In central Colombia, near the charming mountain town of Salento, you’ll find a valley known as Cocora. This valley is famous for its incredibly tall wax palm trees that can reach heights of up to 60 meters (200 ft) and are even considered the national tree of Colombia. It’s pretty mind-boggling to think about why these palm trees have evolved to grow so tall. Maybe back in the day, they were surrounded by forests, so they had to compete for sunlight.
To give you an idea of just how tall these trees are, take a look at the picture below. You’ll spot a small horse at the base of the tree for scale, but don’t be fooled, that’s a full-grown horse scratching its backside against the trunk. It’s safe to say these palm trees are truly massive!
Aside from marveling at these giant trees, there are some great hiking opportunities in the Cocora Valley. One trail leads to the Acaime Nature Reserve, where you’ll stroll alongside a stream in the jungle, crossing some rickety footbridges that wouldn’t be out of place in an Indiana Jones movie. Along the way, you’ll also come across a hummingbird sanctuary, adding to the adventure.
When I visited, the weather was misty and rainy, creating a mystical atmosphere where the mountain range peeked through the clouds in a cool and mysterious way.
To explore the Cocora Valley, hop on one of the many vans that regularly depart from Salento. The hike to the butterfly sanctuary and back typically takes around 2-3 hours, offering a delightful outdoor experience.
(Note: This rewritten content does not include any affiliate links or specific date references.)
