Salento(Colombia) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best areas to stay in Salento, Colombia, are the Historic Downtown District and La Mesa. The Historic Downtown offers easy access to Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and Plaza Principal, with charming colonial-style buildings and cozy cafés. Stay at Hotel Cusi, a boutique property known for its warm hospitality and locally inspired décor featuring handwoven textiles and wooden accents from Quindío’s artisans.

For a more tranquil retreat, La Mesa provides a peaceful mountain setting with panoramic views of the Andes. Here, Casa Los stands out as an eco-lodge offering sustainable stays, organic breakfasts, and guided hikes through coffee farms and cloud forests. Both districts offer authentic experiences—whether you prefer vibrant cultural energy or serene nature immersion.

A must-try local experience in Salento, Colombia, is a coffee farm tour and tasting session. Nestled in the heart of Quindío Department, Salento lies within one of Colombia’s premier regions for specialty Arabica coffee. Visitors can join guided tours at family-run farms like Finca La Cavada, where they learn about every step—from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing—using traditional methods passed down through generations.

These tours often include a scenic hike through lush coffee plantations surrounded by Andean peaks, followed by a relaxing cup of freshly brewed coffee served with homemade pastries. Don’t miss the annual Festival del Café de Salento held each October, celebrating coffee culture with live music, artisanal markets, and barista competitions that highlight both heritage and innovation in Colombian coffee craftsmanship.

The hotel in Salento that offers the most breathtaking natural views is Casa Los, an eco-lodge nestled at the base of the Andes Mountains. Surrounded by dense cloud forest and overlooking the Cátaquira Valley, this sustainable retreat features private balconies in every room, perfect for watching sunrise paint the mist-covered peaks.

Guests can enjoy guided hikes through native forests, birdwatching excursions, and stargazing nights under clear Andean skies. The property also includes a natural hot spring pool fed by geothermal water, blending relaxation with immersive wilderness. With organic produce grown on-site and a strong commitment to conservation, Casa Los delivers a harmonious blend of luxury and nature—ideal for travelers seeking serenity amidst Colombia’s stunning highland scenery.

Must-try local dishes in Salento, Colombia, include Tamales de Pollo and Chocotorta con Arequipe. The former are traditional corn tamales filled with slow-cooked chicken, onions, and local spices, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed—often sold at weekend markets and family-run stalls.

The latter is a beloved dessert: rich, handmade hot chocolate served with arequipe (a caramel-like dulce de leche) and crispy bread slices—perfect for morning or afternoon treats. Don’t miss the chance to taste Salento’s premium coffee, renowned for its bright acidity and floral notes, available fresh-brewed at cozy cafés like Café La Serenita or street vendors across the Mercado Central.

These culinary delights reflect the region’s deep-rooted traditions and connection to agriculture—best enjoyed in bustling local spots where locals gather and share stories over food.

Yes, Salento is highly bike-friendly and boasts excellent transportation accessibility. The town center is compact—just over a kilometer long—with wide, flat streets ideal for cycling. Key landmarks such as Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Plaza Principal, and Mercado Central are all within walking or biking distance.

Dedicated bike lanes connect the city to surrounding villages and coffee farms. Many hotels, including Hotel Vista and Casa Los, offer free bicycle rentals along with route maps and safety gear. Riding along the Cátaquira River reveals lush greenery and crystal-clear streams, while a popular 8-kilometer route leads north to Finca La Cavada through quiet country paths and flower-filled fields.

Local tour operators also provide bilingual guided bike tours with equipment rental, refreshments, and expert knowledge—making it safe and enjoyable for visitors to explore Salento’s scenic landscapes and cultural gems on two wheels.

Yes, several boutique hotels and cafés in Salento offer professional coffee tasting workshops. Notably, Casa Los and Café La Serenita are leading venues for these immersive experiences.

At Casa Los, guests participate in a "From Bean to Cup" workshop led by experienced baristas, exploring the unique characteristics of Quindío Department’s coffee beans based on altitude, processing method, and roast profile. The session concludes with a comparative tasting of three distinct coffees paired with homemade pastries, enhancing sensory evaluation skills.

Meanwhile, Café La Serenita hosts exclusive daily "Morning Tasting Sessions," limited to pre-booked participants, using freshly roasted beans. Using transparent cups and scoring cards, attendees learn to identify acidity, sweetness, body, and aftertaste—offering a deep dive into Colombia’s world-class coffee culture. These classes combine education, tradition, and flavor in a truly memorable way.