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Other entries in Salento

Off the Map

From Cali, the idea was to get to Bogota. That is until a guy from the hostel told us about a little town in the Zona Caffetera region called Salento. Couldn't find it on a map, or even the place we had to change busses in, but that didn't deter us. So off we went to a place we have never heard of, didn't know where it was in Colombia or how to get there. First chance we got to go into the jungle in Colombia we take it.

Turns out the town was pretty easy to get to. Is only half an hour ride from a main town of a few hundred thousand people called Armenia. We stayed at an English run place called Plantation House, which sits on top of a hill with spectacular views all around it. The first day we just explored the town which took all of 5 minutes and had a look at a few of the mirradors.

The next day we woke nice and early around 9ish and went on a walk to one of the local coffee manufacturing places in the area. Use the term manufacturing loosely as it turns out that a 60yo guy, his wife and daughter harvest everything by hand. They pick the beans, roast and grind them all by hand. He is able to export his coffee all over the world, but I dont know how as it took him about 45mins to do all  of this for a pot of coffee for us to taste.

Saturday morning we went for a small trek throught the jungle in the Cocora Valley. Is one of the best jungle walks I have done and am a bit disappointed that I may have to miss the Lost City trek due to not having much time.

Saturday night beer and food tents were set up in the main square so we headed down there for a few beers and some food. We went home pretty early as we wanted to leave early for Bogota, but was fun to see the locals getting drunk and tangoing around the place.

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