The Cocora Valley

The Cocora Valley, near the town of Salento in the coffee region, is one of the most magical landscapes in Colombia, a lush, green Andean valley from which soar the towering wax palms, the tallest palm trees in the world and the national tree of Colombia. Rising improbably, up to 60 metres tall and impossibly slender, from the rolling green hills and drifting mist, they create a surreal, otherworldly scene, explored on foot or horseback on trails through the valley and cloud forest.

History

The valley is named after Cocora, a Quimbaya princess, daughter of the chief Acaime, whose name meant star of water. To stop the cutting of wax palms, especially for Palm Sunday, Law 61 of 16 September 1985 made the Quindío wax palm the national tree and symbol of Colombia, forbade felling it and allowed land to be bought for its protection, and the valley was brought into Los Nevados National Natural Park that year (Wikipedia, Cocora Valley).

What's there

• The giant wax palms - the towering, slender palms soaring from the hills.
• The valley walk - the loop trail through the palms and cloud forest.
• The jeep ride - the classic Willys jeep trip from Salento.
• Salento - the colourful coffee town nearby.

When to go

The drier months, roughly December to March and July to August, for the best trail conditions, though the valley is often misty and atmospheric, which is part of its magic; mornings are clearest before cloud builds. Go early to beat the crowds.

Before you go

It is often misty and can be muddy and wet underfoot, so bring boots and a rain layer; the mist, though, adds to the atmosphere. It has become very popular, so go early to enjoy the palms before the crowds and jeeps arrive. The longer forest loop is muddy and strenuous; many just walk to the palm-filled viewpoints.

Nearby

Salento and the coffee farms are alongside; the wider coffee region spreads around.

Key facts