SALENTO

Salento is a town and municipality in the north-east of the department of Quindio, Colombia. In 2005 had an estimated population of 7247, of which 3597 lived in the main urban zone.

Its geography is varied, rising from around 1300 meteres (4265 feet) in the fertile valleys of the west of the municipality to the permanently snow - capped summit of the Nevado del Quindio, which at 4750  (15584 feets) meters is the highest point of the department of Quindio.

The town of Salento itself lies on a plateau above the Quindio river valley. The section of the river from Salento to the head of the river is known as the Cocora Valley. The town is located at an average altitude of 1895 meters above sea level, with steep drops to the valley floor at its northern and western perimeteres.

The town is one of the major tourist attractions of Colombia, thanks to its peaceful nature, impressive scenery, easy access to the Coocra Valley, and the retention of much of its original bahareque architecture typical of the eje cafefetero region. This style of architecture is especially notable on Carrera 6, aka Calle Real, the road that leads north-east from the town square to a mirador, the Alto de la Cruz.

The restaurants, particularly those in the town square, specialize in freshwater trout cooked in a variety of sauces and served on a large patacon, a fritter of green plantain