I won’t bother crafting a detailed guide for Valle de Cocora, as it’s already been covered by many others. Instead, I’ll share the latest prices (as of March 12, 2024):
– Jeep ticket (round trip): 10,000 COP
– Entrance fee for hiking in Cocora: 20,000 COP
– Exit fee: 6,000 COP
While Valle de Cocora has become quite touristy, locals and some travelers are now raving about La Carbonera. Those who’ve visited describe it as lush with palm trees 🌴, breathtakingly beautiful, and refreshingly less crowded. The catch? It’s roughly a three-hour drive from Salento.
When it comes to coffee plantations, let me save you some time: I strongly advise against Finca El Ocaso. The plantation feels small, neglected, and honestly, like a trap set just for tourists. On the flip side, I’ve heard great things about the coffee estates near Jardín—though be prepared for a three-hour drive from Medellín.
A word of warning: the roads leading to these plantations are in terrible condition. And perhaps it was just bad luck, but during both my trips there and back, our car was stopped each time, forcing us to wait 15–20 minutes. That said, there are plenty of other coffee plantations around Medellín and Bogotá worth exploring.
One last tip: I’ve heard whispers that the hot springs an hour outside Pereira make for a fantastic day trip. Pricing details can be found in the image provided for reference. Enjoy your adventure!
