Salento, Cocora Valley, Craftsman Village tour

Description activity Salento, Cocora Valley, Craftsman Village tour

SALENTO, COCORA VALLEY, CRAFTSMAN VILLAGE The twisting mountain road leading to Salento reveals dramatic green valleys, lush jungle-layered peaks and banana and plantain covered foothills. After maybe five miles drive Salento is reached, a slightly larger town, with beautiful (often largely pedestrian) streets, frequently traversed by traditional coffee growers dressed in their standard garb (sombrero, light pants, colorful shawls and mustachioed visage) strolling to the main square for a cerveza fría, tomales, and traditional entertainment. Among the quaint calles of Salento, you will find the Craftsman Village, a beehive of activity with gaily colorful shops where locally made handicrafts are sold (wine bottle holders made of bamboo or guadua, key chains of black cedar and small chests of eucalyptus. Lastly, undoubtedly the most special place of this region is the Cocora Valley, about seven miles beyond Salento, through some high grazing country that strikingly resembles Switzerland. At the very top of the valley is Cocora, heralded by thousands of wax palm, Colombia's national tree, dotting even the taller peaks. Off in the distance loom the highest snow covered peaks (volcanos actually) of Nevados National Park. Hiking and horseback riding trails abound. Deep in these jungles the puma roams free, likewise a national emblem.