Mirador Alto de la Cruz Salento
A viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Salento town and its lush surroundings, best enjoyed at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Mirador Alto de la Cruz Salento
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Salento town and its lush surroundings, best enjoyed at sunset.
"The view over Salento is very pretty, especially as the sun sets."
🚶♀️ Walk the Side Trail
Instead of descending the stairs, take the side trail left for shops, including great ceramics!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The Eje Cafetero can be sunny; wear sunscreen and a hat for the walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Salento View
Top of the Mirador
Enjoy a sweeping vista of Salento town and the surrounding green hills. Best at sunset.
The Stair Climb
Path to the Mirador
A good workout with rewarding views. The stairs offer a pleasant way to reach the viewpoint.
Local Artisan Shops
Side trail near the base
Discover unique, high-quality souvenirs, including ceramics, on a less-traveled path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Manage Expectations for the View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Side Trail
Instead of descending the stairs, take the side trail left for shops, including great ceramics!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The Eje Cafetero can be sunny; wear sunscreen and a hat for the walk.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must for the walk.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The view over Salento is particularly pretty as the sun sets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Side Trail
Instead of descending the stairs, take the side trail left for shops, including great ceramics!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The Eje Cafetero can be sunny; wear sunscreen and a hat for the walk.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must for the walk.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The view over Salento is particularly pretty as the sun sets.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There are stalls for snacks and drinks, but it's good to have water for the climb.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mirador Alto de la Cruz offers a pleasant panoramic view of Salento, particularly beautiful at sunset, and the stair climb provides good exercise. However, some reviewers note the area appears neglected and lacks significant attractions beyond the view.
"The view is pretty average, nothing impressive. The best part is the walk and climbing the stairs, which is fine for exercise if you’ve eaten a lot or just want to stay active during the day. At the top, there’s not much to do—just look around and maybe get a nice photo if the weather is good.
The biggest downside is that the place is completely neglected. Walking on the grass, you’ll find dog droppings everywhere, and along what once seemed to be a trail, we even came across human waste."
Mabelin Santos
"Viewpoint over the whole of Salento. Very pretty as the sun sets."
Mich _t
"Would not recommend. Yes, it has a nice view over the city. But it looks a bit abandoned up here. The Salento sign is gone but the base is still standing abandoned and looks broken."
Rick Ayleen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mirador Alto de la Cruz is easily accessible on foot from Salento's main square. It's a short uphill walk, primarily involving climbing a set of stairs. Many visitors find it a pleasant, albeit slightly strenuous, walk. 
While the Mirador itself is best reached by foot, there is parking available in Salento town. From there, it's a straightforward walk to the base of the mirador stairs.
Taxis can take you to the general area of Salento town, but the final ascent to the Mirador is typically done on foot via the stairs. It's a short and manageable walk from most parts of town.
The walk involves climbing stairs, so it can be moderately challenging for some. However, it's generally considered a manageable climb for most visitors, and there are places to rest along the way.
The best way is to walk up, enjoy the exercise, and take in the views. Consider visiting during sunset for a particularly beautiful panorama of Salento.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access the Mirador Alto de la Cruz itself. The climb and the viewpoint are free to enjoy, though some nearby attractions like the 'Mirador la Vida Bella' might have small fees.
The Mirador is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's an outdoor viewpoint, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best visited when there's sufficient light for views and safety.
No, tickets are not required for Mirador Alto de la Cruz as it's a public viewpoint. You can visit spontaneously during your time in Salento.
While the viewpoint itself is free, some visitors mention nearby attractions or stalls might have small charges. The main 'cost' is the physical effort of the climb.
It's not recommended to visit Mirador Alto de la Cruz at night due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. The best views are during daylight hours, especially at sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunity is the panoramic view of Salento town and the surrounding green landscape. Sunset offers particularly beautiful lighting for photography.
Yes, it can get crowded, especially during peak times and weekends, making it harder to get unobstructed photos. Arriving early or on a weekday is recommended for a less crowded experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A smartphone camera is usually sufficient for most visitors. Consider a tripod if you plan to shoot during sunset.
You can photograph the colorful colonial architecture of Salento, the rolling green hills, and the layout of the town. The base of the old Salento sign is still visible, though it looks abandoned.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's advisable to check local rules before flying. Some users have posted drone footage from the area, so it might be permitted.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is enjoying the panoramic view of Salento. It's also a good spot for exercise due to the stairs, and you can find a few stalls selling snacks and drinks. +1
Most visitors spend about 20-30 minutes at the Mirador, enjoying the view and taking photos. It's a relatively quick stop.
Some reviews suggest the area can appear 'neglected' or 'abandoned,' with issues like dog droppings and litter. While the view is nice, the upkeep might not meet everyone's expectations.
Specific restroom facilities are not widely mentioned. It's advisable to use facilities in Salento town before heading up to the Mirador.
You can descend the same stairs you climbed up. Alternatively, some visitors recommend taking a side trail to the left, which leads to local artisan shops.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, there are a few stalls at the viewpoint where you can purchase snacks and drinks.
A side trail to the left of the Mirador leads to shops, including an excellent ceramics shop with high-quality, locally made souvenirs.
You can find unique items, particularly ceramics, that are made locally. These are often considered higher quality than typical tourist trinkets.
There are no full-service restaurants directly at the Mirador. Dining options are primarily in Salento town, but you can grab snacks and drinks from stalls at the viewpoint.
The stalls offer convenience for snacks and drinks. For more unique and higher-quality souvenirs, the side trail shops are a better bet.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the viewpoint itself is simple, the walk and the surrounding town of Salento are generally family-friendly. Consider bringing snacks and water, as facilities can be limited. The main draw for families might be the broader Eje Cafetero region, with its coffee farms and natural beauty, which Salento serves as a base for.
🚶 Budget Travelers
For affordable souvenirs, explore the artisan shops found on the side trail. While there are stalls for snacks and drinks at the Mirador, packing your own water and snacks from town can further reduce expenses. The overall cost of visiting Salento and its surroundings is generally reasonable, especially if you utilize local transport like Willy jeeps.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For more dramatic shots, consider visiting the Valle de Cocora with its iconic wax palm trees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Palm Trees of Valle de Cocora
Many visitors combine a trip to Salento with an excursion to the Valle de Cocora. You can hike through the valley, marveling at the sheer scale of the palms and the lush green scenery. It's a popular spot for photography and nature lovers.
To reach the Valle de Cocora from Salento, you can take a Willy (a classic jeep taxi) for a short and affordable ride. The entrance to the valley itself is often free, though specific viewpoints or trails might have small fees.
Salento: A Charming Colonial Town
Walking through Salento's streets is an experience in itself. The main street, Calle Real, is lined with artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a great place to soak in the local atmosphere, sample regional coffee, and pick up unique souvenirs.
The town serves as the gateway to the Valle de Cocora and other attractions in the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis). Its charming ambiance and proximity to natural wonders make it a must-visit destination for many travelers to Colombia.
Navigating Salento and its Surroundings
For those staying in Salento, most attractions within the town, including Mirador Alto de la Cruz, are within walking distance. The town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.
When planning your trip, consider that transportation costs can add up. For example, a bus from Medellín to Salento can cost around 80,000 COP, and local transport within the Valle de Cocora is about 10,000 COP round trip.
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