Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento

Valle de Cocora
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Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
In response to the potential threat of extinction, the Colombian government designated the valley a nationally protected park.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Valle de Cocora is a popular destination for backpackers and eco-tourists.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense) is the official national tree of Colombia.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
The vast majority of the world’s wax palms are found exclusively in this valley.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Valle de Cocora is situated within a natural cloud forest, typical of Andean topography in the region.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Farmers use the surrounding area of the valley as an area to pasture their animals. Cows are a common sight here.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
The valley boasts some of the world’s tallest wax palms, with many growing to staggering heights of 60 meters (197 feet) or higher.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Hummingbirds can be seen almost everywhere within the valley.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Acaime, a hummingbird sanctuary, 6-8 different species of hummingbirds may be observed. It’s a big tourist attraction and highly recommended.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Entrance to the hummingbird sanctuary Acaime costs COP5,000, or about USD$1.75, per person.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Hot beverages, including hot chocolate, tea, coffee, plus fresh fruits and cheeses are available for purchase here.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Fancy a sleepover in the valley? Acaime offer beds for trekkers, though it may not be necessary as the trails can be completed in one day.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Fun fact - The name Cocora is the name of the daughter of a local Quimbayan chief called Acaime, who’s name means “star of water” (Spanish for estrella de agua, the name of the famous trail).

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Due to its close proximity to the equator and high elevation (around 1,800m-2,400m or 5,906ft-7,874ft)) above sea level, the valley experiences a somewhat temperate climate year-round.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
There are no fees or permits to enter the valley, so go out and enjoy the beauty of nature!

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Hiking the trails by foot is completely doable in one day and most travelers opt to explore by this way.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
There are several popular trails to choose from, with the most popular being a six-hour trail that leads to Acaime, through Finca la Montaña and back down.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Valle de Cocora is part the Los Nevados National Natural Park area, which covers an area of 50,000 hectares (580km squared). It’s the perfect place to camp in the valley.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
One of many handmade bridges throughout the trails.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Beautiful scenic walk in the early morning hours. The terrain will vary from easy to intermediate, though your biggest enemy will be the altitude if you're not already acclimatized.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
More cows just chilling and lounging.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Strong, handmade land bridges can be found throughout the trail.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Lovely mini cascading waterfalls line can be found alongside the middle of the trail where thicker and roe lush foliage is found.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Fellow horseback rider taking a leisure stroll through the forested valley.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Sunlight flits softly through the foliage providing a lovely huge to our late morning trek.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Butterflies are found throughout the trail, perfectly adding a beautiful dash of color to our trek.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Trekkers take a well-deserved rest and some photo-ops halfway through the trek.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
Valle de Cocora is a vast and deep valley, worthy of exploration.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
The sun's midday shadow provides a wonderful contrast and lovely shade below.

Source: Jerry Leon
Jetset Times
Valle de Cocora
Valle de Cocora Lookbook: Colombia’s Famous Wax Palm Trees In Salento
With each wax palm swaying softly to-and-fro in unison, along with the quiet rustle of its leaves, these are the indelible marks the valley has impressed upon my memory.

Source: Jerry Leon

Tucked away in the famous coffee-growing region of Zona Cafetera.

Tucked away in the famous coffee-growing region of Zona Cafetera, lies a valley that has long been a popular destination for backpackers, eco-tourists and travelers the world over. In Valle de Cocora (Spanish for “Valley of Cocora”) the vast majority of the world’s tallest wax palms can be found here, which offers gorgeous photo ops for landscape photographers. As Colombia’s national tree, these wax palms can grow to a staggering 60 meters (197 feet) in height. In addition to beautiful landscapes and awe-inspiring flora, the valley is home to Acaime, a hummingbird sanctuary that is simply can’t-miss. Whether you choose to trek by foot or explore on horseback, Valle de Cocora is a splendor of natural wonder and well worth a visit.

Photos (all credit: Jerry Alonzo Leon via Flickr)

Jerry Alonzo Leon

Contributor

Jerry's favorite country to travel to is Spain. When he's on the road, he keeps it real simple with a pen and a pad. His travel style is spontaneous, easygoing, and always in search of a great adventure.

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