What to expect when visiting Salento
Salento is a charming and colourful town within the mountains and in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Despite its small size, it exudes beauty everywhere you go — so much so that the town even inspired aspects of the Disney movie Encanto!
There are two things you must do when in Salento: visit a coffee plantation and hike to the beautiful Cocora Valley, home to the tallest palm trees in the world. Whether you are a coffee lover or a nature lover, Salento is a great place to go.
2 ways to get from Medellin to Salento
There are two ways to travel the distance of 250 km (155 miles) from Medellin to Salento: by bus (8h15m) and flight (2-3 hours). The journey takes between 2h - 8h15m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 70,000 COP ($17.50) for the bus.Where to stay in Salento?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Salento at the bottom of this page.
Medellin to Salento by Bus
Getting from Medellin to Salento by bus is very easy. You first have to go to Terminal del Sur in Medellin and take a direct bus that will take you straight to Salento. The total travel time is around 8.5 hours, including the waiting time at the bus terminal.
Step 1: Medellin city centre to Bus Terminal
Buses will depart from Medellin’s Terminal del Sur.
The best and safest option to get there is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2.30) from the city centre. Uber is another good option and rates start at 8,000 COP ($1.80).
In case you are on a budget, you can also take the metro for 2,650 COP ($0.60) and get off at the station ‘Poblado’. Walking to the bus terminal takes around 15 minutes from there. However, the area is not the safest and it is not really recommended.
Step 2: Medellin to Salento
Flota Occidental is the company operating the direct buses between Medellin and Salento.
They have four departures a day and the journey lasts around 8 hours.
Most buses are medium size with reclining seats and AC. If they don’t include a toilet the bus will stop during the journey a couple of times for short breaks.
Bus options from Medellin to Salento
Most hotels/hostels are within walking distance of the bus terminal in Salento, but if your accommodation is a bit further out then yellow cabs are available from outside the terminal.
Medellin to Salento by Flight
To travel from Medellin to Salento by plane you first need to get to Olaya Herrera (EOH) airport. After a 45 minute flight, you will land in Matecaña International airport (PEI) in Pereira. After that you can continue your journey to Salento by taking a taxi directly from the airport or going to the bus terminal and taking a bus from there.
Total travel time is around 5 hours, including the waiting time at the airport.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Medellin city centre to Olaya Herrera Airport
There are two airports in Medellin. All direct flights to Pereira depart from Medellin Olaya Herrera Airport located within the city.
The best option to get to this airport from the city centre is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2.30) or Uber starting at 8,000 COP ($1.80).
In case you want to take the metro, the closest station is called Poblado and it is a 20-minute walk to the airport. However, the area is not the safest and therefore we recommend taking a taxi/uber.
Step 2: Medellin to Pereira by Flight
Easy Fly is the only airline offering direct flights between Medellin and Pereira. It is a local company and offers a basic but good service for the short distance. Prices start at 160,000 COP ($37.00).
There are four departures a day between 05:55 and 17:10 and they all arrive at Matecaña International Airport (PEI) in Pereira.
Step 3: Pereira Airport to Salento
There are two ways to get to Salento; by taxi or by bus. The choice depends on your budget and preference for travel time.
Option 1: Pereira Airport to Salento by Taxi
The easiest and fastest way is to take a taxi that will drop you directly at your hotel in Salento. However, it can be a little expensive, with prices starting at around 100,000 COP ($23.00). You can arrange it directly at the airport.
Option 2: Pereira Airport to Salento by Bus
From the airport to the bus terminal, the best option is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2.30). The ride is about 15-20 minutes.
It is also possible to go by bus using the local metrobus system, Megabus. However, you need to change buses twice and it takes around 45 minutes.
First take the yellow bus #25 at the airport, then get off at the Viajero station and transfer to lines 1, 2 or 3 of the bigger green bus. You’ll need to get this bus to Cuba station, where you’ll then take the yellow bus #27 to the bus terminal.
Megabus tickets cost 2,200 COP ($0.50).
Buses to Salento depart every 30 minutes from Pereira Bus Terminal. This service operates from 06:30 to 20:30.
The company covering this route is called Expreso Alcalá and the rate is 7,500 COP ($1.70). You can buy your ticket directly at the bus terminal.
When you arrive in Salento you can easily walk to most hotels/hostels from the bus stop. If you are staying somewhere outside of town there are also taxis that can take you.
Our favourite places to stay in Salento
Salento takes accommodation expectations to a whole new level. Here you’ll find some incredible properties that are surrounded by nature and pure tranquillity.
The majority of accommodations offer great value for money and a place that you won’t want to leave.
These accommodations are just incredible:
Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat - Treating Yourself
You can’t help but say wow when you see this place! The treehouse-style rooms are a magical combination of rustic and modern. The star of the show are the incredible views from your own private balcony.
Enjoy lounging on your hammock or opt for a room with a jacuzzi on your balcony. This place really feels like a retreat. You don’t even have to leave because there’s an on-site restaurant serving up the most incredible food.
- Treehouse style rooms with spectacular views
- Hot tub
- Onsite restaurant
- Exceptional breakfast included
Double rooms costs $80+ per night
Hotel Terasu Salento - Mid Range
Hotel Terasu is another great example of the extraordinary accommodation that you can find in Salento. The staff here help to take your stay to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much.
Here you’ll find lots of beautiful and secluded places to just relax and take in nature. One being your private balcony with a hammock. There’s also an onsite bar, if that’s your form of relaxation.
- Exceptional staff
- Private balcony with great views
- Onsite bar and private gardens
- Superb breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
La Cabaña Ecohotel - Mid Range
La Cabaña Ecohotel feels like you’re staying in your very own ranch, nestled within the lush mountains. You can spend your time relaxing in the vast hotel grounds or taking part in the activities offered by the accommodation – horse riding, cycling and fishing.
The homely rooms open up onto terraces adorned with hammocks and rocking chairs. The perfect place to relax. Friendly staff are also one of the best things about this place!
- Situated by a river amongst the mountains
- Activities available with the accommodation
- Amazing staff
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms available between $40-$80 per night
Ecohotel Piedemonte - Budget Friendly
Ecohotel Piedemonte is an absolute steal! For the facilities and views that they offer, you’d expect to pay at least double. Every room has its own terrace that overlooks the lush nature surrounding the complex.
Just sit back and listen to the sound of the river nearby!
They have their own restaurant and bar onsite, so you literally never have to leave the tranquillity of the hotel. Please do so though! Salento is amazing.
- Beautifully-designed rooms with terraces
- Surrounded by green and nature
- Restaurant and bar onsite
- Superb breakfast included
Double rooms between $20-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Medellin to Salento
What is the distance from Medellin to Salento?
The distance from Medellin to Salento is 250 km (155 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Medellin to Salento?
The fastest way to get from Medellin to Salento is by flight and takes 2-3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Medellin to Salento?
The cheapest way to get from Medellin to Salento is by bus with ticket costs starting from 70,000 COP ($17.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Medellin to Salento. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
