Cocora Valley Horseback Riding: Is the Salento Tour Worth it?

Alright, so you’re perhaps thinking about seeing the towering wax palm trees of Cocora Valley in Colombia and perhaps doing it from horseback. That area of Salento is a destination that you, like your friends, may have heard about. So, let’s assess what a horseback riding day trip there really offers and what to maybe consider before you decide this is the best path for you.

What to anticipate from the Horseback Tour in Cocora Valley?

The horseback riding tour commonly kicks off from Salento; many outfits run those trips, actually. Usually, you find them very close to the town plaza. What typically occurs is that a jeep will pick you up. You may call it a Willys Jeep; that’s their common name there. The ride towards the Cocora Valley shouldn’t be too lengthy. Perhaps you could time it for about twenty to thirty minutes.

Right, so what comes after that is being paired with a horse appropriate for, perhaps, your level of riding skills. The local guides typically give you a very short briefing on the basics. Anyway, they keep it quite simple. The ride meanders across green hills. They provide pretty amazing scenic lookouts and lead towards patches with those gigantic wax palm trees everyone likes seeing. As I was saying, you should probably expect the ride to last about two to four hours. Typically, a duration is quite enough to take in that breathtaking setting and appreciate the landscapes.

What Makes the Cocora Valley Scenery Unique?

Frankly, the Cocora Valley isn’t like anyplace you might have seen prior. The place is home to the Quindío wax palm, that is Colombia’s national tree and arguably the tallest palm around. Seriously, imagine those slender trunks that go high, high up into the skyline, and all of that on those slopes.

Anyway, that generates an environment that is definitely both eerie and majestic, in a way. If there’s a bit of cloud hanging about those peaks too, that could create these, well, what you could almost describe as postcard-ready shots. The area is very special. We like that the atmosphere shifts rather dramatically, seemingly, according to the time and light.

Who might Enjoy this Trip Most?

Actually, the Cocora Valley Horseback Riding Day Trip probably has appeal for varied sorts of individuals. Newbies to horse riding can participate with relative ease, due to the fact that the horses normally go at a moderate pace, but. As I was saying, more accomplished riders maybe find the speed somewhat limiting, possibly.

That said, lovers of landscape photography would surely discover opportunities around pretty much every corner to grab scenic shots. In some respects, families perhaps will welcome the opportunity for getting involved in something which is energetic yet comparatively relaxing, possibly if the little ones can ride, yet. You might keep this adventure as a high point of your time spent in Salento when you desire, maybe, an escape into what many regard as Colombia’s spectacular back country.

Some Aspects to Ponder before Booking

Of course, when going on this particular outing, a couple of points possibly require thought. First, try to consider weather conditions, clearly. The location can sometimes undergo quick variations and riding maybe a bit less comfortable during rains. So, be sure to check the weather projections prior and bring waterproof clothing.

Anyway, do ask about those horses’ well-being, also. That is wise so that you are assured the tour company regards their horses favorably, for sure. Plus, do dress fittingly. Wear perhaps long pants so that chafing is prevented. Wear maybe some solid boots that offer adequate support to your foot. At the end of the day, don’t forget sunblock. The altitude’s sun combined with the clear open landscapes definitely mean the need of shielding your skin, alright?

Other Activities Close to the Cocora Valley

Of course, whenever you are around Cocora Valley, you will see there are also other adventures you could include within your itinerary. Many want to spend some time exploring Salento itself. The place possesses those coffee plantations everyone hears about and experiences of the nearby coffee production take place nearly daily.

Just a little outside the valley you could visit the Acaime hummingbird sanctuary; it’s where you watch several hummingbird species. Hiking at that place is well-known; what’s commonly considered among the top hikes is the one leading towards the Santa Rita waterfall, just a bit. If you’d like more experiences out-of-doors, maybe, the Los Nevados National Park has options for much longer hikes and checking those higher altitude ecosystems.

As I was saying, there exist opportunities for connecting that trip into an all encompassing day full of various things appealing to a good number of passions.