Salento, a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s Quindío department, enchants expats with its postcard-perfect streets, towering wax palms, and authentic coffee-country vibe. At 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) in the Andes, this tiny town of about 7,000 residents offers a slow-paced, nature-rich lifestyle surrounded by emerald hills and family-run fincas. Known as the gateway to the Valle de Cocora, Salento blends affordability with a bohemian spirit, drawing adventurers and dreamers. Whether you’re planning a permanent move or an extended stay, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—complete with expert tips, accommodation recommendations, and must-do experiences unique to this coffee-scented haven.
Pros and Cons of Living in Salento as an Expat:
Pros:
- Valle de Cocora: Home to the world’s tallest wax palms, offering jaw-dropping scenery steps away.
- Cool Climate: Mild temperatures averaging 60-75°F (15-24°C), a refreshing mountain escape.
- Coffee Soul: Immersive access to Colombia’s coffee culture with fincas dotting the hills.
- Low Cost of Living: Cheaper than urban Colombia, with a small-town simplicity.
- Charming Streets: Colorful colonial houses and a tight-knit community vibe.
- Nature Lover’s Dream: Hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching in a biodiversity hotspot.
Cons:
- Tiny Town Limits: Few urban amenities—no malls, limited nightlife, or big-city conveniences.
- Tiny Expat Scene: A handful of expats means building connections takes effort.
- Rainy Seasons: Heavy rain (April-May, October-November) turns dirt roads muddy and slows life down.
- Remote Feel: An hour from Pereira’s airport, with winding roads to reach bigger cities.
- Basic Infrastructure: Spotty internet, occasional power cuts, and rustic transit options.
- Job Scarcity: Almost no professional opportunities beyond tourism or remote work.
How to Research Moving to Salento
Before relocating, visit Salento for at least a couple of weeks to soak in its slow, rural rhythm. The town center buzzes with cafés and tourists, while the outskirts offer quiet trails and fincas. Sip coffee on the plaza, hike the valley, and chat with locals to see if this sleepy, scenic life suits your soul. Its small size means you’ll feel it all fast.
Where to Stay When Researching the Area
Your accommodation choice can highlight Salento’s rustic beauty and coffee charm. Here are some options:
- Luxury Stay: Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat – A boutique eco-lodge with valley views just outside town.
- Mid-Range Comfort: Hotel Terasu Salento –This hotel is modern, located in a quiet place with incredible views .
- Budget-Friendly: Hostal Ciudad de Segorbe – A budget hostel in Centro with a friendly vibe.
- Authentic Experience: LUXURY FARM HOUSE – Stay on a working farm for a true Salento immersion.
Things to Do When Researching the Area
To grasp daily life in Salento, settle into its mountain-town pace:
- Wander the Town: Stroll Calle Real’s colorful shops, visit the mirador, and explore nearby fincas.
- Buy Local: Grab groceries at the small mercado or fresh coffee from street vendors.
- Meet Folks: Chat with locals at Café Jesús Martín or connect with expats at a hostel bar.
- Test Getting Around: Walk everywhere (it’s tiny), ride a Willys jeep to the valley, or hire a horse.
- Check Basics: Visit the clinic, test Wi-Fi at cafés like Brunch de Salento, and feel the quiet nights.
- Live the Life: Eat trucha (trout) at a local spot, sip aguapanela, and watch clouds roll over the hills.
Top Activities in Salento
Salento shines with nature, coffee, and small-town quirks. These activities showcase its unique allure:
- Valle de Cocora Hike: Trek among wax palms and misty peaks—Colombia’s most iconic landscape. Book a guide.
- Coffee Finca Tour: Visit Finca El Ocaso to pick beans and sip the freshest brew. Reserve a tour.
- Mirador de Salento: Climb the hilltop lookout for sweeping views of town and valley. Explore on foot.
- Cascada Santa Rita: Hike to this hidden waterfall through bamboo trails. Plan a trip.
- Tejo Game: Try this local sport—tossing metal pucks at gunpowder targets—at a bar like Los Amigos. Join locals.
- Horseback Riding: Trot through coffee fields and forests with a guide. Book a ride.
- Birdwatching: Spot quetzals and hummingbirds in the cloud forest. Reserve a tour.
- Plaza Bolívar: People-watch with a tinto (black coffee) at this lively little square. Sit and sip.
Click the links above to book your activities and fall into Salento’s tranquil charm!
Banking & Finances
Opening a Bank Account
Banks like Bancolombia and Davivienda have small branches or ATMs in Salento, but options are limited. Expats typically need a visa (e.g., Migrant or Resident), passport, proof of address, and sometimes proof of income; for anything complex, you’ll likely head to Pereira (an hour away).
Managing Money Internationally
Salento’s rural setting means minimal banking infrastructure—think one or two ATMs and no international bank branches. Many expats use home-country accounts and withdraw Colombian pesos (COP) from the Bancolombia ATM near Plaza Bolívar, the town’s main cash point. Services like Wise, Charles Schwab, and Capital One offer low-fee transfers and ATM reimbursements, but cash is king here—ATMs can run dry during busy weekends, so plan ahead. Local digital apps like Nequi or Daviplata are less common but can be linked to international cards with a Colombian phone number, handy for small payments at cafés or jeep rides if you’re set up from a bigger city first.
Currency & Exchange Rates
The Colombian peso (COP) is the official currency. U.S. dollars are rarely accepted, even by vendors, so exchange money at the Bancolombia in town (limited hours) or withdraw from the ATM for better rates than airports. Bring extra cash from Pereira if visiting during peak tourist times.
Cost of Living Budget
- Rent: $200–$800/month (varies by location—town center vs. rural finca)
- Groceries: $150–$300/month
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet): $30–$80/month
- Transportation (Willys, Taxis, Walking): $20–$60/month
- Healthcare (Private Insurance or EPS): $50–$200/month
Final Thoughts
Salento offers expats a cheap, peaceful, and nature-soaked life wrapped in coffee and wax palms. Its tiny size and remoteness demand a love for simplicity—visit to hike its trails, taste its brew, and breathe its mountain air to know if it’s your spot. From misty mornings to starry nights, Salento could be your quiet expat retreat.
Start Your Journey Today!
Click the affiliate links above to book your stay, plan activities, and take the first step toward your new life in Salento!
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Information may change over time, so always consult local experts, legal professionals, and financial advisors before making decisions about moving to or living in Salento.