There are two ways to walk Cocora: the short route, straight to the palms, and the loop, which goes into the cloud forest and comes out at the top.
The loop
About 4 to 5 hours at an easy pace, roughly 12 km.
You start through the forest, following the Quindío River. There are several wooden suspension bridges, some of them wobbly, and mud almost all year. After about 2 hours you reach the turnoff to Acaime, the hummingbird house, where you pay an entrance fee that includes a drink. From there you climb to La Montaña and come down along the ridge, where the tallest palms are.
Our tip: walk it counterclockwise, starting through the forest. That way you finish going down among the palms, in the best afternoon light.
The short route
If you do not want to walk 5 hours, go straight up to the palm viewpoint. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours there and back. You see the most famous part of the valley without going into the forest.
What to bring
- Boots or shoes with good grip. Mud is not optional.
- A rain jacket, even if the morning is sunny.
- Water and snacks. There are no shops up there.
- Cash for the entrance fees of the farms the trail crosses.
When to start
Early. Before 8 am the valley is almost empty and the mist is still among the palms. From Lumbre you can leave after an early breakfast (from 7:40) or ask for it to go.
Would you rather not walk alone? We work with local guides and horseback riding tours that leave near the hotel. Just ask.
