Hotel Sazagua Cocora, a new surprise in Colombia's Cocora Valley
After arriving at Pereira Airport, we are welcomed by a member of staff from the Sazagua Cocora Hotel. Sazagua Cocora is the latest project by Juan Pablo Vásquez and Natalia Villegas, the owners of the Sazagua Hotel. Their beautiful spa resort is situated just outside Pereira, where we at Sapa Pana Travel have enjoyed a very satisfactory working relationship with them for many years.
Cocora Valley
The new hotel, which opened last Christmas, is situated on a small hill overlooking the valley, just outside Salento, on the road to the Cocora Valley. The Cocora Valley is famous for its wax palms, which can grow to over 30 metres in height and are thus known as the tallest palm trees in the world. The historic town of Salento has a picturesque centre with whitewashed houses featuring brightly coloured balconies, doors and windows. It’s a 15-minute drive from Sazagua Cocora to Salento and a 20-minute drive to the Cocora Valley.
Take a look here at the activities organised by Hotel Sazagua in the Cocora Valley
Hacienda-style
The hotel is built in the typical hacienda style, with a veranda and a patio at the rear of the building. The accommodation comprises 10 rooms. We are staying in a lovely garden suite ourselves. This is on the ground floor and has a delightful private garden, where you can, for example, sit and relax in the morning, whilst the sun climbs into the sky and the birds sing their hearts out, always accompanied by the gentle murmur of the fast-flowing water in the stream that runs through the grounds of Sazagua Cocora.
Out and about with the guide
From the accommodation, we’ll not only head to Salento, but also visit Filandia, the other lovely little town in this area. Naturally, we’ll take a trip to the Cocora Valley, where we’ll go for a good long walk whilst our guide David tells us all about the stunning natural surroundings. Not only is the Cocora Valley home to the world’s largest palm tree, but you’ll also find the Epidendrum Ibaguense, one of the world’s smallest orchids. The abundance of trees and plants attracts many species of birds, including hummingbirds.
In between activities, Juan Pablo manages to prepare a delicious lunch or dinner every time. One day, they surprise us with a picnic lunch by the little river. A table, chairs and a three-course lunch with accompanying wines were brought to this remote yet breathtakingly beautiful corner of the estate. As evening falls, we often head to the living room, where we enjoy a good drink by the crackling fire. The accommodation is situated at over 2,000 metres above sea level, so whilst the climate is lovely and spring-like during the day, it gets chilly in the evening
Off on an adventure with my dad
I visited this lovely spot with my 89-year-old father, who actually didn’t want to leave. He said he’d love to celebrate his 90th birthday here. I certainly wouldn’t mind going back there myself; it really is a home away from home.
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Do you have any questions about a unique active holiday through Latin America, would you like a bespoke travel proposal, or would you like to arrange an appointment at our office? Please feel free to get in touch with us. Send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or call us on +31 73 610 62 04. We’d be happy to help.