Located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, Salento is definitely one of the most charming colonial towns and one of my favorite places in the country. Here, you’ll find cobblestone streets, colorful colonial architecture, and breathtaking landscapes all around.
Salento is famous for two main things: coffee and the Cocora Valley. The town is surrounded by lush, rolling hills dotted with beautiful coffee farms—perfect for any coffee lover (or anyone who loves gorgeous views!). The Cocora Valley is a stunning national park with dreamy waterfalls, great hiking trails, and the tallest palm trees in the world!
I recently got back from an epic trip to Colombia, and of course, Salento was on my list. This was actually my second time visiting because I love it so much. Now, I’m super excited to share all my tips and experiences with you in this guide on “Where to Stay in Salento Colombia.”
Where to Stay in Salento Colombia – Best Luxury Hotels
($$$) Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat
Hotel Kawa Mountain Resort is located on the outskirts of Salento and is one of the most romantic hotels in Salento. This peaceful hotel, set in a beautiful location amidst the jungle, offers private rooms with stunning views and private plunge pools.
($$) Terrazas de Salento
A typical colonial finca with fantastic views, Hostal Terrazas de Salento is perfect for those looking for a hotel with great design and character. The spacious rooms offer amazing views, a large double bed, and even a bath. Terrazas de Salento is one of my favorite Salento hotels and a huge recommendation from me.
($) Eco Hotel Piedemonte
One of the more affordable hotels in Salento is the Eco Hotel Piedemonte. The hotel is perfect for budget travelers and nature lovers, as the quiet location is just perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The hotel offers private rooms, family rooms, and a beautiful garden and outdoor area where they serve a delicious breakfast.
- Where to Stay in Salento Colombia – Best Luxury Hotels
- Where to Stay in Salento Colombia – Best Areas
- Where to Stay in Salento, Colombia for First-Time Visitors: Salento City Center
- Where to Stay in Salento Colombia for Hostels & Affordable Hotels: South Salento
- Where to Stay in Salento Colombia for the Best Views: Outside of Salento
- Where to Stay in Salento Colombia – Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay in Salento Colombia – Best Areas
Salento is a small town, so no matter where you stay, most places will be within walking distance. That said, it’s always helpful to pick a spot that fits your budget or offers the experience you’re looking for.
For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in the Salento City Center. You’ll find plenty of great hotels, restaurants, and shops right at your doorstep.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, consider staying just south of the city center in South Salento. There are plenty of affordable backpacker hostels, all within easy reach of the main areas.
For breathtaking views, check out the areas outside Salento and the eco-retreats in the rolling hills surrounding the town. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
Where to Stay in Salento, Colombia for First-Time Visitors: Salento City Center
If it’s your first time visiting Salento, you’re in for a treat. This charming little town is super easy to navigate since it’s pretty small, making it a breeze to explore. The heart of it all is Salento City Center, home to the lively ‘Plaza de Bolívar Salento’ (the main square) and the famous Calle Real, a busy main street packed with restaurants, bars, and local shops.
The town center is straight out of a postcard, with its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and picture-perfect vibes. Staying here puts you right in the middle of the action, where you can soak up Salento’s amazing energy and atmosphere.
Some of Salento’s best hotels are just a short stroll from the main square. It’s super convenient since most of the dining options are right here, and this is also where the shuttles to the stunning Cocora Valley depart.
Things to do in Salento City Center:
- The top activity you can’t miss is playing Tejo at Cancha de Tejo Los Amigos. Tejo is a traditional Colombian game, a bit like cornhole, but instead of tossing a bag into a hole, you’re throwing a clay ball at a small packet of gunpowder. It might sound wild, but it’s ridiculously fun and an authentic Colombian experience.
- For delicious local food, head to Donde Laurita, a popular restaurant serving classic Colombian dishes. Try their ‘Plato Típico’—a hearty plate loaded with sausage, beans, steak, avocado, egg, and more. It’s flavorful, filling, and a must-try!
- Vegetarians, we’ve got you covered! Serendipia Encuentro serves up tasty vegetarian pizzas and pasta dishes, perfect for a plant-based option.
- If you’re ready for a break from rice and beans and craving something more familiar, check out Brunch de Salento. They offer burgers and sandwiches that are satisfying and budget-friendly—a great spot to mix things up.
Best Hotels to Stay in Salento City Center
Panorama Salento by Dot Boutique Hotel
Another top-rated hotel in Salento is Panorama Salento by Dot Boutique Hotel. This charming hotel offers a variety of room options, including private rooms, suites, and family rooms. Panorama Salento is by far one of the most modern hotels in Salento, with some of the coolest designs I’ve seen. It definitely reminds me of hotels you’d usually see in Tulum or Bali.
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Hotel Salento Real Eje Cafetero
For budget travelers, Hotel Salento Real Eje Cafetero is the perfect place to stay in Salento. This hotel offers comfortable and clean rooms at affordable prices. It’s centrally located, making it easy to explore the town and its surroundings. Plus, the staff are known for being welcoming and helpful, assisting you with booking all sorts of hiking tours, mountain biking tours, or tours to the Cocora Valley.
