A Complete Travel Guide to Jardin, Colombia

Jardin is one of the most magical experiences I had while traveling in Colombia!

The picturesque charming pueblo is located between mountain tops in the Antioquia province in Colombia’s Coffee Region, also known as Eje Cafetero or the Coffee Belt.

Jardin is an absolute charming town with colorful houses surrounded by mountain tops covered with coffee plantations, lush greenery, and beautiful views.

The visit to Jardin was one of my personal highlights during my month traveling solo in Colombia!

So, if you are heading to Colombia and planning to go to Medellin, I cannot recommend enough that you take some time out to visit Jardin!

If you can’t get enough of charming colorful Colombian villages, you should consider adding a two-day trip to Salento to your Colombia itinerary.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know before visiting Jardin!

A Travel Guide to Jardin, Antioquia: Colombia’s Colourful Colonial Town

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Visiting Jardin, Antioquia – Before You Go

This Jardin guide is my suggestion for experiencing the best of Jardin Antioquia.

Whether you’re planning to visit Jardin just for one day or planning a longer stay, this guide will hopefully inspire and help you!

Let’s dive into everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Jardin, Colombia!

Where is Jardin Located?

Jardin is a small mountain town located in the Antioquia department in southwest Colombia surrounded by lush green hills and breathtaking ravines

Jardin lies nestled within the stunning Andes mountains in a fertile valley in Colombia’s Coffee region.

Jardin Antioquia, as the town is known among locals, is located around 81 miles (130 km) and approximately three hours by road from Medellin.

The journey to Jardin is just as captivating as the town itself with winding roads through mountainous terrain.

Jardin (Colombia) Map

Check out all the best things to do in Jardin, Colombia, on the map. In the top right-hand corner, you can click on the full-screen icon and have the map open directly in your Google Maps app

The History of Jardin

Jardin means “Garden” in Spanish, and the legends says that when the first settlers came to up the mountain from the towns below, the area was a forest with beautiful flowers everywhere.

To them it looked like a garden. And for that reason the area and the town were called Jardín, or the Garden.

Jardín as a town dates back to 1863. While many of the houses have been renovated, many of them could easily date back to the beginning almost 200 years ago.

How to Get To Jardin From Medellin?

You can get from Medellin to Jardin by driving, local long-distance bus, or with a guided day trip.

Let’s explore them together!

Long-distance bus

You can get to Jardin Antioquia from Medellin with a local long-distance bus.

In Medellin, head to the Southern Terminal (Terminal del Sur) to catch the bus to Jardin.

The easiest way to get to Terminal del Sur from downtown Medellin is to take the metro to Poblado metro station.

From the metro station, you can walk or take a taxi to the bus terminal. The taxi drive takes around 5 minutes.

At the terminal, there are two companies running buses to Jardín, one located between the first booth (can’t remember the name, sorry) and another, Rapido Ochoa.

You can buy tickets in advance on Rapido Ochoa website (be sure to print it out before you go!) or buy them when you get to the bus station.

When traveling from Salento, take a bus to Riosucio and then transfer to catch the bus to Jardin.

Rent Car

Another popular option is to rent a car and make a road trip out of your trip to Jardin.

The benefits of renting a car are the greater flexibility you get to make stops along the way to Jardin.

The car ride from Medellin to Jardin takes around 3 hours through mountain roads, so you need to be comfortable with driving on mountain roads for this option (I’m personally not, haha!).

Rent a Car for Your Jardin Trip

Guided Tours

A guided tour from Medellin to Jardin will ensure you don’t have to worry about the logistics of transportation.

Private Transfer or Taxi

If you are traveling in a bigger group or with your family, and want to avoid the hassle of picking up a rental car, another option is to hire a private transfer or taxi to drive you from Medellin to Jardin.

A private transfer or taxi is the pricier option, but definitely also the more comfortable one! You can easily book a private transfer to Jardin with GetTransfer.com.

Personally, I would opt for a guided tour instead to get the history and coffee farm visit included – but up to you 🙂

How to Get Around Jardin?

• Walking – Jardin is best explored by walking and the town’s size is easily managed by foot. Take your walking shoes on, your camera in hand, and walk through the streets on a hunt to find your favorite colored house.
• Tuk-Tuk – When you want to take a break from walking, a ride in a tuk-tuk (or moto-taxi) is one of the easiest ways to get around Jardin. I didn’t intend on doing this but when I ran out of time before my bus departure, I gave it a try. It was great fun!
• Taxi – If you need to go longer distances in Jardin, then another option is to hire a taxi. But honestly, there really isn’t long distances in Jardin apart from if you want to go on a hiking trip, and then it makes more sense to get a guided tour for the whole trip.
• Guided Tours – For trips outside Jardin to visit either a coffee farm or do hiking trail, your best option is to hire a local guide and use their transport – either a car, jeep, or horse.

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The Best Things to Do in Jardin, Colombia

Jardin has a bit of everything: natural beauty, beautiful colonial houses, and a relaxed village atmosphere.

Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Jardin!

Watch Local Life at the Main Square

Jardin’s main square serves as the heart of social life for the town’s community, and the main square is a perfect place to start exploring Jardin.

