Cocora Valley has a large population of the national wax palm of Quindío, which is very representative not only for the region but also for the country. This majestic place has a great variety of fauna and flora, of which, a large number is in danger of extinction.
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Where is the Cocora Valley?
It is located in the central mountain range of the Colombian Andes, in the Quindío province. Just 24 kilometers northeast of the capital; that is why many travelers stay in Armenia and visit the Valley for only one day.
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How to get to Cocora Valley?
The first thing to do to get to this wonderful place full of ecosystem is going through Salento (Quindío), a municipality that is only 26 kilometers from Armenia. Once in the town, you take a car (there are willyz services – typical transportation in the region), to the Cocora Valley. The cost of the ticket is 4,500 per person.
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Important facts about the Cocora Valley
During the government of President Belisario Betancur, the creation of the natural sanctuary was proposed with the purpose of preserving the emblematic wax palm and all endemic fauna and flora species; for this reason, the excessive care and control of visitors since 1985.
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Its charm: its fauna and flora
As we said before, the Cocora Valley is home to 85% of the wax palm population throughout Colombia. In addition to this, it has a number of tree species such as the Romerón pine, seven-eyed, arnica and the frailejón.
As for the fauna, wonderful species such as the Andean tapir, the spectacled bear, the puma, the yellow-eared parrot, the celestial toucan, the Andean condor and the hummingbird are housed here.
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Cocora Valley Weather
It has a humid climate, which is ideal for its cloud forest ecosystem. It rains almost daily in this place and its average temperature is 15 ° C, with a maximum of 25 ° C and a minimum of 12 ° C.
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Activities you can do in Cocora Valley
Most activities can be done around the valley, where there are areas to receive adventurers. Among the favorite activities of visitors is to picnic as a family plan; the campsite is also ideal for those who are more risky and prefer to surround themselves with nature than go to sleep in a hotel.
Every hour groups leave for ecological walks, as well as cycling throughout the area and there are horseback riding services.
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Recommendations
– Wear walking shoes. The most comfortable you have, since the complete walking tour lasts 6 to 7 hours.
– Go prepared for any weather change. In the Valley there are sudden changes where it may be cloudy as there may be an inclement sun.
– Control your time. Remember that the last departure to Salento is at 5:00 p.m.
– In the Cocora Valley it is not allowed to camp; however, in the suburbs there are special areas to receive travelers wanting adventure. There you can have multiple camping options, hotels, hostels and even rent rooms in houses.
– Bring enough snacks and water in your backpack for the road.
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Curious fact
Cocora’s name is due to a princess Quimbaya, daughter of Chief Acaime, which means “Water Star”. Many years ago the Cocora Valley was called El Cañón del Alto Quindío.
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