Finding My Soul (and the Perfect Cup) in Salento, Colombia

The jeep, Willy, rattled to a stop, spitting me out onto Salento's vibrant plaza. The air, thick with the scent of roasting coffee and the faint melody of distant salsa music, wrapped around me like a warm embrace. Gone were the skyscrapers and deadlines; I was officially trading pixels for palm trees, at least for a little while. As a freelance graphic designer perpetually chained to my laptop, I desperately needed an escape. Colombia's Coffee Triangle, and Salento in particular, had been whispering my name for months. So, I packed my bags, grabbed my Sony a7III, and embarked on a solo adventure seeking inspiration, tranquility, and, of course, the perfect cup of coffee. What I found was so much more.

Sipping My Way Through a Coffee Plantation: Finca El Ocaso

My quest for the perfect cup started at Finca El Ocaso, a coffee plantation just a short jeep ride from Salento. The tour was an absolute sensory overload in the best way possible. I learned about every stage of the coffee-making process, from the bright red coffee cherries bursting with sweetness to the earthy, almost chocolatey aroma of the roasting beans. The guide explained the different brewing methods – Chemex, V60 pour-over – with such passion. While I appreciated the artistry, I found myself drawn to the simplicity of the tinto campesino, a strong, black coffee brewed in a simple cloth filter. It’s the way the locals drink it, and it felt the most authentic.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the emerald green coffee plants, I couldn't resist pulling out my camera. Using my Sony a7III with my trusty 24-70mm lens, I snapped a photo with settings at f/2.8, ISO 400, and a 1/200 shutter speed, capturing the play of light and shadow on the drying beans. The image perfectly captured the rich colors and textures of the coffee-making process. I even created a quick Instagram Reel of the tinto campesino pouring slowly – a little glimpse into the magic of Colombian coffee.

Coffee Recommendation: Don't miss the tinto campesino at Finca El Ocaso. It's a simple but powerful experience. For a consistently great cup in town, head to Jesus Martin Coffee Shop. They know their stuff!

Hiking Among Giants: Cocora Valley

The next day, I traded coffee plants for wax palm trees in the Cocora Valley. This place is truly surreal. Towering wax palms, some reaching up to 200 feet, pierce the sky, creating an almost ethereal landscape. I opted for the shorter loop trail (about 5km), which was perfect for a morning hike. Mist swirled around the palms, softening the sunlight and creating a diffused glow. The sound of birds chirping added to the magical atmosphere. I felt completely dwarfed by these majestic trees – a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. It's a place where you can truly reconnect with nature. I highly recommend a sturdy pair of hiking boots, as it can get muddy!

Safety Tip: As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe hiking in Cocora Valley. The trails are well-maintained and frequented by other hikers.

Finding My Rhythm: Salsa Dance Class

That evening, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and try a beginner salsa dance class. I found a small school (Salsa Salento – highly recommend!) just off the main plaza. Let me tell you, I have two left feet! But the instructors were incredibly patient and encouraging. The vibrant colors of the dancers' outfits, the infectious energy of the music, and the sheer joy of movement – it was intoxicating! I even managed to learn a few basic steps (sort of).

After the class, everyone went out for aguardiente, a local anise-flavored liquor. It's strong! But it was a fun way to celebrate surviving my first salsa lesson.

Culinary Delights: Bandeja Paisa and Beyond

No trip to the Coffee Triangle is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. And bandeja paisa is the dish to try. It’s a massive platter piled high with rice, beans, avocado, chorizo, chicharron (pork belly), arepa (corn cake), a fried egg, and ground beef. Each component adds a unique flavor and texture, making it a truly unforgettable (and incredibly filling) experience. I tried it at Brunch de Salento, a local favorite known for their generous portions.

But the culinary adventures didn't stop there. After my Cocora Valley hike, I stumbled upon a street vendor selling arepas con queso. Warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying – the perfect post-hike snack. I highly recommend finding the lady near the main square with the yellow cart; her arepas are the best!

Food Recommendations:

• Bandeja Paisa: A must-try at Brunch de Salento. Prepare to be amazed (and full!).
• Arepas con Queso: Find the yellow cart near the main square. You won't regret it!
• Aguardiente: Be brave and try a shot after salsa class!
• Colombian Coffee: Everywhere! But Jesus Martin Coffee Shop is my go-to for consistently excellent coffee.

The Heart of the Coffee Triangle: Landscapes and People

The landscapes of the Coffee Triangle are breathtaking. Rolling emerald green hills covered in coffee plants stretch as far as the eye can see. Early in the morning, as the sun rises, the hills are bathed in a golden light, creating a truly magical scene. The scent of coffee blossoms fills the air, adding to the feeling of tranquility. The vibrant colors of the buildings in Salento town, with their intricate balconies and colonial architecture, transport you back in time. It’s a photographer’s dream.

But what truly made my trip special was the people. The locals are incredibly warm, welcoming, and generous. I met so many amazing people during my stay, from the barista who taught me about different brewing methods to the artist who showed me his workshop. As a freelance graphic designer, I even connected with some local artisans, sharing design tips and learning about their traditional crafts. Their hospitality made me feel like I was part of the community.

Accommodation Recommendation: For budget-friendly accommodation, I recommend checking out Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel. It's clean, comfortable, and has a great social atmosphere.

Solo Travel Tip: Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with locals. They are usually happy to share their stories and recommendations.

Finding My Soul (and My Inspiration)

Salento stole a piece of my heart, and I know it will steal yours too. Ditch the generic vacation and dive headfirst into this vibrant corner of Colombia. Support local businesses, sip on some tinto campesino, and lose yourself in the beauty of the Coffee Triangle. You won't regret it.

The laid-back atmosphere, the stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the locals – it was exactly what I needed to recharge and find my inspiration again. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself. If you're looking for a solo adventure that will nourish your soul, look no further than Salento, Colombia.