Hiking the Cocora Valley in Colombia

Hiking the Cocora Valley: A Dream 10 Years in the Making

I was never much of a hiker — at least not until I did a multi-day trek in Nepal a few years ago.
While I still can’t call myself a hardcore trekker, I now find myself seeking out hikes more and more. The distances, the effort, the long hours — they don’t intimidate me anymore. In fact, I’m drawn to them.

So when I first visited Colombia ten years ago, I was a very different traveler. I spent most of my short time there visiting local friends rather than exploring the country — something I’ve never regretted. But still… one place lingered in the back of my mind:

The Cocora Valley.

I remember thinking, “I’ll just have to come back one day.”

And ten years later — I did.

This Time, With Hiking Boots

Returning to Colombia, I was thrilled to finally make it to the Cocora Valley, and even better: this time, I was actually into hiking!

The valley didn’t disappoint. It quickly became one of my all-time favourite hikes — not just in Colombia, but anywhere.
Not too long, not too intense, and filled with gorgeous, ever-changing landscapes.

We based ourselves in Salento, the go-to town for Cocora hikes. I found it touristy yet undeniably charming. We spent our first day wandering cobbled streets, popping into little boutiques, eating tasty meals, and sipping fresh coffee straight from the source. Not a bad warm-up.

Into the Valley

The next morning, we rose just after dawn to begin our adventure.
From the town square, a line of jeeps — the iconic Willys — were waiting to shuttle hikers into the valley. The ride itself was already stunning. Lush green views, winding roads, and yes — we rode standing on the back, wind in our hair. I would have loved to have walked those extra km’s the start of the hike, but taking the pregnancy under consideration, I though I might be pushing too hard.

Because it had rained the days before, we rented rubber boots from a kiosk at the trailhead. They ended up not being strictly necessary, but they gave me the freedom to stomp through mud, cross creeks, and wade into puddles without a care. Highly recommend.

A Hike Through Shifting Worlds

One of the things I loved most about this hike was how the scenery kept evolving.

We moved from open farmland to dense jungle, crossed hanging bridges, wandered through flower-dotted fields…

…and finally arrived in what can only be described as a fairy tale setting.

The towering wax palms — Colombia’s national tree — stretching skyward like spindly giants.
It was surreal, otherworldly, and completely unforgettable.

Here’s the strange part: we barely saw any other hikers the whole time, even though we’d started out with a packed jeep full of them.

We took the slightly shorter version of the trail, skipping the detour to the Acaime hummingbird station. No regrets though — we saw plenty of hummingbirds along the way, flitting through the jungle like tiny helicopters.

A Few Quick Tips for this hike:

• Start early. Not only will you catch that magical morning light, but you’ll avoid crowds and dodge the afternoon downpours that are common in the area. Just check when the first Willys from Salento’s main square depart and make sure you catch that batch.

• Wear proper shoes — or rent rubber boots if it’s been raining.

• Bring water and snacks. It’s a half-day hike and you’ll want fuel to soak it all in.

Visiting the Cocora Valley was more than just ticking off a travel highlight — it was a personal full-circle moment. A dream once shelved, brought to life a decade later… and better than I ever imagined.

 Did you know about the Cocora Valley? Would you put it on your bucket list? 

The post “Hiking the Cocora Valley, Colombia” first appeared on Travel Cake.