Travel Salento with Kids
Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero), Salento is a colorful colonial town that feels like stepping into a storybook. With its rainbow-painted buildings, stunning mountain backdrop, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s no wonder Salento has become a favorite destination for families exploring Colombia. Unlike the country’s bustling cities, Salento offers a perfect blend of authentic Colombian culture, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly activities that make it an ideal base for families wanting to experience the magic of the coffee region.
What makes Salento special is its manageable size – the walkable town center means no long treks with tired children – combined with its proximity to some of Colombia’s most spectacular natural attractions. The locals are incredibly welcoming to families, and the town’s altitude (around 6,200 feet) provides pleasant temperatures year-round, neither too hot nor too cold for families.
Getting to Salento & Best Time to Visit
Transportation Options
There are several ways to reach Salento with kids, depending on your starting point:
- From Bogotá: The most comfortable option (our option), is flying to Pereira (1 hour flight) or Armenia (1.5 hour flight), then taking a taxi or bus to Salento (about 1 hour drive). Alternatively, brave families can take the direct bus from Bogotá to Salento, which takes 7-9 hours and winds through mountain roads.
- From Medellín: Take a bus to Armenia or Pereira (4-5 hours), then connect to Salento (1 hour). Many families break up this journey by spending a night in one of these intermediate cities.
- From Cali: Bus service runs to Armenia (3 hours), then transfer to Salento (1 hour).
Best Seasons for Family Travel in Colombia
Salento enjoys mild weather year-round thanks to its elevation, but some seasons are more family-friendly than others:
- December-February: The driest season coincides with Colombia’s main holiday period. While this means more domestic tourists, it also ensures reliable weather for outdoor activities. Expect clearer views of the mountains and minimal rain interruptions.
- June-August: Another dry period that aligns with North American and European summer holidays. This is ideal for families with school-age children.
- March-May & September-November: These are the rainier seasons, but don’t let that deter you completely. Mornings are typically clear, with afternoon showers. The countryside is at its lushest, and tourist numbers are lower. Just pack rain gear and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Where to Stay in Salento with Kids
Glamping Lumbre- gorgeous glamping in the nature.
Hotel Salento Plaza- central family hotel in prime location.
Ecohotel Piedemonte- Ecological beautiful hotel in the nature
Cocli Hotel Boutique Salento- gorgeous boutique hotel in the center of Salento
Terrazas de Salento – designed family hotel
Top Things to Do in Salento with Kids
1. Travel Salento with kids- Exploring Cocora valley
The Valle de Cocora is Salento’s crown jewel and a must-visit with children. Home to Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm, which can grow up to 200 feet tall, this valley creates a landscape that feels magical to kids and adults alike.
Family-friendly options for exploring Cocora include:
- Short Hike: The first portion of the trail is relatively flat and takes you through meadows dotted with these towering palms – perfect for families with young children.
- Horseback Riding: Local guides offer horse rides suitable even for beginners and young children. This is an excellent way to cover more ground without tiring little legs.
- Jeep Transportation: The journey to Cocora Valley is half the fun! Traditional Willys jeeps depart from Salento’s main plaza. Children love riding in these colorful open vehicles.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning (before 9 AM) to the main square of Salento to catch a jeep transportation to the Cocora valley. this way you will avoid crowds and afternoon rain. Pack snacks, water, and sun protection, as there are limited facilities once on the trail
2. Travel Salento with kids- Coffee farm tour
No visit to Colombia’s coffee region is complete without learning how coffee goes from seed to cup. Several farms offer kid-friendly tours:
- Finca El Ocaso: Specifically designed their tour to engage children with coffee planting activities and bean selection games.
- Don Elias Organic Coffee Farm: A smaller, family-run operation where kids can get hands-on with the coffee process in a more intimate setting.
Even if your children don’t drink coffee, they’ll be fascinated by the bright red coffee cherries, the hand-cranked processing equipment, and often the farm animals that roam the properties.
to be honest, we did our coffee farm tour in our trip the Jardin which was authentic and amazing experience.
