Hiking in Quindío, Colombia
Trails through forests, valleys or reserves, guided or on your own.
13 places to choose from
Where to go
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Hike through the Barbas River canyon
Barbas River Canyon
For those who want the wildest side of northern Quindío: Andean rainforest, bamboo groves and streams in Filandia, where howler monkeys can be heard.
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Andean forest trails
La Patasola Nature Reserve
To walk quietly through humid forest, streams and slopes in Salento.
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Walk among the wax palms
Cocora Valley
For anyone who wants to see the wax palm, Colombia's national tree, in its own landscape: the short loop past the viewpoints works with children or little time; the long trails through forest, streams and bridges suit those who enjoy walking for several hours.
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Cloud forest walk
Kasaguadua Natural Reserve
For those who want to understand how the forest works, not just walk through it: 12 hectares devoted almost entirely to conservation, with more than 70,000 wax palms regrown and five water springs.
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Nature outings with an operator Acaime Salento To explore Quindío's natural landscapes with a Salento operator.
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Hike to the Quebradanegra waterfalls Quebradanegra Waterfalls For hikers seeking an untouched spot in Filandia: there is no formal park or marked trails, so going with a guide is advisable.
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Walk among bamboo and guadua El Paraíso del Bambú y La Guadua To walk through bamboo and guadua landscapes in Montenegro.
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Mountain route hikes Pinula Trekking To walk natural settings and mountain routes in Salento with an operator.
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Guided rural outings Rural Adventure To explore rural landscapes, nature and coffee culture in Filandia with a guide.
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Hiking: what to know
What to expect
Quindío has hikes for most levels: Cocora Valley and its towering wax palms, the Barbas River canyon and the Quebradanegra waterfalls near Filandia, and cloud forest reserves around Salento. Some trails you can walk on your own; others are only open with a guide or operator.
How to choose
For a first hike, Cocora Valley is the classic and has loops for different fitness levels. If you want fewer people, look at private reserves and the trails around Filandia. For long or high-mountain routes, go with a local operator who knows the trail conditions and the weather.
Before you go
Start early: afternoons are often rainy and trails get muddy fast. Wear boots or shoes with good grip, and bring a rain jacket, water and a warm layer, since Cocora sits above 2,000 meters (6,500 ft). Check whether the reserve charges an entrance fee and when it closes. Jeeps known as Willys run from Salento's main square to Cocora.
Planning the whole trip? Read our guide: Nature in Quindío