View of surrounding countryside, La Serrana, Salento
Salento is a sleepy village in the coffee region of Colombia and a popular base for visiting the impressive giant wax palms in the Valle de Cocora. La Serrana Eco Farm and Hostel is one of best places to stay in Salento as it is right out in the beautiful countryside, but only a 15 minute walk (or 6000 peso taxi ride) from the main plaza. It’s located on a farm, and you can even help milk the cows if you can get up at 4.30am!
There are three dorms and two private rooms, all with bathrooms, located off a huge communal living area. There’s a kitchen for guest use, and plenty of tables and seating areas. The lounge has comfy sofas, a large TV with DVDs to borrow and a stereo. There’s a hammock for lounging in the courtyard. Wifi is available free of charge – a real bonus as it’s not easily found in Salento.
La Serrana is very sociable and a great place to meet other travellers, but it isn’t a party hostel. Although guests stay up chatting it never goes on too late. The hostel staff cook a family style dinner at least twice a week – our vegetable curry was delicious and good value at 12,000 pesos.
The attractive rooms are much better decorated than your average hostel with comfy beds, even in the dorms. The bathrooms are very clean, with towels and soap provided, and powerful hot showers.
Breakfast is served from 7-11am with eggs, bread and coffee included in the room price. If you pay a little extra you can choose from juice, bacon, sausage, french toast and roast potatoes.
Address: 1.5km outside of Salento. See the map on the website and call for a free pickup when you arrive.
Phone Number: (316) 296 1890
Email: laserranasalento@gmail.com
Website: http://laserrana.com.co/
Facebook: La Serrana
Price range: 20,000 Colombian pesos for a dorm bed, 80,000 pesos for a private double room.
Las Camelias
The manager of La Serrana also runs another guesthouse a few minutes away. Las Camelias has been beautifully refurbished with a luxurious living area. The comfortable lounge has sofas, an open fireplace, a large solid wood dining table and a small but well equipped kitchen. Best of all are the huge windows with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is quieter than La Serrana as there are only three simply furnished bedrooms – one double and two triples. Breakfast at La Serrana is included.
Phone Number: 3162961890/ 3154780542
Email: lascameliassalento@gmail.com
Facebook: Finca Las Camelias
Price range: 50,000 pesos per person.
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