As popular and as well traveled as this valley is, I still managed to get separated from all the other hikers, get lost, then find the most wonderful, and wild jungle trail I’ve ever been on. But it made the sights so worth it.
As a traveler, it is very common to meet hikers who’ve either done hikes you intend to do or that intend to do hikes that you have done. Either way, it is a great way to give and receive tips and advice to and from fellow hikers.
But those tips only matter if you are listening properly. I wasn’t.
Getting lost is something that can and probably will happen to even the most experienced hikers. Most people immediately realize their mistake, and within an hour, rectify it. Some people vis a vis, I, see that they are lost, yet know that if they continue, they will eventually find the trail. So instead of turning around and going back to the main trail, I elected to continue once I realized I had gone the wrong way. I had no idea just how secluded, yet wonderful my next three hours were going to be. The Valle de Cocora is known for having the tallest palm trees in the world, but if you take an alternate route, you will be graced with one of the most beautiful jungle trails in the area; if you are willing to deal with being the only food source for every mosquito within a two-mile radius. I would highly encourage every hiker to take this alternate route to experience the dense jungle surrounding this wonderful valley. It only took about 3 hours to work my way through this dense jungle and emerge on the other side with a stunning view of Cerro Morrogacho awaiting me.
