Colombia Travel – Salento, Zona Cafetera

Coffee and Culture in Colombia’s Coffee Region

Nov 22, 2009 Melissa Sullivan

Salento, at the heart of Colombia's coffee region, is a great place to experience Colombian culture, delicious coffee, and some of the country's most spectacular scenery.

The town of Salento is quaint, dotted with colorful buildings, small artisan shops, and friendly folks. However, it is the surrounding area of lush green hills, coffee farms, fruit trees, and colorful birds and butterflies that make this place stunning.

Coffee Farms in Salento

Those who wish to see a real working Colombian coffee farm, or finca, need only to ask around town for the way to Don Elias’s home. Don Elias is a hard-working older Colombian fellow who has been running his own coffee farm for years. He happily gives tours of his farm to any who are interested, describing the coffee-making process from start to finish. At the end of the tour, he and his wife brew some fresh coffee for their guests to sample. Don Elias has recently added a small 1-room guest house for those who are interested in staying overnight on the farm.

There is another coffee farm closer to town, run by an English fellow and his Colombian wife. They can be found at their very popular guesthouse, The Plantation House, to arrange a tour.

Butterflies and Wax Palms in Valle de Cocora

The Valle de Cocora is a definite highlight of any trip to Salento. It offers beautiful scenery, a butterfly farm, and plenty of bird-watching opportunities. However, the most impressive sight in the park is the towering wax palms. These trees, which are the tallest palm trees in the world, are the Colombian national symbol.

Local Culture in Salento

Salento has more to offer than just coffee...it is a lovely town with friendly and interesting people. A great place to experience some of the local culture is in one of the pool halls located near the main square, where mustachioed men in panama hats and traditional ponchos can be found playing billiards. The square comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights, when food stalls cook local snacks and people engage in salsa dancing.

One opportunity not to be missed is the chance to play the national sport of Tejo. Tejo is similar to the game of horseshoes, but with some added thrills. The clay pit targets are lined with gunpowder that explodes when the metal disc hits just right. There is one bar a couple blocks from the main square in Salento where the locals get together to show off their Tejo skills. Tourists who are new to the game are advised to use the lane for beginners.

Salento has something for everyone, weather it’s a bike ride through the beautiful green hill sides, a tour of a working Colombian coffee farm, or joining the locals for a game of Tejo. This is a relaxing and beautiful place that should not be missed.

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