Cocoro Valley Loop, Colombia
The Cocora Valley is a magical place and a must see if you’re visiting this coffee-region of Colombia. The valley is nestled in the Andes and this hike (because it is not just a walk), meanders though farmland and rolling hills to lush cloud forests and stunning mountain vistas.
Wax palms endemic to the region are the tallest palms in the world
The Cocoro Valley is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. If you’ve seen the Disney film Encanto, this landscape will be immediately familiar. It is the main location where the national tree of Colombia, the Quindío wax palm is prevalent and is a big drawcard to photographers (and animated film-makers) worldwide.
Getting there
Most visitors to Cocora Valley come from Salento, as we did, on board a jeep, or Willy as they are known. The jeeps leave each hour from the town square starting at 6:30 am. They return to Salento from the same point at which they drop you off. Be sure to get in the queue or you might have quite a wait.
The Trail
The loop trail (map below), will take somewhere between 4 and 6 hours to complete depending on your walking pace, side trails and how many pictures you take, (budget for many).
You can do the hike either clockwise or counterclockwise. We were advised to do the latter and were glad that we did. Going counterclockwise meant we tackled the most difficult part first and could enjoy the incredible views as we made our way back down.
The trail snakes through farmland and over brooks and hanging bridges before ascending into the cloud forest and the peak at Finca La Montaña. The descent takes you back through farmland and to various viewpoints where the wax palms and valley can best be observed.
About a third of the way in there’s an optional (steep) side trail to the Hummingbird House (Casa de Los Colibris). And at the end of the walk is a theme park of sorts and a few cafes and shops where refreshments and amenities are available.
Highlights
Wax Palms
These towering trees are unique to the high Andes regions of Colombia and Peru and hiking the Cocoro Valley is one of the best ways to see them.
Biodiversity
The cloud forests, river crossings, and highland ecosystems are home to a range of wildlife, including hundreds of bird species such as hummingbirds and toucans, and various species of orchids. Sometimes seen in the area (though sadly, not by me) are tapirs, sloths, pumas and spectacled bears.
Stunning Views
The variety of landscapes, from lush valleys to misty mountain peaks, ensure ever-changing, dramatic vistas throughout the hike. Miradors (viewing structures) along the trail give visitors panoramic views over the sweep of the palm filled valley.
Good to know
This is a hike, not a walk and may be too challenging or just too long for some. There is an option to take a shorter, much easier walk up to the miradors to take in the palm-dotted vistas.
The Cocoro Valley is at high altitude. The lowest point is around 2300 metres (7500 feet) and the elevation gain is more than 600 metres (2000 feet). This won’t affect some people but it will others, especially those who’ve just flown in from somewhere at sea level.
The weather here can change quickly so come prepared.
Hiking boots with a good tread are recommended as the trail can get muddy and quite slippery in sections.
Take enough water for the journey and food too as vendors and options are limited. Insect repellant is also good to have and pack your camera, because you’ll regret it if you don’t.
The trail especially around the miradors can get crowded, so arrive as early as possible.
Bring cash There are two places where you’ll need to pay fees (three if you go to the Hummingbird House). You’ll pay an entrance fee near the start of the walk and an additional fee beyond the mountain peak where the second half of the trail crosses into private land. (No cards accepted).
Toilets are few and far between. We used some in a cafe in the little village where the trail starts and ends. (Small fee - cash only) There are also some at the Hummingbird House and at the small cafe at Finca La Montaña about half way around.
The jeep ride can be rough, to say the least and the ride to the trail especially was definitely not my favourite part of the day. Some drivers are perhaps a little more careful on the road than the ones we had but they’ll all pack as many people in as possible, so don’t be surprised to find yourself hanging off the back or almost sitting on the lap of the person nest to you.
COCORO VALLEY LOOP WALK
Distance 8-10 km
Time 3-5 hours Level of Difficulty Challenging