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There are buses from 5:30AM to 8PM, they come about every 20 to 30 minutes from [wiki=130b54bfe49a57aa5b4e84025490ac03]Armenia[/wiki] (4,000 COP).
From [wiki=42753fbb231ab760d2bb474d45bfc8b0]Pereira[/wiki] Terminal (6200 COP) Expresso Alcala. Weekdays at 6.30, 8.40, 11.30, 13.30, 16.30, 18.30. Weekends and holidays there are buses every hour from 6.30 to 18.30. (as of November 2015)
If you miss the last bus to Salento, the cheapest option is a bus to Circasia and then a taxi from Circasia to Salento for 20,000 pesos (Taxi company on the main square of Circasia).
If you`re coming from Pereira then Bus Company Flota Occidental will drop you off in Circasia.
If you need to return to Pereira or Armenia, last service is at 18.00 from the main square.
There are direct buses from Medellin to Salento at 9am and 12pm (Flota Occidental).
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Hike
* Mototaxi: There is one person, Alexis, who carries people around the town and farms in a Mototaxi (Colombia's version of a Rickshaw). Prices vary, but the mototaxi accomodates up to 3 adult people for the same price. Many people in town know the driver and even have his phone number at hand. Ph: 4-727-2141, 317-467-7735, 300-785-6349
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See the Santa Isabel Glacier in one day, with 4x4 ride from Salento or Manizales. See the amazing Paramo ecosystem, eight volcanoes in between Tolima, Santa Isabel, Paramillo del Quindio, Paramillo de Santa Rosa, N. Del Ruiz. You start from Cocora Valley in three to four days of mountaineering expeditions.
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Coffee Tour "Finca El Ocaso": Located on the Palestinian Vereda, 3.8 km from Salento, La Finca El Ocaso offers guided in Spanish and English about the traditional process of planting, production, processing, marketing and preparation of a specialty coffee tour sustainable. This typical peasant farm has trails of coffee plantations where you can observe the biodiversity of a crop of coffee. An option to learn more about the coffee culture.
* Visit the Mirador - the lookout point. It´s supposed to be one of the best views in Colombia. (Ask in Plantation House for the location of a house with an even better view)
* Eat Trucha - Trucha is a fish abundant in the region. You can find a plate of Trucha with rice and other sides for COP 10,000 to 20,000, depending on the restaurant and the manner of cooking. Restaurants around the main plaza or "Centro" typically offer Trucha. You can also go to a fish farm and buy or catch your own. However, this may become more expensive.
* Play Tejo - drinking, throwing metal weights and gun-powder !!!
*[wiki=34893f89c3c1c3254ad282ef1aad4f6a]Valle de Cocora[/wiki]. Here grows Colombia's national symbol, the 60 meters high wax palms (palma de cera). The landscape is surreal! Hike into the Valle de Cocora, one of the most striking landscapes in Colombia. Restored WWII Jeeps known by locals simply as "Willys" leave from the Plaza in Salento early in the morning. The schedule is as follows (6:10am, 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:00am). Be there early as they will leave as soon as they fill up. (About COP 3400 per person). Make sure to pack food and plenty of water, especially if you plan to ascend to Estrella de Agua or beyond. The Jeep takes about 20-30 minutes as the road winds along the river and into the Valle de Cocora. The drop off point is near two small restaurants that operate primarily in the early afternoon. From there head through the blue iron gates, where you will see the beginning of the trailhead which weaves through grassland and towering wax palms while crisscrossing a creek into the cloud forest. After about 2 hours of moderate hiking and many stops for photos, you will get to a converted ranger post known as Casa de Acaime. The older man who works there will meet you at the entrance and ask for a small donation of COP 5,000/person for admission. which includes a cup of delicious hot chocolate or tea. The area is peaceful and offers views of dozens of hummingbirds who swarm bird feeders that seem conveniently positioned for photos. There is a restroom at the Casa (COP 300 fee), and you can buy bottled water or gatorade for COP 3,000. In order to continue the hike to include La Montana and the Wax Palm loop, you have to hike back down from the Casa de Acaime for about 1km. You will walk across a tree-log bridge, then continue another 5 minutes or so until you see a turn to the right that heads uphill. Despite what some claim, there are no clear signposts for La Montana, so look for a large rusty yellowish metal gate. Enter beside it and follow the path. This trail is moderately strenuous as it goes straight up for 1.8 km to 2860m. Estimate that the climb will take about 30 minutes. The view from the Mountain House is spectacular. From there it's a 1 1/2 hour (5.1 km) downhill walk along a wide dirt road with fabulous vistas and lots of giant wax palms back to Cocora where your Jeep will take you back to Salento. It is helpful to note that you can also rent horses for COP 10,000 per hour per person, plus COP 10,000 per hour for a guide.
