Cocora Valley & Hummingbirds

We woke up nice and early and prepared for the main reason we visited Salento, the Cocora Valley. Known for the 50 foot tall palm trees and hummingbirds, it makes for a very interesting site and racks up plenty of tourist activity each year. As such, we jumped in the Jeeps and began the 30-minute journey. Despite getting lost at the beginning, we hustled up the hill to get to the viewpoints before the clouds smothered our views. We made it in time, and we could continue uphill, but it was brutal and long. Many go to the viewpoints and go home, occupying maybe a couple of hours, but we were determined to find some hummingbirds. There is a reserve right atop one of the overlooking hills, and we continued the brutal journey to find them. Given that it took many hours, we grew anxious that we might not see any, but asking some passer-bys on our way up, we were reassured you would see them. Upon arrival, you are flooded with the sight of buzzing hummingbirds, the sound of hundreds of little wings fluttering at 4000 wingbeats per minute, resonating a thick background hum, and the beautifully coloured creatures erratically jumping from perch to perch. We spent quite a bit of time here trying to get the perfect photos and videos, and we got some golden ones, making it well worth the time and effort. Then, it was time for the 5km walk down the valley, along a river, and back to the starting point. We were tired and starved by the time we got back, and we didn't want to risk shitty food, so we once again got Japanese and enjoyed some good ramen to warm our bodies after a cold and wet day of walking. Of course, afterwards we went to sleep very early and slept very well.Read more