50 kms. 1067 altimeters. Again a pretty tough ride under, now under overcast skies. First a short steep 50 mtr climb, then down to the big city of Pereira, alt. 1360. Than climbing again until 2133 alt. Then you leave the main road towards Salento. First down into a beautiful valley, alt. 1770. Then up to the pretty litlle and quiet town of Salento at 2010. The Plantation House was full. Tim, the owner advised us to try Hostal El Ciudad de Segorbe. So we were staying there and we are happier here than we would have been at Tim’s. His is a real backpackers’ place, with many youngsters etc. We are the guests of Enrique and Luis, a Colombian-Spanish couple who started this hostal not so very long ago. It’s in a historic house and the guys have done a great job in restoring it. It has simpel but beautiful rooms on a veranda, there is a little courtyard, the hot shower is very hot and very powerful and the atmosphere is quiet, gentle and very hospitable. The two men make you feel friends. We have spent a couple of very nice days with them.
The first day we took it easy. We just bought some souvenirs in this town, that is beginning to be a real touristic hot spot. In the afternoon we visited Tim’s coffee plantation, under his guidance. We learned a lot about coffee. The second day we made a long hike in Cocora valley. It takes 25 minutes in a jeep to get there. It’s a high valley where the wax-palm tree is growing. It’s Colombia’s national tree, very slim and it can get as high as 60 meters. We hiked to a higher place, Acaime at 2700 alt. This is a house in the cloud forest, real jungle, and the most amazing thing is that it is teeming with humming birds. They even come to feed at the house, scores of them. We were served a local specality there, hot choclate with cubes of cheese in it. All in all it took us a whole day to make this hike, we did it together with 3 guests of The Plantation House, which was very nice.
Enrique advised us to go to Roldanillo instead of headung more south from Salento. There is a beautiful museum. Museo Rayo, and a friend of his runs a gimnasio there. Might be an interesting school visit for an ex-teacher as I am.
After 3 nights, a strong breakfast and big hugs we left Enrique and Luis for Roldanillo.

The track: Download 20100214srosacabal_salento.gpx