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Group Tours

La Carbonera Wax Palm Forest Hike & Downhill on Bike

  • 7 hours
  • Monday – Sunday at 06:30
  • Salento
  • English / Spanish
  • Small groups
  • $250.000

Hike among giant wax palms, visit a hidden waterfall, and bike 20 km back to Salento. A thrilling and scenic experience in Colombia’s green heart!

Experience an unforgettable adventure through mountains, cloud forests, and Colombia’s iconic wax palms with our Hiking and Biking Tour in La Carbonera. This unique full-day experience in the heart of Quindío blends nature, adrenaline, and culture, taking you deep into one of the most spectacular and hidden reserves of Colombia’s Coffee Region.

The journey begins in Salento, in front of the “Parroquia del Carmen” Church, where you’ll board a private 4×4 vehicle that takes you off the beaten path through mountain trails, coffee farms, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. Your destination: La Carbonera, home to the largest concentration of wax palms in the world—Colombia’s national tree, reaching up to 70 meters tall.

Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional country-style breakfast, before starting a guided hike through this majestic wax palm forest. Along the way, your bilingual guide will share fascinating insights into the biodiversity of the region, the ecological importance of the wax palm, the cultural legacy of local farmers, and conservation efforts in the area. You’ll also visit the Great Waterfall, a hidden natural gem nestled in the Andean jungle—perfect for relaxing, refreshing, and taking unforgettable photos.

After your hike, get ready for the adventure to shift gears. You’ll begin an epic 20 km downhill bike ride along scenic dirt roads that lead all the way back to Salento. Equipped with a full-suspension mountain bike, helmet, gloves, and windbreaker, and always accompanied by your guide, you’ll enjoy an exhilarating ride filled with fresh air and panoramic views. This section is of moderate difficulty, ideal for active travelers and bike lovers with some basic experience.

At the end of your descent, you’ll return to Salento to enjoy a well-deserved typical lunch, and cap off your journey with a refreshing local juice or fresh coffee. The experience also includes travel insurance, so you can relax and focus on enjoying every moment.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers looking to explore La Carbonera in an active, meaningful, and thrilling way—combining hiking, biking, nature, and cultural discovery in a single unforgettable day.

Highlights / What you will learn

  • Andean forest ecosystem and the wax palm
  • Biodiversity and conservation in the Coffee Region
  • Rural life and cultural traditions in Quindío
  • Sustainable tourism in protected natural areas
  • Mountain biking basics and trail etiquette
  • Symbolic and national importance of the wax palm
  • Geography and hydrology of the region

Meeting point

Salento Brunch

Finishing point

At Salento’s Main Square (GMaps)

Included

  • Round-trip 4×4 transportation from Salento
  • juice or coffee
  • Entry to the wax palm reserve and the Great Waterfall
  • Guided hike through La Carbonera
  • 20 km downhill ride with full-suspension mountain bike
  • Full gear: helmet, gloves, windbreaker
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish-English)
  • Hiking lunch type
  • Travel insurance

Not included

  • Round-trip transportation to your hotel
  • Tips (optional)
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional snacks or drinks not specified
  • Services not mentioned in the itinerary

*We start this Tour with a minimum of 3 people for this price. For 1 or 2 people it costs $400.000 COP per person.

Recommendations

  • Be in good physical condition and ready for adventure
  • Wear comfortable, athletic, quick-dry clothing
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • Don’t forget your camera or fully charged phone
  • Bring a change of clothes if desired after the hike
  • Always follow your guide’s instructions
  • Respect wildlife, plants, and community trails

From From $ 295.000 COP per person

Route itinerary

  1. Salento Brunch 30 min

    Meet your guide and board the private 4x4 vehicle.

  2. 4x4 ride to La Carbonera 30 min

    Off-the-beaten-path drive through mountain trails and coffee farms.

  3. Snack on arrival 20 min

    juice or coffee

  4. Guided hike through the wax palm forest 100 min

    Guided hike through the world's largest concentration of wax palms (up to 70m tall).

+4 more stops
  1. The Great Waterfall 100 min

    A hidden waterfall in the Andean jungle — great for photos and refreshing.

  2. 20 km downhill bike ride to Salento 40 min
  3. Lunch & coffee in Salento 60 min

    Typical lunch plus a local juice or fresh coffee to close the day.

  4. Finish at Salento's Main Square 40 min

Itineraries are subject to change.

Tours · FAQ

Can I book a Group Tour for just one person?

Yes, you can book for just one person. However, the experience requires a minimum of 2 participants to run; if this minimum isn’t reached, we’ll contact you in advance to offer alternatives.

How can I book a Group Tour?

You can book directly through our website. Booking directly with us gets you the best price and avoids third-party platform commissions.

How long does each Group Tour last?

Duration depends on the experience you choose and is listed in each tour’s description.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point depends on the experience you’ve booked and will be listed in the tour details and your booking confirmation.

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