Question 1

What is the Wax Palms Expedition?

Accepted Answer

The Wax Palms Expedition (formerly Expedición a la Tierra Fría; Expedición Palma de Cera in Spanish) is a full-day hike in the mountains of Pijao, Quindío, up to a sanctuary of centuries-old wax palms at 2,400 masl: Colombia's national tree and the tallest palm in the world. It's a rarely visited high-Andean cloud forest, a refuge for the endangered yellow-eared parrot. Most days, our visitors are the only ones there. What dates are you thinking of? 🌿

Question 2

How much does the Wax Palms Expedition cost?

Accepted Answer

The Wax Palms Expedition costs, per person (2026 rates): COP 350,000 in a group of 3 to 10 people; COP 435,000 private for 2; and COP 633,000 private for 1. It's the only day tour with its own group rate, because it's a high-mountain experience. Book with a 50% deposit. How many of you would be traveling?

Question 3

What's included in the Wax Palms Expedition?

Accepted Answer

It includes the ascent and descent by Jeep Willys from Pijao, a bilingual guide, a guided hike with trekking poles, birdwatching with binoculars, a country-style snack, a traditional lunch at a partner farm (vegetarian option with advance notice), a closing coffee, and a visit to Escuela La Palmera. It does not include transport to the meeting point in Pijao.

Question 4

How hard is the Wax Palms Expedition? Is there altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

It's moderate difficulty: a 4.5 km uphill hike to 2,400 masl, from 8:00am to 3:30pm (about 7 hours). At that altitude you may notice mild symptoms like fatigue or a headache, but the risk is low for healthy people: the Coffee Region already sits between 1,400 and 1,700 masl, so you arrive acclimatized. It's not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions or reduced mobility. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Question 5

What should I bring to the Wax Palms Expedition?

Accepted Answer

Bring a waterproof jacket, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes with good grip (trekking boots or sneakers, never sandals). Dress in layers, since mountain weather changes. We provide the trekking poles. The tour includes accident insurance coverage.

Question 6

How is it different from the Cocora Valley hike?

Accepted Answer

Both feature wax palms, but they're different experiences. The Wax Palms Expedition is in the mountains of Pijao: a rarely visited high-Andean forest, 4.5 km uphill, with a visit to Escuela La Palmera and a country-style lunch at a partner farm. The Salento and Cocora Valley tour is gentler, more touristy, and pairs the hike with the colonial architecture of Salento. If you're after nature without the crowds, it's the Expedition. 🌿

WAX PALMS EXPEDITION

by Experiencia Cafetera

A sanctuary of centuries-old wax palms at 2,400 masl, in the cloud forest of Pijao.