Salento is a small town located in central Colombie, in the north of the Quindío department. With its colonial-style houses, its Plaza de Bolívar, and its Mirador Alto de la Cruz viewpoint, it attracts many visitors through the beauty of its historic center. The municipality is also a gateway to explore the region's many parks and plantations, such as Valle de Cocora, Reserva Natural Acaime, Parque Nacional Natural de los Nevados, and Finca El Ocaso.

History of Salento

Once, the entire region was inhabited by the Quimbaya indigenous peoples. Gifted with a particular talent for crafting gold jewelry, they had established a well-organized social hierarchy over the centuries.

Colonization of their territory began in 1535 with the arrival of conquistador Jorge Robledo. Seeing the riches of their hosts, the Spanish enslaved the indigenous people, seized their lands, and plundered their temples and tombs filled with gold.

The Quimabayas rebelled several times, notably in 1557. Led by chief Karlaká, they allied with the Pijaos tribe to fight the invaders. But the revolts were quickly crushed by the Spanish. Wars, slavery, famine, and diseases brought by the colonists decimated hundreds of thousands of indigenous people.

Several centuries later, after gaining independence, liberator Simón Bolívar undertook a tour of the region. Recognizing the potential of the lands surrounding the Quindío River, he issued a decree on Monday, January 25, 1830, which improved the department's main road and encouraged the settlement of several communities along this route.

Twelve years later, this measure gave birth to the village of Boquía, a community established near the Quindío River. At that time, the village had 198 inhabitants, a grain mill, a church, and a penal colony. Between 1863 and 1865, major flooding of the river forced the population to settle a few kilometers further east. In 1908, they founded the Villa de Nueva Salento.

Salento Today

The town of Salento is nestled in the heart of the coffee plantations of Quindío department. On the outskirts, medium-sized modern buildings have been constructed along paved streets. The landscape gives way to colonial-style infrastructure as you approach its historic center.

A beautiful garden has been laid out on its main plaza, the Plaza de Bolívar. Among the palm trees stands a statue of Colombia's liberator, Simón Bolívar, and a bust of one of the town's founders, Pedro Vicente Henao. From this public space, you can also see several colonial buildings and the Nuestra Señora del Carmen church. Its beautiful façade is one of the town's most iconic sights.

Turning right at the north corner of Plaza de Bolívar, you arrive at the famous Calle Real de Salento, the town's main avenue. Along this street, you can admire two rows of colonial houses in vibrant colors. With their tile roofs, vintage balconies, and wooden doors, you might feel transported back to the 17th century. Gift shops line this corridor, offering bags, colorful bracelets, and jewelry.

A grand staircase stands at the far end of Calle Real. After climbing its 238 steps, you reach the Mirador Alto de la Cruz viewpoint. From up there, you enjoy a panoramic view of all of Salento and its surroundings. The landscape depicts a town lost in the Colombian countryside and coffee plantations. In the distance, you can admire beautiful green mountains.

Around Salento

Salento is a must-visit destination on Colombia itineraries for its surroundings. About ten kilometers east of Salento, nature thrives in the Valle de Cocora park. This natural reserve is famous for its incredible Quindío wax palm forest, a national symbol in Colombia. Adorned with magnificent and natural landscapes, its hiking trails lead deep into an Andean forest before emerging further on, into the domain of hummingbirds, the Casa de Los Colibries.

Further on, the Acaime natural reserve also features a wonderful hiking trail. Less strenuous than Valle de Cocora, it still allows you to appreciate local wildlife and the valley's beautiful landscape.

About five kilometers south of Salento, a coffee plantation opens its doors to travelers in the region, Finca El Ocaso. Beyond its peaceful landscape and countless coffee plants, the farm welcomes visitors with the beverage that made Colombia famous. The owner then guides you through songs as you participate in the harvest before showing you each step of the process for preparing famous Colombian coffee.

North of Salento, at the border of Quindío department, the Parque Natural Nacional de Los Nevados offers an incredible ecosystem, delighting serious hikers and nature lovers. The Colombian páramo, its Andean forests, and its lakes provide safe habitats for many endemic animal species.

Climate

All of Salento enjoys an oceanic climate. There, temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C throughout the year. In April, October, and November, torrential rains fall across the entire region. Showers can occur both in winter and summer. But they are much less frequent from June to August, especially in July.

From the City of Armenia

After landing at El Eden International Airport, you must head to the downtown of Armenia, the capital of Quindío. To do this, hail a taxi or take a bus on Línea 2 de BASA or Línea de autobús 9. Upon exiting the bus, head to the city's bus terminal. There, you can take a bus to Salento for 4,200 to 5,000 Colombian pesos. You'll arrive at your destination after approximately one hour of travel.

From the City of Pereira

If you are visiting the city of Pereira, head to the local bus terminal. There, you can take a bus to Salento for 6,500 to 7,000 Colombian pesos. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours.

In Salento

Salento is small enough to explore on foot. You can visit attractions around town from Plaza de Bolívar. On this public plaza, many Jeep drivers will offer you rides to nearby parks or coffee plantations for 4,000 to 6,000 Colombian pesos.