3. Travel Salento with kids- Rita Waterfall trek
For families with older children or adventurous younger ones, the hike to Santa Rita waterfall makes for a memorable day trip. Located about 5km from Salento, this moderate trail leads to a beautiful 15-meter waterfall with a natural pool suitable for swimming on warmer days.
The trek takes 2-3 hours round trip and passes through working coffee farms and bamboo forests. Consider hiring a local guide who can enrich the experience with information about local flora and fauna that will engage children’s curiosity. Another way to reach Rita waterfall is to do a horse back riding tour . you can book it with Cabalgatas San Pablo or via |Whatsapp +573122066673.
4. Travel Salento with kids- amusement park
You can not visit Salento with kids without spending a day at the amusement park Parque del Café .The park is located near the city of Armenia, about an hour’s drive from Salento. We arrived at the park by taxi. The park is large, diverse, well-kept and beautiful. The park has 2 parts, between which you pass by a cable car. We spent a great day in the park and the kids just didn’t want to leave. Not to be missed.
5. Travel Salento with kids- adventure activities
Salento and its surroundings offer various adventure activities perfect for families seeking excitement:
- Trampoline Park: Located just outside town, this open-air trampoline center provides hours of bouncy fun with mountain views. The park is located just next to the beginning of the Rita waterfall trail. we had a wonderful day at the park.
- Zipline Adventures: Several operators offer family-friendly canopy tours through the forests near Salento, with options suitable for children as young as 6.
- ATV Tours: Families with teenagers can explore the countryside on guided ATV excursions that traverse coffee plantations and rural landscapes.
- Mountain Biking: Bike rentals and guided tours are available for families with older children who want to explore the rolling countryside on two wheels.
6. Travel Salento with kids- town experiences
The town itself offers plenty to keep families entertained:
- Plaza de Bolívar: The main square is perfect for people-watching while children play. On weekends, local children often play soccer here and are quick to include visitors.
- Calle Real: This colorful main street is lined with craft shops and small cafes. Kids love the rainbow buildings and the traditional Colombian sweets sold at various stores.
- Do Massage– yes, its pretty suprising but right next Calle Real you can find a small place called Vital Spa with all kinds of body treatment. Leora +573178873404
- Eat good in cheap prices– our best choices listed below.
- Mirador Alto de la Cruz: A short climb up stairs from the end of calle Real, brings you to this viewpoint overlooking the town and surrounding valleys. pro tip: walk a few minutes to Manaos Campestre café – bistro and sit down to drink coffee in front of a spectacular view while the children roam safely in the nearby vegetable garden.
7. Travel Salento with kids- Ranger tour in Carbonara Valley
One of our most amazing days in Colombia in general and Salento in particular was an off-the-beaten Ranger tour with Javier in the carbonara valley. Javier took us to amazing places in the hills around Salento, authentic villages, farms and even hot springs. He is so nice and patient, especially with the kids. we didn’t want to say good bye. you can call Javier via Whatsapp +573132701433.
Travel Salento with kids- Friendly restaurants
Salento has numerous restaurants catering to families:
Coco Bowl: This was our regular restaurant for breakfast. Fresh, delicious, and fun.
- Brunch: Serves familiar international options alongside Colombian dishes
- Serendipia Encuentro: Excellent for vegetarian dishes.
- El Rincón de Lucy: Local Colombian food with a children’s menu
- Camino Real: Has a garden area where kids can move around between courses
- Café Jesús Martín: While parents enjoy some of Colombia’s best coffee, kids can enjoy hot chocolate and pastries
Travel Salento with kids- Why Salento Shines as a Family Destination
What makes Salento stand out from other Colombian destinations is its perfect balance of authentic cultural experiences, natural beauty, and kid-friendly activities. Unlike larger cities that can overwhelm young travelers, Salento provides a gentle introduction to Colombian culture in a setting where children can safely explore and interact with locals.
As Colombia continues to emerge as a family travel destination, Salento represents the perfect starting point – safe, manageable, and filled with the kind of authentic experiences that create lasting family memories. Salento captured our hearts, making it Colombia’s ultimate family-friendly treasure.
