Getting from Bogota to Salento
Are you looking for ways of getting from Bogotá to Salento?
When you’re traveling around Colombia, you’ll be surprised at the number of towns and places that are worth visiting.
Most people stick to major cities such as Bogotá, but if you want to go on a sightseeing adventure, We recommend you get from Bogotá to the beautiful small town of Salento.
Getting from Bogotá to Salento
Today, I’ll explain how to get to Salento from Bogotá with ease and what you can expect from this charming town. It’s full of culture, natural beauty, good food, and interesting places to visit!
Where Is Salento?
Salento is a colorful little town located in the northeast corner of Quindío, Colombia, and it’s the heart of Colombia’s Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis).
To get to Salento from Bogotá, you have to go to the nearby towns of Pereira or Armenia first and go to Salento from there.
That’s because the route that used to pass through town was diverted long ago. The distance from Bogotá to Salento through Armenia or Pereira is around 305 km.
What Is Salento Known For?
Salento is known for its colonial charm and being a relaxed town. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge, especially if you’ve been spending your time in busy cities.
The UNESCO World Heritage Organization also identifies the area as the “Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia”.
It’s easily one of the best towns in Colombia’s coffee region because there’s a great variety of activities for tourists to enjoy and it’s a safe area full of adventure, good food, and the best coffee.
Is Salento Worth Visiting?
Yes, Salento is definitely worth visiting. When you get from Bogotá to Salento, the first thing that hits you is the different environment.
It’s a laid-place place and though it’s small, there’s a lot to do. You can tour coffee farms, walk through the colorful streets, ride a Willy Jeep or horses, and eat delicious food.
If you want an adventure, you can hike Cocora Valley, visit Santa Rita Waterfall, go to the Artisan Village, and climb Alto de la Cruz, among other things.
How Many Days Do You Need in Salento?
Since Salento is just a small town, spending two or three nights there will be enough to rest, recharge and explore the surrounding area.
You will have to prioritize certain things to get the most out of your visit.
We recommend you spend time exploring Calle Real, which is where all the tourist shops, vendors, and restaurants are.
It’s the best way to get a feel of the town. After that, you can choose one of the activities that speak to you the most. I (Dan) love doing coffee farm tours while exploring this region.
Getting to Terminal de Transporte Salitre
The Terminal de Transporte Salitre is the main bus terminal, which is where all the national bus routes in South America depart and arrive.
It’s located on Diagonal 23 #69a – 55. The easiest way to get there from wherever you are in Bogotá is to take a registered taxi, which your hotel can help you with.
Otherwise, you can hop on any of the following bus routes, which pass by Terminal Salitre: SITP 166, Z4B, F333, K307, K301, and K901.
Buying Your Ticket
Once you get to Terminal Salitre, you have to buy a ticket for Pereira or Armenia to get from Bogotá to Salento.
We suggest you get from Bogotá to Salento through Armenia. Now, there are several companies with routes to Armenia, including Velotax, Bolivariano y Flota Magdalena.
The main company is Expreso Palmira, which is known for its excellent service.
You will find a variety of schedules to choose from, the trip will be about 7 hours long, and the price varies from 63.000 to 80.000 COP, which is $15 to $20.
Bogotá to Salento Travel Advice
If you want to get from Bogotá to Salento by bus and enjoy your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared for the ride.
Here are a few tips you can follow:
- Firstly, keep in mind that when you’re traveling by land in Colombia, delays are always a possibility. Additionally, you’ll spend from 7 to 9 hours on the bus.
- If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, take the necessary precautions.
- Bring entertainment, snacks, and plenty of water!
Also, remember that there are many holidays in Colombia and they’re busy travel days, so do some research to avoid the crowds.
Where to Stay in Salento
If you’re looking for a place to stay when you get from Bogotá to Salento, you’ll be happy to know there are many lovely and cost-effective options to select from.
Booking.com and HostelWorld will help you book your stay in a few simple steps.
Here are some of the best suggestions you should consider:
These have great reviews, and they’re not too expensive, but make sure you do your due diligence to find the right fit for your needs.
Things to Do in Salento
There’s lots to do in Salento, but here are 4 places to visit to get the feel for the town:
- Take a stroll at Calle Real and Plaza Bolívar: This is one of the busiest parts of town and you will be able to take in the colonial architecture, try some food, and people-watch.
- Hike Cocora Valley: Cocora Valley is the main attraction! It’s home to the tallest tree in the world, the wax palm, and you can visit the Hummingbird House, have some aguapanela, and take in the natural beauty.
- Alto de la Cruz: This is a lookout point that provides the most beautiful landscape views of the area. It’s definitely worth the climb!
How to get from Bogotá to Salento
Though Salento is a relaxed town, it’s not boring by any means.
It’s the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Bogotá or other large Colombian cities, while still having fun adventures and enjoying many activities.
Traveling from Bogotá to Salento and getting the chance to experience the colonial charm of one of Colombia’s hidden gems is definitely worth the ride!
See my personal 3 weeks in Colombia itinerary for ideas on where to go from Salento.
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