On our way back to the eco-farm from the Cocora Valley, we stopped in the small town of Salento. But just before Salento, we had lunch at La Casa de Laurita. I had trout and Vicky had chicken. We also got cooked vegetables, potatoes, and passion-fruit flan for dessert. The restaurant was outdoors but covered, for the potential of inclement weather.

Salento is a small town of less than 10,000 people. It lies on a plateau above the Quindio river valley. The town is at 6,200 feet elevation and is not flat.

Tourism is the dominant economy of Salento today. The area also has farming and agriculture is very important here with dairy farming, coffee production, and flowers for the cut flower market.

Our local guide said that the weather in Salento used to be wet, overcast, drippy, and dreary all day long. For that reason, the town is super colorful, but the weather is not so gloomy these days.

At one point, Vicky went into a store to shop. I was a bit tired, so I sat down outside on the curb to rest. A couple of women came and sat down next to me. We had a long and engaging conversation. I only wish I knew what we had talked about!

Salento had a main street called the 'miracle mile'. We walked it up and down. It was very busy and it was a boisterous crowd as we walked along. We heard lots of loud conversations, music, store barkers, and really enjoyed the whole atmosphere.

It started to rain while we walked the miracle mile. We did like the Colombians and escaped to the Jesus Martin Coffee shop for a couple of mocha coffees while the weather settled down. Our local coffee triangle tour guide is on the back right.