Hiking Cocora Valley

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Dinner last night was a communal affair.  Had some lively conversations with a couple of Brits and got some tips on hiking the valley.  Double checked the pick-up time before going to bed and discovered it was 7:30 and not 8 as we had originally thought.

There really was no need for an alarm because the cows woke us up bright and early -- righ

t outside our window.  Got dressed, ate breakfast, and waited.  No guide!! We waited till 7:45 before calling our agency.  Eventually Christina came from Paromona Trek and explained that her guide just didn't show up or call.  We will get our hike and it will be gratis!  That was fine with us. I must say that even though every muscle in my body is aching right now, we were extremely lucky today. First of all, the hotel was equipped with Wellies - mud boots. And boy did we need them!!  Second of all, after days of nothing but rain, we had the most beautiful weather. Nothing but sunshine. Boy those rain jackets are doing a hellava job!

We were driven up to the start of the hike - provided with water and snacks, we followed Diana on a side trip to a waterfall before meeting up with Jose. He only spoke Spanish but we managed quite well. Another English speaking guide was meeting us on the trail.  The hike was strenuous, and not being a hiker with bad knees and with foot problems, it was quite challenging.  Geoff figured we hiked about over 6 miles and over a mile and half up. The valley with the wax palms is just magnificent:

"Cocora" was the name of a Quimbayan princess, daughter of the local chief Acaime, and means "star of water" (Spanish: estrella de agua). The valley is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, incorporated into the existing national park by the Colombian government in 1985. It is the principal location of the national tree and symbol of Colombia, the Quindío wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense), as well as a wide variety of other flora and fauna (some endangered), all of which are protected under the park's national status.

We stopped to have coffee at the top and then descended down the very steep and rocky path -- not to mention mud, mud and more mud into the fog forest.  We crossed over 6 man made suspension bridges, cow pastures, a trout farm and more mud till we reached the end.  A jeep picked us up and before heading into Salento for dinner, we made a quick stop to change out of our Wellies and into real shoes.  

Had a wonderful dinner sitting outside the square. More delicious trout and lots of wine. Took a walk around the town before Jose called the taxi to take us back to the hotel.  Took a nice long hot shower and feel almost human again.  Geoff went out to see if Hector, the owner of the farm, will sell him the hat he wore today.  Sure enough for a mere $20,000 pesos or about 7 dollars, he is the proud owner of an original Colombian hat. What a wonderful day we had!!

Another early day tomorrow but driving not hiking.  Time to turn in.  

Next time... The coffee tour