COCORA VALLEY

The Cocora Valley (Spanish Valle de Cocora) is a valley in the depertment of Quindio in the country of Colombia. It is located in the Central Cordillera of the Andes mountains. ¨Cocora¨was the name of a Quimbayan princess, daughter of the local chief Acaime, and means ¨star of water¨ (Spanish : Estrella de agua), The valley is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, incorporated into the existing national park by the Colombian govermment in 1985. It is the principal location of the national and symbol of Colombia, the Quindio wax palm, as well as a wide variety of other flora and fauna (some endagered), all of which are protected under the Park´s national status. The valley and the nearby town of Salento are among the most pular tourist destinations in Colombia

The Cocora valley is the valley of the upper reaches of the Quindio River, the principal river of the department of Quindio, located at an altitude between 1800 and 2400 meters.

Is a very popular tourist destination in Colombia. The majority of visitors make day visits from Salento, or come for the extensive camping and hiking opportunities in the valley and the National Park. Other coomon activities are bird watching, montian biking, horse riding, rafting, scenic flights, and swimming in the rivers. The local restaurants specialize in cooking locally-tarmed freswater trout in several ways, mainly baked and served in a variety of suaces with patacones.