Embarking on a 12-kilometer trek through the breathtaking Cocora Valley, I was greeted by a panorama of wonders: the world’s tallest palm trees standing proudly against the sky, horses playfully courting on the lush hillsides, cows lazily grazing in the meadows, and vibrant blue and green hummingbirds darting gracefully through the air.

As I descended the mountain, following the winding stream and lost in the melodies of Visions of Gideon, the sunlight streaming through the foliage seemed almost otherworldly, like a dream woven into reality.

Along the way, fellow hikers exchanged warm greetings, offered directions with friendly smiles, and sought guidance from one another. The journey tested our resolve—smooth stones polished by the river required careful scrambling on all fours, while the swaying suspension bridge added an exhilarating twist to the adventure. Despite its undeniable physical demands, it was an experience of pure magic, one that will linger vividly in my memory for years to come.





