Upon the recommendations from people on my coffee plantation tour in Manizales, I decided to ride to the Andean town of Salento. It was a really short ride as you can tell from the map at the end of this post. However, it was relaxing, and the last few kilometers into Salento were twisty among a beautiful forest.
Salento Attractions
Salento is known for the nearby parks. East is Cocora Valley where lofty wax palm trees, a national symbol, and home to rare parrots. Salento is also the gateway to the snow-capped peaks of Los Nevados National Natural Park, to the northeast.
When I arrived in Salento I looked at tours to these areas. In the plaza there were a lot of 4x4s lined up to take people into the mountains. However,they are expensive, especially if you are going as a single, and it requires at least a day. The weather also wasn’t the greatest. So, I decided not to go but rather just enjoy the town.
Coffee Shop in Salento
One of the first things I do when visiting a new town is find a relaxing coffee shop. No Starbucks in this village 🙂 It took me a while to find a coffee shop here that had the atmosphere I was looking for. I finally found one tucked away amongst a group of stores. This was my first thing in the morning stop.
Walk Around Salento
As I walked around Salento, I noticed a considerable number of tourists. I could certainly understand why. The town is picturesque.
Dogs at every corner sleeping. Kind of a common sight throughout Central America and now Colombia.
The plaza was a disappointing. While Salento is beautiful, I much preferred Jardin.
Mirador Alto De La Cruz
One thing I have mentioned before is that it is difficult for me to keep in shape while motorcycling. It could be done for sure, but for me I need to get into a routine. Routine just doesn’t happen on a motorcycle trip of this kind. And that is one reason it is so appealing. Everyday is different. The result is that I have gained weight on the trip and my muscles have atrophied ha ha ha 🙁
Getting to the Mirador Alto De La Cruz consists on many steps up a hill. I was sore for days after climbing the steps in Medellin. So when I first saw these steps I said to myself … NAH not going to do it. However, I finally told myself I had to do it. The views must be great and the exercise would be good for me.
The Mirador Alto De La Cruz did not disappoint on both counts.
Salento Rain
As I mentioned, the weather was not great while I was in Salento. The torrents came in the afternoon.
Time to head back to Bogota where I was looking forward to going home for Christmas.
My Route on November 29, 2017
My Location on November 30 and December 1, 2017
