Cocora Valley gains 203 hectares for conservation on 16 October
Published on 10/21/2026 at 15:11 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSConservation and access for visitors
- The Quindío government formalised the purchase of 203 hectares near Salento on 16 October 2026.
- The land will support protection of water resources and natural ecosystems around the valley.
- Colombia Travel places the valley 25 km north of Armenia and records wax palms reaching 60 metres.
Cocora Valley (Valle del Cocora) near Salento, Colombia, gained a conservation measure on 16 October 2026 when the Quindío government formalised the purchase of 203 hectares in the upper Cocora area. The land is intended to protect water resources and natural ecosystems around one of the country’s best-known palm landscapes.
The transaction gives travellers a current reason to understand the valley not only as a walking destination but also as part of a wider environmental reserve effort.
Conservation purchase reaches 203 hectares near Salento
The public deed was signed on Friday 16 October 2026 at the Notary Office of the municipality known as Padre del Quindío, according to Caracol Radio. Johan Sebastián Cañón Sosa signed for the departmental governor, alongside Wilson Andrés Ramos Herrera, the secretary for agriculture, rural development and the environment.
The purchased property lies in the upper part of the Cocora rural district in Salento. It is designated for environmental conservation and protection of the department’s water resources. The deed was formalised on 16 October after the department pursued a conservation target included in its 2024 development plan.
The acquisition exceeds the original target of 200 hectares. The Quindío government said the new property will join nearly 3,000 hectares already held for environmental conservation, strengthening protection for water sources serving Armenia and other municipalities. The conservation purchase covers 203 hectares.
Water protection adds context to the palm landscape
The valley is in the municipality of Salento, 25 km north of Armenia. Colombia’s national tourism board identifies it as a place where Colombia’s wax palm grows, reaching up to 60 metres. The palm is the country’s national tree and supports the yellow-eared parrot, a bird named in the official visitor information.
This connection between the new land and the visitor landscape is direct: the purchase concerns the upper Cocora area, while the recognised valley below is visited for ecological walking and views of wax palms. The decision therefore changes the environmental context of a familiar excursion without announcing a new entrance or a closure.
Colombia Travel describes an ecological trail and horseback riding as activities in the valley. The conservation decision does not replace those activities, but it places the surrounding water and forest resources within a larger public protection programme.
Visiting Cocora Valley: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The conservation change took effect through a public deed signed on 16 October 2026 for 203 hectares in the upper Cocora area of Salento.
- The announcement concerns land protection, not a closure or a new visitor entrance; no changed access arrangement was announced.
- The valley is 25 km north of Armenia, and Colombia Travel identifies Salento as the municipality where it can be visited.
- Visitors find an ecological trail and wax palms that can grow up to 60 metres, while the wider landscape includes water sources and forest ecosystems.
- Colombia’s official language is Spanish and its national currency is the Colombian peso.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Cocora Valley
What changed at Cocora Valley?
The Quindío government formalised the purchase of 203 hectares in the upper Cocora area on 16 October 2026 for environmental and water-resource protection.
Where is Cocora Valley and how do you get there?
It is in Salento, 25 km north of Armenia. Colombia Travel describes Salento as the municipality where the valley can be visited.
What is Cocora Valley?
It is a palm landscape known for Colombia’s wax palm, which can grow up to 60 metres, as well as ecological walking and horseback riding.
