Cocora Valley, Mountain valley in Quindío Department, Colombia
The Cocora Valley sits between 1,800 and 2,200 meters above sea level, featuring tall wax palm trees that reach heights of 60 meters.
The valley's name comes from Princess Cocora of the Quimbaya people, with 'Cocora' meaning 'star of water' in their native language.
The valley forms part of Colombia's Coffee Cultural Landscape, where local farmers maintain traditional coffee cultivation methods across the mountainous terrain.
Visitors access the valley via Willys jeeps from Salento's main square, with departures running hourly and the journey taking approximately 30 minutes.
The valley contains the largest concentration of wax palms in Colombia, which became protected under Law 61 of 1985 as the national tree.
Location: Quindío Department
GPS coordinates: 4.64111,-75.54139
Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:59
Colombia presents geographic diversity that spans Caribbean coastlines, Andean highlands, Pacific forests, and eastern plains. The country encompasses colonial architecture in towns like Barichara and Mompox, where centuries-old stone buildings and churches reflect Spanish heritage. Natural formations include the Tatacoa Desert with its red sandstone canyons, the seasonal colors of Caño Cristales river, and the coastal dunes at Punta Gallinas marking South America's northernmost point. Coffee-growing regions such as Jardín preserve traditional Antioquian architecture, while islands like Providencia and Gorgona protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems in both Caribbean and Pacific waters. From the arid landscapes of La Guajira Desert inhabited by Wayuu communities to the neo-Gothic architecture of Las Lajas Sanctuary bridging a river canyon, these locations demonstrate the country's contrasts. Visitors can explore mountain trails, observe astronomical phenomena in clear desert skies, discover colonial goldsmithing traditions, and witness humpback whale migrations. Each destination contributes to understanding Colombia's environmental and cultural range, offering experiences that vary from remote wilderness areas to well-preserved historical settlements across different elevations and climates.
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