Toward the end of my Colombian vacation, we went on a weekend camping trip to Salento. I slept for most of the 4 to 5 hour car ride and was reprimanded every time for missing the view of the countryside, sugar cane fields, and mountains cape.
When we arrived in Salento, we were aiming to find somewhere to put up our tent. We ventured around the artisans homes in search but found not luck (though one person in the party did find a necklace charm).
We then made the trip to the Cocora valley (where we would be hiking the following day) to set up camp. Though sunset view in the mountains is quite breathtaking, it is not a prime time to be setting up a tent.
The camp ground where we stayed had a small place to eat near by with cheese, wine, and hot beverage options. At the bottom of the mountains, in the valley, it gets very cold and windy at night so it’s smart to pack warm, with extra layers and blankets. (We ended up only staying in the valley one night, and spending the second night in a hostel instead).
The next morning was the hike up to the Acaime Summit or the hummingbird sanctuary. This hike file more doable than the three crosses because it was in the lush mountains where there are trees to cover you, places to stop and sit in the shade, and running streams to dip your feet in. (I suggest you bring water and bug spray… it will get hot and you will take off your sweatshirt and you will get eaten alive and wish you had brought it to stave off mosquitos and disease – I was very lucky but stupid).
However, because of all of the free flowing water, there are 7 r 8 hand constructed bridges you have to cross to get to the top of the mountain. Awesome photo opportunity, terrifying to walk across.
At the top of the mountain, there is a small cafe to order drinks and cheese from. Getting to the top was another personal accomplishment but with the benefit of exotic wildlife photography! The hummingbird sanctuary was amazing and the birds were in abundance. There was also a small mammal that was very familiar with humans yet no one seemed to know what it was (at least what it was called in English).
Once down from the mountain, the rest of the day was very relaxed. We had lunch, traditional trucha (type of fish), and moved ourselves from the valley to the hostel closer to town and the artisan shops.
This was also the night I actually got to a part of a Colombia soccer game. I had, throughout my trip, seem residents wearing their pride and driving past bars but I had never actually seen the excitement and seriousness with which the Colombians take soccer.
The entire square was filled with individuals facing a giant screen where the game was being projected. Though a loss, their was still confetti, cheering, and many bar visits thereafter.
Risking Chikungunya in the Colombian Rainforest Toward the end of my Colombian vacation, we went on a weekend camping trip to Salento. I slept for most of the 4 to 5 hour car ride and was reprimanded every time for missing the view of the countryside, sugar cane fields, and mountains cape.