Exploring Salento, Quindio, Colombia
On my way to Medellin from Armenia I spent a few days exploring Salento. Salento is quite a famous little town in Quindio. I think ‘quaint’ is the best word to describe it. Actually, it is a lot like Filandia but with more tourists.
Exploring Salento
I arrived in Salento from Armenia around 12:30pm and after checking in to my accommodation I went for lunch and a little walk.
It’s a pretty little town with lots of colors in the street.
There are plenty of places to eat and artesian shops.
It has a pretty little town square with free wifi, places to sit and lots of vendors for snacks and drinks. Try a limon y coco drink (coconut and lemon), although its available all over Colombia, at least it is in Quindio.
There’s also a nice little church. Pretty standard near the town square in a Colombian city.
I ended up going up to the mirador which is probably number two on the list of every tourists “must do things” in Salento, and for good reason. The view is incredible, and unlike the one in Filandia, it is free.
Such an incredible view that I have to include a second picture of it.
After a good rest I went for dinner and ate a dish that is only found in Salento called patacon. It was ridiculously delicious. Kind of like a cross between pizza and nachos.
The next day I went to the Ocaso Coffee Farm and took their tour. I’m not much a coffee person but I thought this was really good.
When I got back to Salento I went to climb the colorful stairs. You can follow the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.
The stairs lead me back up to the mirador, only a different part.
The view was better at the section I went to the day before, but this one was still pretty spectacular. You can easily walk between the two, and there a few hiking trails also.
The walk back down the stairs gives you a pretty good view of the town below.
On my last day in Salento it was a Colombian holiday (independence day I think) so my friend from Armenia came up to go hiking in the Valle de Cocora with me.
Before we set off we caught a bit of parade in town for the festival. There were many more people n Salento than the previous two days.
Valle de Corora was amazing. Definitely a must do while in Salento. Do the long trek (5 to 6 hours). It is worth it!
After our long day hiking we ate dinner at a local restaurant. I went for Salento’s other “famous” dish, trucha, which is a type of fish. I’m not really a fan of fish but thought I should give this specialty a go. It was fine. The crispy thing that comes with it is fried plantain and is also used as the base for patacon.
The next morning I took the bus to Medellin.
Getting to Salento
Catch a bus from Armenia. Maybe you can get one from other towns also, but it is really close to Armenia. Less than an hour away and costs less than 5,000COP.
From the terminal in Armenia. Walk in the door and turn right. To the right of the Periera ticket sales (amongst other cities) is a door leading outside. Go through it and go straight (slight right). Find the stand for Salento and just get on the bus. Once you are out of the city they will collect money from you.
Accommodation in Salento
There is a lot of accommodation in Salento, but it is probably a good idea to book ahead because it can get pretty busy with tourists, both foreign and local.
I ended up booking a place via AirBnB called “Habitación doble-baño privado”. It had an actualy name of a hostel but this is the title on AirBnB.
It was fine. No hot water, but it wasn’t cold either- luke warm. I got a private room with a bathroom, cable TV, and wifi. It was comfortable enough, although a bit noisy sometimes due to the other guests. The lady that ran the place was very nice.
Dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms are also available.
The location was really good. About a five minute walk to the town square and in a quiet area.
It cost 30,000COP per night + AirBnB fees.
Address is Calle 7 #5-21.
Book your stay in Salento.
What did you do while exploring Salento? Share your thoughts in the comments 
