Coffee Region Expedition: Tochecito, Cocora Valley, Salento, Filandia

Day 1

We will leave very early from Bogotá where our exploration begins, we will travel to Cajamarca where 4x4 cars await us to cross the mountains and between paths to visit the town of Toche, declared a sanctuary of national flora, where we will have lunch and experience the wax palm forest. dense of the world, in La Carbonera, we will end the day upon arriving in Salento to check in at the Hotel and have dinner.

Day 2

In the morning we will have breakfast very early and then visit the Cocora Valley, the ACAIME natural reserve at 2690 meters above sea level, we will cross 6 hanging bridges to ascend through the cloud forest. We will return to the town to have lunch, rest, tour this beautiful town, or have a coffee.

Day 3

We will visit a traditional coffee farm to learn about the process of planting, harvesting, drying and preparing Colombian coffee. Afterwards, we will leave Salento to explore the beautiful landscapes of the coffee region, we will visit the beautiful and picturesque town of Filandia where once again we will be amazed by the architecture, the landscape and the kindness of the people. After this we will begin our trip back to Bogotá.

The Cocora Valley

Located north of the municipality of Salento, it is the habitat of the wax palm due to its geographical characteristics within the buffer zone of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. It boasts great biodiversity and landscape richness of singular beauty, presenting a mountainous relief and narrow valleys ranging from 1300 to 4750 meters above sea level. The variation in altitude gives rise to three thermal floors: temperate, cold, and moorland. Three main landscapes stand out: mountain, foothill, and valley.

Quindio's Path

Recognize the Quindio's Path, the Pan-American route of the mule and the ox, which for over 400 years connected Ibague with Cartago, embedded on the road from Bogota to Quito, until the current road was opened. The Quindio Path is the route followed by Humboldt and Bonpland in 1801, the one crossed by Simon Bolivar on January 5, 1830, on his return from Quito, and the one traveled by many scientists and travelers in the process of forming our nation.

Municipality of Salento

It was the first municipality founded by Antioquian settlers in the 19th century. Its most interesting attractions are: first, its preserved, colorful, and beautiful colonial architecture inherited from the Antioquians; second, the imposing Cocora Valley, one of the most authentic and beautiful landscapes in Colombia; and third, the contagious atmosphere of peace and tranquility of its people.

Municipality of Filandia

Filandia is another favorite town for visitors due to its tranquility and the beautiful architecture of the Antioquian colonization. History tells us that Don Felipe Meléndez, an old settler, founded the town with several friends and named it with a mix of Latin "fila" (daughter) and English "landia" (Andes). Filandia: daughter of the Andes.

Toche District

Located near Ibague, it is a place that houses and preserves the densest wax palm forest in the world.

ACAIME Natural Reserve

Home to several species of hummingbirds, it is a reserve that works for the conservation of these birds and also awaits us to cross 6 hanging bridges.

😷 Carry a PPE Personal Protection Elements Kit (Masks, antibacterial gel, alcohol in a spray bottle, glasses or mask, disposable tissues, bag for personal waste disposal).

💧 It is important to carry a bottle of water and maintain constant hydration, we will go on long walks and maintaining hydration is healthy.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. It is important to use sunscreen, remember to use a mineral sunscreen for your face.

👕 Pack enough clothes for two days. We suggest avoiding the use of cotton clothing and wearing synthetic fiber clothing that allows quick drying. It can be cold, so we recommend clothing for the cold or hats. Don't forget your change of clothes in case you get wet or muddy.

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes, in any case avoid ballet shoes or cloth tennis shoes. It is important to bring a change of shoes in case your shoes get wet during the tour.

💊 Bring your medications and personal documents (medical insurance card and ID).

🎒 Do not use a wheeled suitcase and carry a kangaroo or small backpack so you can take your personal items on walks.

🔦 We suggest bringing a blanket for the cold in the early morning when leaving Bogotá, repellent and a flashlight.

• Keep in mind that you are responsible for your belongings. Protect your electronic devices and personal documents from rain and humidity.
• Carry your cell phone charged, this will allow you to take photographs and use it in case of emergency.
• Your safety is very important, please be cautious, always keep the group in sight and follow the guide's instructions.
• Do not bring cigarettes or alcoholic beverages. Do not attend a walk late at night, while intoxicated, pregnant, or with medical disabilities.
• Strictly follow your doctor's instructions regarding injuries and, if necessary, carry your personal medications.