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La Posada de la Plaza
The best value for money in Salento can be found at La Posada de la Plaza. This charming guesthouse is located right on the main square, offering stunning views of the town and its surroundings. The rooms are cozy and well-maintained, and you’ll feel like you’re staying with a local family rather than at a hotel. The highlight of this place is definitely the breakfast, which consists of delicious homemade Colombian dishes.
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Hotel Salento Plaza
Hotel Salento Plaza is one of the most popular hotels in Salento and one you should consider staying at when you visit Salento. The hotel offers private rooms with a private bathroom, hot water, and free WiFi. It also features a sun terrace overlooking the surrounding mountains, which is the perfect spot for your morning coffee.
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Where to Stay in Salento Colombia for Hostels & Affordable Hotels: South Salento
Just south of the city center, you’ll find the quieter, more residential side of Salento—and honestly, I loved it down there! It’s way less crowded than the bustling streets around the main square, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe.
I chose to stay in this area, and it was such a good decision. Especially at night, it’s so much quieter than the city center, which can get pretty lively (and noisy!) on weekends. It’s still super easy to walk into town whenever you want! You get the best of both worlds—enjoy the energy of the main square, then retreat back here for some peaceful rest.
Things to do in South Salento:
- The hostels in the area are top-notch, so I’d recommend taking advantage of their tours and activities. Visit a coffee plantation and coffee farm to learn about coffee production, or take a trip with your hostel friends to the Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora).
Best Hotels & Hostels to Stay in South Salento
Viajero Salento Hostel
Viahero Salento Hostel is one of my favorite hostels in the area and, in many ways, better than some of the hotels in Salento. Located in the south of Salento, this hostel offers a range of room types, from private rooms to shared dorms. Each bed comes with its own reading light and locker for your belongings. The hostel is beautifully designed, very social, and the staff is super friendly as well. They will help you join tours and activities.
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Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel
The hostel with some of the best views in Salento is most likely the Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel. The hostel offers free Wi Fi, an on site bar, dorm rooms, and private rooms. The rooms overlook the surrounding nature and the coffee plantation next door, which makes for a stunning view.
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Where to Stay in Salento Colombia for the Best Views: Outside of Salento
Nature lovers and adventurers often prefer staying in the countryside surrounding Salento rather than in the town itself—and it’s easy to see why. The natural beauty out here is breathtaking, and the hotels in this area offer some of the most peaceful and serene experiences.
Many countryside accommodations boast incredible views of the surrounding mountains, coffee plantations, and lush green valleys. These spots are usually more private and quiet, making them perfect for anyone looking to relax and recharge in nature.
Things to do outside of Salento:
- Explore the stunning Cocora Valley, a national park in Salento known for its waterfalls, scenic hikes, diverse wildlife, and the world’s tallest palm trees.
- Go horseback riding through the breathtaking Cocora Valley and nearby coffee plantations.
- Take a coffee farm tour to discover the process behind coffee production and enjoy a tasting experience.
Best Hotels to Stay Outside of Salento
Kavas Natural Connection
The A-Frame Houses of Kavas Natural Collection make it one of the best luxury hotels in Salento. If you visit Salento for a romantic getaway, this is the perfect spot. Each unit features stunning views, a sun terrace, and a private hot tub where you can relax and watch the sunset over the nearby coffee farms.
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La Cabana Ecohotel
A little more rustic but super charming, La Cabana Ecohotel is the perfect place to disconnect and relax in nature. This eco-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Plus, they have their own restaurant serving delicious local dishes made from fresh ingredients grown on the property.
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Ecoresort Gran Azul
The best affordable hotel outside of Salento, Ecoresort Gran Azul offers comfortable rooms surrounded by lush gardens and stunning views. The property offers horseback riding, bird watching, and mountain biking tours. They also serve a tasty Colombian breakfast every morning, and there’s a sun terrace to enjoy.
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Where to Stay in Salento Colombia – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels in Salento?
This really depends on what you’re after, I guess. The best luxury hotels in Salento are the Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat, with its amazing views, and the Hotel Salento Plaza, with its central location. If you’re looking for something more social and affordable, then the Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel and the Viajero Salento Hostel are my go-to spots.
Is Salento a coffee region?
Yes, Salento is located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. In fact, it is often referred to as the “coffee capital” of the country. The surrounding landscape is filled with lush green coffee plantations and there are many local farms where visitors can learn about the production process and even try some freshly brewed coffee.
Are there any eco-friendly hotels in Salento?
Definitely! Eco-tourism is a big focus in Salento and there are several eco-friendly hotels that promote sustainable practices and support the local community. Some popular options include Ecoresort Gran Azul and Eco Hotel Piedemonte.
What activities can I do in Salento besides visiting coffee farms?
While visiting coffee farms is a must-do in Salento, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy. Hiking and horseback riding through the gorgeous Cocora Valley (Valle del Cocora) is a popular choice, as well as zip lining, mountain biking and paragliding for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Where to Stay in Salento Colombia – Final Words
Salento is one of the most popular colonial towns in Colombia, and for good reason. This charming town is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, quirky artisan shops, art galleries, and a variety of excellent restaurants.
Beyond the town itself, Salento is surrounded by the stunning coffee region, home to coffee farms and the breathtaking Cocora Valley. It’s truly an incredible destination. I hope this guide helps figure out where to stay in Salento Colombia. Happy Travels!
