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Colombia · Quindío
Valle de Cocora
Wax palms, cloud forest, and Colombia's most surreal landscape.
Distance
12 km
Duration
4–5 hours
Elevation gain
600 m
Trail type
Loop
Best season
December – March, July – August
The Valle de Cocora is home to the world's tallest palm trees — the wax palm, Colombia's national tree — rising 60 meters out of a misty valley. The loop trail climbs through cloud forest, crosses wooden bridges over rushing streams, and emerges into the iconic palm-dotted valley.
Trail highlights
- Towering wax palms
- Cloud forest canopy
- Hummingbird sanctuary
- Misty valley views
Field notes
The trail gets very muddy — rubber boots are available to rent in Salento. Start early to catch the valley in mist before it clears.
At a glance
Difficulty
Moderate- Distance
- 12 km
- Duration
- 4–5 hours
- Elevation gain
- 600 m
- Trail type
- Loop
- Best season
- December – March, July – August
