20 Kilometers from Salento along the dirt road that is the "National Camine" lies one of the most extraordinary landscapes it is possible to witness in Colombia. The "road" leaves Salento and climbs towards Ibague and it climbs, and it climbs. The highpoint is some 3200 metres above sea level and is the boundary between Quindio and Tolima. The entire route is a photographers paradise with spectacular views of Salento and Los Nevados National Park.. The Valley of Cocora is commonly regarded as the cradle of the Wax Palm (Palma de Cera) and is onr of the most magical places in Colombia. However for the adventurous few just over the Tolima side of the "hill" there is literally a forest of Wax Palms.

Until the last four or five years this area was regarded as "off limits" to tourists, but that is changing slowly and Plantation House in cooperation with Eagles Nest (check our recommendation page) are now organising excursions - by car or by horse). In addition Ciclosalento the mountain bike rental company here is Salento is looking into offering a downhill option (16+ Km downhill).