Salento, Colombia: Finding Myself Amongst the Wax Palms (A Solo Traveler's Tale)

For years, the idea of traveling alone sparked a potent mix of excitement and anxiety. As a 32-year-old graphic designer from Chicago, caught in the daily grind, a year-long sabbatical felt like a necessary escape. But the thought of navigating a new country, alone, was daunting. Then I stumbled upon Salento, Colombia. Its reputation for breathtaking natural beauty, coupled with stories of warm, welcoming locals, tipped the scales. I booked my ticket, took a deep breath, and hoped for the best.

The air in Salento is thick with the smell of rich coffee and damp earth. Sunlight streams through the gaps in the colorful colonial buildings, painting the cobblestone streets in shifting patterns of light and shadow. It's a Tuesday morning, and the town is already buzzing with a vibrant energy that instantly soothes my pre-travel jitters.

Lost in the Fiestas del Café

I arrived in Salento just in time for the Fiestas del Café (Salento Coffee Festival) in June. What luck! The town was transformed into a whirlwind of activity. The highlight? Definitely the Willy's Jeep parade. Imagine dozens of these iconic vehicles, each meticulously maintained with polished chrome and brightly painted bodies, cruising through the streets. The sound of honking horns echoed through the valley, a joyful cacophony that was impossible not to smile at.

But the festival wasn't just about jeeps. There was also a coffee-tasting competition! As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, this was my kind of event. I sampled cup after cup, each with its own distinct flavor and aroma. From the subtle notes of citrus to the rich, chocolatey undertones, I was amazed by the complexity and diversity of Colombian coffee beans. The infectious energy of the festival swept me up. I found myself clapping along to the traditional music, laughing with the locals, and feeling a sense of belonging I hadn't expected.

Hiking Amongst Giants: The Cocora Valley

Of course, no trip to Salento is complete without a hike in the Cocora Valley. This was the main draw for me, and it didn't disappoint. I woke up early one morning and joined a group heading out to see the famous wax palm trees.

The early morning light was diffused, filtering through the clouds and creating a mystical atmosphere. As we entered the valley, the towering Quindío wax palm trees came into view, piercing the mist with their slender trunks stretching towards the sky like nature's skyscrapers. The sound of the wind whispering through the palm leaves and the squelch of mud under my hiking boots created a symphony of nature. Standing there, surrounded by these giants, I felt incredibly small yet strangely connected to something much bigger than myself. It was a truly humbling experience, and a moment of profound reflection on my sabbatical journey.

From Bean to Cup: A Coffee Farm Experience

Eager to learn more about the source of Salento's fame, I visited Finca El Ocaso coffee farm. I spent an afternoon with a local farmer, learning about the entire process of coffee bean cultivation, from planting the seedlings to carefully hand-picking the ripe cherries.

He explained the meticulous process of washing, drying, and sorting the beans. The aroma of roasting coffee beans hung heavy in the air, a comforting and inviting scent that enveloped me as I stepped onto the farm. Finally, I got to taste the freshly brewed coffee, grown and processed right there on the farm. It was smooth, rich, and unlike anything I'd ever tasted before. Suddenly, my morning cup of joe had a whole new meaning.


Tejo and Terrible Aim: Embracing the Local Culture

I wanted to immerse myself in the local culture as much as possible, so when I heard about tejo, a traditional Colombian sport, I knew I had to try it. Tejo involves throwing a metal puck at a target containing gunpowder. The goal? To create an explosion! I joined a group of locals at a bar, and the game began. The loud bangs, the camaraderie, and my complete lack of skill made for a hilarious evening. I accidentally hit the wrong target – not once, but twice! – sending everyone into fits of laughter, myself included. It was a perfect example of embracing the unknown and having a good time, even when failing spectacularly.

A Taste of Salento: Foodie Adventures

My taste buds were definitely happy in Salento. I savored trucha al ajillo (trout in garlic sauce) served with crispy patacones (fried plantain slices) at a restaurant with a breathtaking view overlooking the valley. The trout was flaky and flavorful, the garlic sauce adding a delicious kick. Each bite was a burst of Colombian flavor. I also tried a smaller, tourist-friendly version of bandeja paisa, a traditional and hearty dish with rice, beans, meat, avocado, and plantain. And of course, I couldn't resist the arepas con queso (corn cakes with cheese) from a street vendor, a simple yet satisfying snack.


A Call to Responsible Tourism

Salento is a magical place, but its beauty is fragile. If you're planning a visit, please consider the impact of your travels. Support local businesses, choose eco-friendly tours, and be mindful of your environmental footprint. Respect the environment, avoid littering, and conserve water and energy. Most importantly, treat the locals with kindness and respect. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases, be open to new experiences, and engage with the community in a positive way. Let's work together to preserve this paradise for future generations.

Finding Myself

Salento wasn't just a beautiful destination; it was a place where I found a piece of myself I didn't know was missing. The simplicity of life, the warmth of the people, and the breathtaking landscape helped me to reconnect with my inner self and realize what truly matters. My solo adventure to Salento was more than just a trip; it was a transformative experience. I left with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for nature, and a heart full of memories. And who knows, maybe I’ll even learn to play tejo properly one day!