Cocora Valley

Beautiful place! The horse ride is a great experience but optional. You can still go up the mountain without the horse ride. It is just a long walk uphill. There are three different entrances with three unique things to admire and do. The three entrances have separate prices. The most common ones are the first and second. The first one is to your right as you go up the road. It has colorful signs and decorations for pictures and different levels uphill for a great view. It has a parking lot next to it, a restaurant, and shopping little spots. The second entrance is up the road (5-7 mnt walk). There's also a parking spot, but no restaurants. This one is a taller mountain with great views, and if you make it to the top, you'll see the HAND. Built to stand up on it for pictures surrounded by beautiful views!

Wonderful experience!! We did the 12 km walk and enjoyed it so much. It starts with a climb and up to the second viewpoint where everyone goes, but it's not hard at all. The views were outstanding and the walk back along the river is very nice.

Cocora Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Even after being there a whole day, it’s still unbelievable that palm trees that tall actually exist. The place is already pretty magical with just the palm trees, but they have also added some real eye-catchers that are so fun to photograph. My two favorites are the absolutely massive Colombian flag and the floating hand at the top of the hike. The hike is of moderate difficulty, so pretty much any family can do it together.

Jurassic Park meets Indiana Jones... at least this is how I felt here. I loved it. If you are able, do take a ride on horses to the mountain. The track is not accessible to hikers, so you'll see something different (and you can hike down anyway). The horses are very well taken care of. As I judge people by the way they treat animals and horses in particular, I've learned to both like and respect the Colombian people.

One of the best places to visit in Colombia. The full hike is fantastic and worth doing. The palms and the environment are unique and otherworldly at times. We arrived as early as possible to beat the crowds. We had our own car and the road to the valley was completely paved and easy to navigate. The early morning was the best light for the park in my opinion. We did the full counterclockwise loop hike that goes first through the jungle and ends in the palm valley. It took about about 6 hours to complete with a few rest stops for snacks and lunch. The full counterclockwise hike is strenuous enough that you should only do it if you are in semi-decent shape. There is a lot of up and downhill including one particular tough climb to get out of the jungle. You do need to keep your balance on rocks along and on the river which sometimes are slippery. The scenery was varied and beautiful, starting with going through trenches in the valley with some overly friendly cows, to a forest/jungle setting crisscrossing a river on multiple bouncy bridges, to climbing misty hills, to finally overlooking the tall majestic palms that we all came to see. We were lucky enough to see condors from the viewpoint as well. The descent through the valley kept amazing us with scenic vistas when you would hit different angles. The only thing I would change about the park would be to take out some of the instagram artwork that litters the entrance/exit of the park. I understand that these are draws for some people who want a more colorful photo to post but there really is too many of them and the trees and setting really are nice enough. The only advice I can add is to rent the boots if you are doing the full hike. I went with my normal shoes and they ended up in puddles, mud, and then the river. It is basically impossible to avoid, especially after rain which is often in that area. I had muddy shoes that wouldn't come off for the rest of my trip. I dont know how much boot rental costs as I didn't ask but I saw a lot of other hikers wearing them and I would suggest it.

We stayed in Salento and took a Jeep Tour. It was so worth it. Amazing drive, breath taking views. You feel like you are in Paradise. It’s clean, nice walking path. Great for families and tour groups. We stayed 3 hours and I could have stayed more. The elevation is high so walk slow, hydrate and pace yourself.

The best about the valley are the hike path through the forest along side the river up the mountain. Lush nature, flowers and birds. Just a few people crossing with horses, but apart of that nature pure. The main attractions with platforms to take pictures are not our taste. Too full, too cheesy and touristy

You MUST visit if you're in the area. We drove all the way there in our rental (no jeep rentals required), parked for a great price, and then entered the very last "park" area called Palmas del Valle. The hile was great, the views were impacting, and the photo ops were memorable. Recommend it 100%.