a careful dance of cautious steps and relieved sighs, a testament to the climb's exertion. We celebrated our feat with well-deserved cake at a charming café nestled within the park itself – a perfect end to our hike.
Mirador Number One & Two: Breathtaking Views and Refreshments
Our trek began at Mirador Number One, a viewpoint offering stunning vistas even before the ascent to Mirador Number Two. The panoramic views were incredible, showcasing the iconic Cocora Valley palm trees in all their glory. It was a perfect spot for photos, though I admit, I was already looking forward to the next stage.
The climb to Mirador Number Two was definitely a workout—a good 500 meters higher. But oh my, the reward was worth every bit of exertion. The views from Mirador Number Two were simply breathtaking; I've rarely seen anything so magnificent. Those iconic Instagram photos? Totally justified. I could have stayed there all day, just absorbing the tranquility and spectacular scenery.
We'd made the rookie mistake of forgetting water bottles, but thankfully a small kiosk at Mirador Number Two saved the day. A refreshing iced tea (5,000 pesos) and the breathtaking view—the perfect combination after a rewarding climb. It was the ideal spot for a well-deserved break, soaking in the atmosphere before beginning our descent.
The Long Hike: Considerations and Recommendations
Choosing between the shorter and longer hikes in Cocora Valley really depends on your fitness level and available time. The shorter route, which we took, is still a decent workout, with a considerable uphill climb to reach Mirador Number Two. But it's achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. The longer 12km trek, however, is a significant undertaking, requiring a good deal more stamina and time commitment.
Regardless of which hike you choose, remember that reaching the best viewpoints requires a substantial uphill walk. Proper footwear is essential – comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended. And while we made the rookie mistake of forgetting water bottles, it's something you definitely want to avoid. A small kiosk near Mirador Number Two does sell refreshments, but it's better to be prepared. Alternatively, if hiking isn't your thing, horse riding is available, though I didn't personally investigate the welfare of the animals involved.
The views, however, are undeniably worth the effort, regardless of whether you choose the shorter or longer option. The iconic Instagram photos are entirely accurate; the scenery from both Mirador Number One and, especially, Mirador Number Two is breathtaking. From the higher vantage point, you'll have panoramic views of the valley and its iconic palm trees. The descent, while less strenuous than the ascent, still requires careful footing. It's a welcome relief, but it's not exactly a leisurely stroll!
Relaxing and Refreshments in Cocora Valley
Reaching Mirador Number Two, after a challenging but rewarding climb, felt like an accomplishment. The panoramic views were simply breathtaking; a reward far exceeding the effort. I've rarely experienced such magnificence. The iconic Instagram photos are completely justified – they don't exaggerate the beauty one bit.
We'd foolishly forgotten water bottles, but luckily, a small kiosk at the viewpoint saved the day. A refreshing iced tea (5,000 pesos) and the stunning vista made for a perfect combination after our hike. It was the ideal spot for a well-deserved break, soaking in the atmosphere before beginning our descent. A truly memorable experience.
Descending was a different experience – a careful dance of cautious steps and relieved sighs. It wasn't a leisurely stroll, but the relief of having conquered the climb added to the enjoyment. To celebrate, we treated ourselves to well-deserved cake at a charming little café nestled within the park. Ru opted for coffee and chocolate cake, while I indulged in a delicious red velvet cake – the perfect ending to a perfect day in Cocora Valley.
Return to Salento: Waiting for the Jeep
Our Cocora Valley adventure concluded, and we found ourselves back at the plaza, awaiting our Willy. The line for the Jeeps snaked around, a testament to the valley's popularity. It stretched far longer than I initially anticipated; a surprisingly long wait.
We weren’t in a rush, though. Vacation mode fully engaged, we were content to soak in the atmosphere. The wait gave us a chance to appreciate Salento's charming plaza once more – a lively hub of activity, a welcome contrast to the tranquility of the valley above.
Eventually, our Jeep arrived. This time, I opted for a middle seat – a strategic compromise after Ru’s adventurous, albeit slightly uncomfortable, standing position on the way there. The ride back was as stunning as the journey in, though the excitement was tempered by a sense of peaceful contentment after a truly memorable day.