For more on Colombia travel visit www.instagram.com/globesurfing

*HIDDEN GEM, THIS IS NOT COCORA*

DESTINATION: LA CARBONERA, Salento, Colombia - Be one of the first to lay eyes on an unspoilt paradise!

In Salento, Colombia there is a palm tree forest sitting at 3000 meters called "La Carbonera". People usually come to Salento to visit Valle de Cocora to see the 900 tallest palms in the world, however La Carbonera has 2 million palms making it the largest in the world and is entirely off of the radar, you won't find it on Google or in any guidebook.

La Carbonera has only been visited by 900 tourists since 2016. Only one tour company has permission to show people this beautiful valley. 20 years ago the entire region was occupied by rebel forces which has kept it off of the tourist route.

This is also the only place you can spot the yellow eared parrot, a bird species that was considered extinct in the 90s until later rediscovered in La Carbonera. 400 live in the area and can't be seen anywhere else in the world.

HOW TO GET THERE: @SalentoCycling are the only tour company that can take you there. The guys drive you to a view point with a delicious picnic. After you'll have the chance to walk into the forest before biking 20km downhill back into town (not for the faint hearted!) 100,000COP/£28.

Country Houses in Tolima

Compare and save

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

In two weeks

In one month

In two months

Top Cities in Tolima

Los Nevados National Park showing mist or fog and mountains

Our top choices for Tolima country houses

Deluxe Apartment, Garden View | Private kitchen | Shared fridge

Bhutan Filandia

Filandia

Steven

Finca Recreativa los Altos Giraldos

Arbeláez

"I loved my stay here. As two foreigners, communication and navigation were challenging. Our hosts were very attentive and helpful even before we flew out. Fresh food from the farm plus the perfect view of the mountains from the pool and cabin. I stayed for five days and got the taste of authentic Colombian daily life that I wanted. If I had the time, I would have stayed longer. Only thing I didn't expect was unheated showers, but I've learned that's pretty common in the country."

Alexander

Entre Guaduas

Quimbaya

AED 150 total

5 Jan - 6 Jan

Casa campestre a 15 minutos de Salento

Salento

Finca Los Monitos

Ricaurte

Wilmer A

La Guarida

El Cerrito

AED 141 total

11 Jan - 12 Jan

Finca la veranera

Santa Rosa de Cabal

Glenn

Casa Vacacional CampoSol

Carmen de Apicala

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Tolima Hotel Reviews

Panorama Salento by DOT Boutique

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful location and room design. Property had lovely vegetation. Easy walk into town. Cabin 101 had a great view of the local valley. Free water and coffee in the lobby."