If you’re visiting the charming town of Salento, this Cocora Valley and Santa Rita Waterfall tour offers a comprehensive taste of Colombia’s natural beauty. Priced at $180 per person and lasting roughly 6 to 9 hours, it’s a well-paced adventure that combines spectacular landscapes, engaging activities, and local flavors. Led by knowledgeable guides like Daniel, Nicolas, or Jeffrey, this tour promises plenty of authentic moments, from wandering among wax palms to splashing in the waterfalls.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see the iconic wax palms up close, often before the crowds arrive, making for a quieter, more intimate encounter. The horseback ride to the small waterfall is surprisingly accessible even for beginners, adding a gentle adventure to your day. The included traditional Colombian lunch—featuring trout, giant patacón, and lemonade—adds real local flavor. Plus, the visit to Santa Rita farm, with its lush gardens and waterfalls, rounds out the day beautifully.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking and some optional swimming. While the group size is capped at 15 for a more personal experience, it does mean booking well in advance—on average, about 24 days ahead—to secure your spot.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, authentic local encounters, and scenic views, particularly those who appreciate friendly guides and a relaxed pace. If you’re eager to see Colombia’s famous wax palms and enjoy a mix of adventure and culture, this is a highly recommended choice.

Key Points

Stunning Landscapes: Experience the iconic wax palms and panoramic views in the Cocora Valley.
Authentic Experiences: Includes a traditional Colombian lunch and horseback riding, accessible even for beginners.
All-Inclusive: Entrance fees, transport, and guidance are included, providing good value.
Moderate Activity Level: Expect some walking and optional swimming—suitable for travelers with moderate fitness.
Personalized Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Daniel, Nicolas, and Jeffrey make a difference.
Limited Group Size: Max 15 travelers for a more intimate, engaging experience.

Starting Point and Transportation

Your journey begins in Salento, a small but lively town known for its vibrant streets and friendly atmosphere. From there, you’ll hop into a jeep Willys, a classic Colombian vehicle, for a scenic 20-25 minute drive toward the Cocora Valley. This mode of transport isn’t just charming; it sets the tone for a relaxed, adventure-filled day. The ride offers glimpses of the lush countryside, hinting at the natural wonders ahead.

Planning more time in Salento? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

The Wonders of Valle del Cocora

Once in the valley, you’ll spend about three hours exploring the immense wax palms, Colombia’s national tree and a symbol of the region. Guides like Nicolas or Jeffrey will point out fascinating facts about the flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of this unique ecosystem. The viewpoints provide 360-degree vistas—perfect for photos and soaking in the landscape’s grandeur. We loved the quiet early mornings here, when the crowds haven’t yet arrived, offering a more peaceful experience.

Horseback Riding Adventure

For about half an hour, you can saddle up for a horseback ride from the Esperanza stable to a small natural forest. This activity is designed to be accessible, even if you’ve never ridden before—your guide will help you along. The ride passes by a river and leads to a tiny waterfall, ideal for those looking for a gentle adventure. As one reviewer said, “It was surprisingly easy for a newbie, and the scenery was fantastic.”

The Taste of Colombia

After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a typical Salento lunch. The meal includes rice, beans or grains, your choice of meat (fish, beef, chicken, or pork), and fresh salad or lemonade. The highlight for many is the giant patacón—a fried plantain dish—paired with trout, which locals often serve. If fish isn’t your thing, no worries; the menu offers beef or chicken options. Several reviews praise the food, describing it as “delicious and authentic,” with one mentioning, “The guava and cheese cake during coffee break was a delightful surprise!”

Santa Rita Waterfall and Estate

Next, the tour takes you to Boquia, where the Santa Rita farm awaits. This circuit-style visit includes a walk past tunnels of an old railway, through natural forests, and across suspension bridges. The highlight is the 17-meter waterfall, accessible for swimming in a natural pool. The trip offers a great mix of landscape, history, and leisure, with optional visits to caverns and tunnels. The gardens and campsite landscapes provide a peaceful setting for relaxing and taking photos.

While you're exploring Salento, here are other experiences we've looked into

Return and Reflection

After a full day of exploring, you’ll return to Salento, with the drive taking about 25 minutes. Many travelers comment on how well-organized and smooth the day is, with some noting the guides’ attentiveness and friendliness. As one reviewer put it, “Nicholas was incredible helpful and attentive,” highlighting how important good guidance is on a trip like this.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Looking at the price point of $180, this tour provides excellent value for a full day of diverse activities. Entrance fees, transportation, and guided commentary are included, which often makes it more budget-friendly than piecing together individual activities. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more personal attention and flexibility—crucial when navigating natural environments.

The Experience and Authenticity

What sets this tour apart is the combination of breathtaking scenery, engaging activities, and genuine local flavor. Guides like Daniel or Jeffrey are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the day both educational and fun. Visitors often highlight the delicious food, with many raving about the typical Colombian lunch that offers a true taste of local cuisine.

Potential Drawbacks

While the experience is enriching, it does involve moderate physical activity, including walking and optional swimming. If you have mobility issues, it’s worth considering the walking involved in the forest and waterfall visits. Plus, since the tour books up about a month in advance, planning ahead is advisable—a minor inconvenience for such a popular experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those eager to experience authentic Colombian cuisine. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes and gentle outdoor activities without strenuous hiking. Families with children comfortable with walking and water activities will find this a rewarding day. It’s also suited for those who appreciate small-group environments, where guides can cater to individual interests and questions.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Salento in a classic jeep Willys is included in the tour price.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 6 to 9 hours, depending on pace and group size.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked 24 days ahead on average, and spots are limited to 15 travelers.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a traditional Colombian lunch is included, with options for fish, beef, chicken, or pork.

Can beginners participate in horseback riding?
Absolutely. The ride is designed to be accessible and enjoyable even for those with no prior experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sun protection, and possibly a swimsuit for swimming at Santa Rita waterfall.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is physical fitness necessary?
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and outdoor activities, but the pace is flexible.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking an authentic, well-rounded day in Colombia’s Quindío region, this Cocora Valley and Santa Rita Waterfall tour delivers on stunning scenery, engaging activities, and local flavor. The combination of iconic wax palms, horseback riding, delicious food, and waterfalls makes for an unforgettable experience that balances adventure and relaxation.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a personalized, small-group experience with knowledgeable guides. If you’re excited about nature, scenic views, and cultural authenticity, this tour provides excellent value and memorable moments that will stay with you long after leaving Salento.

Final Recommendation

This tour is a wonderful way to discover Colombia’s natural beauty at a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos, local tastes, and gentle adventures. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, it offers a balanced, insightful experience that highlights what makes this region so special. If you want a day of genuine connection with nature and local culture, this is a highly worthwhile choice.