Wax Palm Feeling Hike

2 days / 1 night

Distance: 29km (17.4miles)
Level of difficulty: Low / Intermediate
Minimum altitude: 1,800m
Maximum altitude: 3,200m

Bosque de Palmas to Finca Gallego

Length: 6.5km
Alt. start: 1,800m
Alt. end: 2,600m
Departure: 8 am
ETA: 4pm
Lunch: El Bosque

We meet at Salento Trekking office at 8:30am and hop on the Land Rover for a 23km drive up on the old road that connects Salento to Ibague and even Bogota. It is now a gravel road used by farmers and a few mountain bikers on weekends. The drive offers some of the most beautiful views of the Andes of the Cordillera Central and the Nevados National Park. As we make out way to pass 3,600 m.a.s.l. we will stop to enjoy the view of the Paramillo del Quindío 4,750 m.a.s.l.

Shortly after the pass, the valley opens up on a forest of Wax Palms, where we are dropped to start a hike of around 45 minutes into the forest.

Once we finish the path into the forest, we cross the road and go down in a hill that takes around 20 minutes to arrive Finca Gallego.

In case of weather change, the guide determines the safest path.

Finca Gallego to Salento

Length: 23km
Alt. start: 2,600m
Alt. end: 3,200m
Breakfast: 6.30am
Departure: 8am
ETA: 4pm

After breakfast, those who feel adventurous can help to milk the cows. Not as easy as you might think! At 7am, we head out toward Galleguito, and after 7 kilometers of an enjoyable path, we reach a point where we can see El Alto de La Ceja, which includes the wax palms of Gallego, Galleguito y Primavera.

We then start our 16 km trek back down hill to Salento on the eastern side of the mountain on open trails and through Forest. On the way, we will stop at a finca perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the mountains and department of Quindío and enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch. We will be back in Salento by 5pm.

In case of weather change, the guide determines the safest path.

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