"Cocora" was the name of a Quimbayan princess, daughter of the local chief Acaime, and means "star of water" (Spanish: estrella de agua).

The valley is approximately 24 km north-east of the departmental capital Armenia, and accessed via a junction from the Armenia-Pereira highway, running via Boquia to the town of Salento.

The prevailing westerly winds from the Pacific Ocean are stopped by the Andean mountains, creating a humid environment favorable to the growth of cloud forest at higher altitudes: rain falls almost daily.

Other flora and fauna that may be found in the valley include 3 km north-east of "Cocora" up a dirt track is the finca "La Montaña" where there is a nursery for the wax palm.

The majority of visitors make day visits from Salento, or come for the extensive camping and hiking opportunities in the valley and the national park.