*If you want to hike to Estrella de Agua, the head down from the Casa de Acaime and take the first trial that turns to the right. This will lead you to a wide horse trail that proceeds uphill for approximately 2.5 hours. It is important to note that while the scenery is pretty, once you reach the forest and start the trek upwards, there are not many views of the Cocora Valley or the peaks in the distance. The reward for the trek comes in the form of a nice green patch of grass at Estrella de Agua, which makes for an excellent picnic spot. They have free access to potable water, and there are restroom facilities. On your way back, you can choose to head back to Cocora or add on the La Montana loop as described above. Remember, there is no clear signage, so once you get to the lower trial that leads to up Acaime, continue down the trail for about 1km as described above.
*Giant Talon 27.5" with hidraulic brakes mountain bikes are available for hire here, from 8,000 COP for an hour to 35,000 COP for a full day. There are a whole range of trails around the area, providing something for everyone from relative beginners to those who want something a bit more technical. Some of the trails afford some spectacular views across the area and the coffee plantations. special prices for Groups, is there is 5 or more people the guidance is for free
*The reserve covers 12 hectares of lush tropical rain forest, with mountainous landscape protecting a natural creek. There is a network of well maintained looping trails (4km), achievable in 1.5 hours up to 6 hours. Its altitude makes it quite different from Cocora Valley's, allowing you to find another kind of vegetation and climate. Nicholas or Carlos, the owners, will guide you (English, Spanish, Italian). No pets or horses allowed.
* Salento´s fiesta is typically the first week of January. Salento transforms from a sleepy little village to party central.
* Further afield - Butterfly house in Calarca or the Guadua (Bamboo research Centre) or even the very touristy National Coffee Park.
* If you really want something different try pig racing at Panaca.
* The hike in Valle de Cocora is a must. Most people go to Acaime and go back in 3-4 hours. Passing through Finca La Montana on the way there or back is a must - you walk along palm trees and the views are amazing. Those with more time can continue after Acaima. In two hours you reach a refugio and in a couple more hours on a muddy track you reach the paramo. Those who start very early (the first transport from Salento is at 6.10 am) and are very fit can go back from here in the same day. Otherwise, a couple more hours of hiking on the paramo takes you to a hut where you can get food and spend the night. The next day you can go down to Salento. Alternatively, hike for another two days to reach Ibague - however, the second night needs to be spent in a tent at high altitude so that requires the necessary preparations. Ask advice and the current conditions before starting this trek.
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There are two ATMs in the main square. There is a Bancolombia ATM in a stall to the right of the supermarket. This ATM sometimes does not accept foreign debit cards. The other is provided by Banco Agraro de Colombia, located on the opposite side of the main plaza from the supermarket. The bank and the door to the ATM are not particularly obvious from a distance.
Plenty of local artisans in Salento. Specialities include jewelry, candles and guadua artisania (the local bamboo).
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El Rincón de Lucy (on the corner of calle 4 with Carrera 6) has cheap but rich set lunches.
*A very nice, artisty place with a small but delicious menu. It is highly recommended for dinner or coffee/drink after dark. There is even a fireplace with benches to sit around.
*Excellent, cosy coffee house, with - obviously - locally grown coffee. The cappuccinos are especially great, and the chocolate cake is incredible. If you like to chill out in a comfy bar, this is the place to be.
*BETA TOWN offers the best fast food in town, with a great presentation and quality. All the meats are grilled 100% "al carbon" (charcoal grill) giving all its food a great taste. While you wait for your order to be ready,you can play some Ping-Pong, darts, card games, play the Colombian leisure game "tejo" (like lawn bowl with gunpowder. COP2000 - Jan 2015- each session) or watch a movie or any sports in HD on their big screen TV or at the bar, play a game with the locals in their turf soccer court or have some fun in their video game room. If you miss home, they have an international call service or you can connect to their free WIFI and talk to friends online. Dont forget to write a message on the board before you leave!
*Best value for money in Salento, host a great deal of food from India, the UK, Italy, Spain and Colombia. Prices from COP 7,000. Best Italian style coffees. Curries Indian/UK style with naan bread. You will not be disappointed.
*Cosy Italian restuarant run by a man from Napoli, Italy. Great food, homemade pasta and friendly staff.
*Freshly made arepas toasted on a woodfire grill, served with butter and shredded cheese. A cheap, delicious, traditional breakfast or light dinner. In the mornings, yellow corn arepas for COP 1500 with butter and cheese, one block down from main plaza and in front of entrance to Hostel Estrella Sin Fronteras. In the evenings, a lady makes thicker white corn arepas for COP 2000 a few blocks down.
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Friendly bar run by two Australian brothers Dan and Dave. Good music, good vibes and play a game of 4 2 1.
* Weekends - any where round the main square - all the bars have beer tents set up. Along the Calle Reale, Bar Quindio has a couple of pool tables and lots of billiard tables.
* For something different, there's a Tejo bar two blocks from the main square (normally only open at weekends).
*Best value for money in Salento, host a great deal of food from India, the UK, Italy, Spain and Colombia. Prices from COP 7,000. Best Italian style coffees. Curries Indian/UK style with naan bread. You will not be disappointed.
