HIKING COCORA VALLEY
Map of Cocora Valley
The Eje Cafetero/Coffee Region may just be Colombia’s quintessential travel experience. For a country with glorious Caribbean beaches, towering Andean peaks, and deep Amazon rainforest, that is a serious statement. Nestled among the fertile valleys of Colombia’s Cordillera Central, the region is a nature lover’s dream come true.
However, the lush tropical mountain scenery of the Eje Cafetero not only evokes a picture postcard paradise that is uniquely Colombian, but it is also home to the country’s most important commodity – coffee. Mountainous and densely forested, the Eje Cafetero has an abundance of spectacular scenery and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The region is filled with picturesque pueblos, every single one of them worth visiting, but none are quite as charming as the colonial town of Salento. There are excellent hikes, hidden waterfalls, hot springs, and great swimming spots all throughout the area.
One of the most epic hikes in the entire country, the full-day jaunt through the valley leads you past awe-inspiring groups of the Quindío Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense), which is not only the tallest palm species in the world but is also Colombia’s national tree. The palms can grow to more than 60 meters/200 feet in height and can survive for over 200 years. These towering palms create a magical setting, sprouting up from the grassy hills that surround the Quindío River. The Cocora Valley is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to raw natural beauty here.
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In fact, the region is so unique that UNESCO named it the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia and recognized it as a World Heritage Site back in 2011. Located in the incredible Andean mountains, the Cocora Valley/Valle de Cocora is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. It is found at an altitude between 1,800 m/5,905 feet and 2,400 m/7,874 feet and was created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago.
Wax Palms
Hiking Valle de Cocora is an absolute must-do thing while in Salento, and it is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Colombia. Cocora Valley, being a part of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, the views are out of this world, and it is definitely one of the most beautiful and unique places in the country.
Apart from the palms, Valle de Cocora is also home to hundreds of other flora and fauna. There are also many different bird species living here, including yellow-eared parrots, hummingbirds, and even the Andean Condor. In addition, the valley is also home to other wildlife such as sloths, pumas, and bears.
The trail at Cocora Valley is one big loop, about 12 km/7.5 miles long, which takes 5 – 6 hours to complete. There is a choice of either going clockwise or counterclockwise. Going clockwise means the start is where the wax palm trees are, then continuing on through the forest. When hiking the other way around, the trail passes through rivers and bridges first and ends with the palm trees.
Many people prefer going counterclockwise, saving the best views for last. This makes sense, but keep in mind that there is always a chance of thick fog and rain later in the day. So, by the time you reach the area with palm trees, you might not have the best visibility. That is why it may be more prudent to go clockwise, starting with the palm trees, especially in the morning with beautifully clear blue skies.
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There is also a shorter loop which is about 2.5 km/1.6 miles and takes around 90 minutes, depending of course depending on how often you stop. This passes through the most scenic part of the valley with all the wax palm trees and two Miradors. Hiking Valle de Cocora is relatively easy; the biggest challenge will be muddy trails after rain, which is fairly frequent. Some sections might be a bit hard on the legs, but overall, it is not an overly arduous hike.
Quick Facts:
Shorter out-and-back Cocora Valley hike
Length: 2.6 miles/4.2 km
Elevation gain: 941 feet/286 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The easiest option is a short trail, which covers the northwestern section of the Cocora Valley hike through the heart of the wax palm tree forest.
Longer Cocora Valley loop hike
Length: 6.8 miles/11 km
Elevation gain: 2,572 feet/784 m
Difficulty: Hard
The most popular option for the Cocora Valley hike is to walk along the entire loop trail, which in addition to the wax palms, also winds through a lush cloud forest and farmlands.
Cerro Morrogacho
Length: 7.5 miles/ 12 km
Elevation gain: 2,572 feet/784 m
Difficulty: Challenging
This trail is totally different from the Cocora Valley loop.
Quite a challenge, the route climbs through the rolling pastures of farmland and up to a cloud forest at the summit of one of the Andes Mountains.
Besides the trail’s steepness, it also climbs to high elevations of 11,400 feet/3,475m above sea level, at its highest point.
As a result, the air is thinner here, making climbing that much more challenging.
One essential stop is to Acaime, a hummingbird reserve. Here you can take a break and watch the glorious tiny birds flap their wings as they imbibe on nectar provided by troughs and have their pictures taken. It is a fascinating experience.
This place is a hiker’s dream with diverse mountainous landscapes and trails. The most famous one is the Forest of Palms Trail, where you can walk among wax palms and cloud forests. The altitude here will be at 2,000 m/6,561 feet at the starting point, and on the Forest of Palms Trail, you will end up at over 2,400 m/7,874 feet above sea level.
Keep an eye out for native fauna like hummingbirds, yellow-eared parrots, opossums, and numerous butterflies. The entrance fee to the reserve is minimal and includes a cold drink or the typical regional drink, agua panela, or hot chocolate with cheese.
The weather is usually better in the morning, so it is generally recommended to head out as early as possible. Salento and Valle de Cocora often get wet in the afternoon, so there is a better chances of clear skies early in the morning. A benefit of an early start is that there will be fewer people on the trails.
Make sure to have a waterproof coat, comfortable walking shoes, or hiking boots for the trip. Carry water and some high-energy snacks, especially if you plan on hiking the full loop. A small change for the use of the bathrooms is also good to have.
Website: http://www.colparques.net/COCORA
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