The Coffee Region Nature Trail: From Coffee Plantations to Hot Springs

A short trip through the heart of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, between Quindío and Risaralda, that begins among giant wax palms, continues along mountain trails, and ends exactly where the body needs to be: immersed in thermal waters, with your skin still recalling the last hike.

If you're thinking about taking some time off and want it to include nature, physical activity, and some "me time," this is the plan for you.

Day 1: Salento and the Cocora Valley, the gateway to the cloud forest

Every great nature hike in the Eje begins at Salento, the village with cobblestone streets and colorful balconies that serves as a base camp for the mountain. From there, about 13 km away, lies the Cocora Valley: home to the wax palm, Colombia's national tree, which soars up to 60 meters amid the green hills.

The classic hike, which takes four to five hours and is of moderate difficulty, climbs up to the Acaime Nature Reserve, crossing suspension bridges and through misty forests where it’s easy to spot mountain hummingbirds. This is real hiking: mud, climbs, and the cold air of the low moorlands. And it’s also the trip’s first taste of what we seek when we escape our daily routine: silence, nature, and different spaces to share.

Day 2: Filandia and its lookout points, a scenic stop

Before heading down to Risaralda, it's worth taking a detour to Finland: with lookouts offering views of the entire Quindío Valley amid the mist and terraced coffee plantations. It’s a good day to slow down a bit after yesterday’s hike, visit a traditional coffee farm, and—cup in hand—understand why this region is a World Heritage Site. Nature is also best experienced at a leisurely pace, and this is the perfect spot along the route to do just that.

Day 3: Santa Rosa de Cabal, where adventure takes on a new dimension

And this is where the trail takes on a different character. Because after two days of hiking through palm groves and coffee plantations, your body craves a different kind of challenge—and a different kind of reward. That’s exactly what it offers Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs: a forest ecosystem, waterfalls over 90 meters high, and hot springs that emerge at 70 °C from deep within the Los Nevados volcanic system.

Thermal Challenge: the climbing section that gets your heart racing on this adventure

If your group is looking for more than just a leisurely hike, the Thermal Challenge That's the best part of this route. It's a trip that combines hiking, climbs, and a beginner-level natural rock climbing route, designed for those who enjoy physical activity and direct contact with the mountains. No prior climbing experience is necessary: it’s a guided introduction, designed to make the challenge accessible and safe, with the cloud forest as the backdrop and adrenaline as the driving force.

A few things to keep in mind before booking:

• Applies to people taller than 120 cm.
• The activity is subject to weather conditions, so it's a good idea to have a flexible plan.
• We recommend comfortable clothing, non-slip shoes, and, above all, a desire to get your body moving before letting it rest.

The Perfect Finale: From Physical Challenge to Thermal Bathing

After the climb, the rock, and the adrenaline rush, the next step is inevitable: the hot springs. The mineral-rich water, maintained at around 40 °C, does exactly what the body needs after a physically demanding day: it relaxes the muscles, improves circulation, and helps you disconnect from everything you brought with you from the city. It’s the same principle this brand has always stood for: Well-being in the Heart of Nature, but this time, after climbing up a rock and walking down a trail.

Why This Route Works (and Who It's For)

• Families: The Cocora Valley and Filandia are best explored at a leisurely pace, and at Termales Santa Rosa, there are areas and pools designed for children right from the very start of the trail.
• Couples: The contrast between charming villages, scenic overlooks, and a dip in the hot springs—whether by day or by night—is, without exaggeration, one of the most well-rounded experiences in the Coffee Region.
• Adventure lovers: If hiking isn't enough for you, the Thermal Challenge adds the adrenaline rush you're looking for—all without leaving the same nature trail.

Practical Tips for the Hike

• Ideal duration: 3 to 4 full days, taking it easy.
• Climate: Mild and humid year-round; the driest months make for easier hikes and unobstructed views from the lookouts.
• What to bring: layered clothing, hiking boots for Cocora and Acaime, non-slip shoes for the pool area, a swimsuit, and a lightweight jacket for evenings in the mountains.
• Book in advance Adventure activities such as the Thermal Challenge: These have limited availability and are weather-dependent.

This route isn't just a list of places to mark on a map. It's a way to challenge your body, to clear your mind amid palm trees and fog, and to find, at the end of the journey, a body of water ready to welcome those who arrive weary and send them on their way transformed.

Book Your Hotel Day Trip and the Thermal Challenge Experience to secure your spot on this tour.