*
*Galería café - Libro - Fresh organic juices, coffee, tea. You can also take Spanish lessons. Really nice people. Calle 3 #3-25, next to the gym.
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Offers camping sites, tents, and private rooms. A tent per night COP 15000 (Jan 2015), cheaper if you have your own tent.
*Run by Colombian man named Ruben Escobar.
*Don Elias is the owner of a coffee plantation. It offers only one bedroom that fits up to 4-5 people, with clean facilities and a private bathroom. Price is COP 15,000 per person per night. Don Elias offers coffee tours in Spanish for COP 5,000 per person, with a cup of truly homemade coffee (from grain to cup) at the end. Ask around Salento for Alexis, the gentleman with the mototaxi, and he can take you there for COP 8000 (up to three people for this price). You can always just go to Don Elias' plantation for the coffee tour, which is COP 5,000
* A tranquilo place, not yet discovered by the backpacker crowd. Run by a friendly Spanish-Colombian team, this hostel provides cozy, wooden floor rooms with clean bathrooms and steaming hot showers. The owners have good knowledge about the region. Breakfast is included and is, for once, not a synonym for cheap cereals or eggs and arepa.
*Warm welcomes. Colombian owned. Great tourist advice. COP 15 000 dorm bed (November 2014) Free Coffee
*Hostal Tralala Salento is situated in a typical Paisa house that has been completely renovated up to modern standards. There is room for 21 guests in 5 double rooms, a dorm for 3, and a dorm for 8 persons. Two well equipped kitchens, a garden with sun terrace, a TV lounge with lots of quality DVD's and showers with steaming hot water make life easy. The beds have quality matresses, soft pillows, white linnen and comfortable duvets. All guests get a handy brochure with maps and 'things to do' in Salento. The atmosphere is warm and personal.
*Run by a Colombian lady and her family. Rents mountain bikes for trips down to the Cocoa plantations, and gumboots for the Valle de Cocora hike.
* One of the most beautiful places to stay during your visit to Salento, Quindío. Bead and breakfast place with excellent landscapes and services.
* Finca that is located 1.5km outside of Salento. This place breaths quietness amidst slopes of farmland. The hostel is beautifully decorated, has a cozy living room with couches and the owner has an excellent music selection playing through the old speakers. There is also a large movie and book (English and Spanish) selection. La Serrana only opened April 2010 and screams to be discovered. Call the owner on his cellphone for a pick-up from Salento or let them pay the Jeep (6.000 COP from the main square) when you first arrive there.
* Nice hostels with big gardens - one dormitory style, one with private rooms. The hostels offer kitchen use, fireplace, free coffee, laundry facilities, bookswap, mountain bike rental and have good trekking maps of the nearby parque Los Nevados and a map of Salento showing restaurants, supermarkets, etc...
*
3 km on the way to la Finca de Don Elias this colorful, Colombian run hostel has a spacy dorm with 5 beds and two private rooms, a quiet surrounding and wonderful views. Dorm 18.000 COP, Private 50.000 COP
*La Churrita Hostel is a typical and historic reality of Salento. Located in the town centre, 3 mins from the main square, 2 blocks from the station "Bomberos". La Churrita offers wifi, plasma 3D TV, fully equipped kitchen, hot showers, free coffee all day long to be enjoyed in a nice garden. Laundry service, tourist infos and printer. 4 bed dorm 17,000 COP and privates 25,000 COP
Roberto is a fantastic host, highly recommended!
*27 guestrooms. Room rate includes breakfast. There is a restaurant in the hotel premisses.
*Nice, quiet hostel made in old, traditional finca on the main street. 4 beds in dormitory (17.000 COP) and 6 double rooms with private baths (60.000 COP). Wi-Fi.
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Don't miss [wiki=34893f89c3c1c3254ad282ef1aad4f6a]Valle de Cocora[/wiki]. Here grows Colombia's national symbol, the 60 metre high waxpalms (palma de cera). Every day trucks or jeeps (also called "Willies") go from the plaza Salento to the valley at 7.30AM, 9:30AM and 11.30AM and go back at 12.30PM, 2PM and 5PM (more on weekends). People who miss these trucks, can sometimes find room on the jeeps leaving the local elementary school at 2PM, bringing students back to their fincas. Likewise, tourists have the option of paying 24,000 pesos (approximately $14 USD) for jeeps that leave whenever they want. Once at the park, there is a nice halfday hike up to finca Acaima through the cloudforest and back through the valley. The scenery is quite exotic and beautiful due to the wax palms and lovely jungle plants.
* The nearby [wiki=b9ba07f21bf294daa8ef110251429a18]Parque Natural Nacional Los Nevados[/wiki] provide ample trekking opportunity. The way of life in the fincas in the park hasn't changed the last 200 years. Most of the fincas in the park offer food and beds for a bargain price.
[wiki=92fc289bb633ac2ef7217d7057a2ce86]es:Salento[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Salento, Quindío]]
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