The main square, whose official name is Plaza El Libertador, is decorated with flower beds and colorful chairs from the many small cafes and restaurants located around the square.

People-watching at Jardin’s main square offers a glimpse into Colombian rural life, where locals arrive on horseback or motorcycles to chat with friends or buy the necessary supplies for the day.

The square invites you to sit down and relax with a cup of coffee while taking in the lively atmosphere.

Location: Plaza El Libertador

Relax with a Cup of Local Coffee

You shouldn’t fool yourself by trying a cup of local coffee when visiting Jardin!

Jardin and its surrounding mountains in the Antioquia region are famous for its rich soil and ideal climate conditions that produce coffee beans.

The area is known as one of Colombia’s iconic coffee regions, and the coffee here is some of the best in the world!

So, do like the locals and sit down to savor a cup of Jardin’s famous coffee while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere in this charming Colombian town.

Wander Jardin’s Colorful Colonial Streets

Jardín is one of the most charming and picturesque towns that I have ever visited!

Jardin is characterized by its colonial architecture with colorful façades and beautifully decorated houses.

So, one of the absolute best things to do in Jardin is simply to wander around the colorful town and enjoy the beautiful scenery of colonial architecture and the Andes Mountains.

Soak in the picturesque surroundings with the colorful houses and the mountains in the background.

You just need a small walk outside the village you can experience the amazing mountains covered with coffee plants.

Jardin embodies the essence of a traditional Colombian pueblo with a welcoming local community.

As I wandered through the streets of Jardin, locals would curiously stop to look at me and my camera, and shop owners and waiters at the local bars were happy to chat along and interested asking why I had chosen to visit their little village.

The locals, known as Paisa people, smiles and genuine interest were very different from the more pushy interest I had experienced in Medellin – not to talk about the catcalling in Cuba – and a very pleasant break.

Book a tour to explore Jardin!

Visit the Church in Jardin Colombia

At the center of town by the Central Plaza, you will find Jardin’s Church, a Catholic church in neo-gothic style.

The church in Jardin’s official name is Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción in Spanish or translated to English Basilica of Immaculate Conception.

The impressive church can be seen from almost everywhere in Jardin with its towering grey facade and intricate stained glass windows.

The church is a great spot to take a few pictures and enjoy the silent atmosphere on the inside which stands in strong contrast to the bustling and lively square on the other side of the heavy wooden doors.

The church’s serene atmosphere of the inside offers a glimpse into the importance of religion and spiritual life in South America, in general, and Colombian villages, in particular. Here the church plays a key role in social life.

Basilica of Immaculate Conception opening times are from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Visit the church’s Facebook for more info and updates.

Location: Calle 11 #2-43, Jardín

Visit a Local Coffee Farm Near Jardin

One of the absolute best things to do in Jardin is to join one of the town’s coffee tours.

Some local coffee farms around Jardin offer guided coffee tours that take you through the coffee-making process — from bean over harvest to brew.

On a coffee tour, you’ll learn about the various coffee varieties of Colombian coffee, the cultivation methods, and the farming practices.

In Colombian Spanish, coffee farms are called fincas, and you might see them advised as such in Jardin.

Many of the day tours from Medellin to Jardin also include a visit to a local coffee farm.

Book a Coffee Tour in Jardin

Ride the Cable Car

The cable car has become one of the most popular things to do in Jardin!

In Jardin, the cable car is called Teleférico la Garrucha, or simply La Garrucha, and connects the town with a viewpoint and the beginning of the hiking trail La Serranías.

The cable car in Jardin is primarily used to transport goods, coffee, and plantains down the mountains to the center of the town.

The carriage looks more like a colorful basket of some sort going up and down the hill.

The cable car is now also used for transporting people; from locals on their daily commute to curious travelers.

On the top, you have an amazing panoramic view over Jardin and the surrounding mountains of Antioquia. There is also a small café serving empanadas and drinks.

The cable car is located on the Southern edge of town, at the end of Calle 12, and charges around 10,000 COP (approximately $2.25 USD) each way.

La Garrucha accommodates 5-6 passengers per trip and operates continuously, making trips back and forth from 9:30 am to 7 pm or as long as there are people waiting.

Location: Calle 12, Jardín

Go Horseback Riding in Jardin Antioquia

Exploring Antioquia’s lush green hills on horseback is one of the best things to do in Jardin to experience traditional rural life in a Colombian town.

Horse are still widely used as a mean of transportation for locals living and working in the coffee plantations surrounding Jardin.

A horseback ride of Jardin offers you a unique ride through the picturesque landscapes.

Many of the horseback riding tours also includes some of the best sights Jardin has to offer such as the iconic viewpoint of Cristo Rey and Cascada La Escalera, one of Jardin’s stunning waterfalls.

Ask your hotel or accommodation for a recommendation for horseback riding tours in Jardin or book Jardin EcoTours horseback riding trail in English directly on Viator a head of time.

Jardin EcoTours is one of the most active tour providers in Jardin, focused on sustainable tourism and offering a knowledgeable staff.

Saddle up and prepare for a journey through one of Colombia’s most picturesque towns!

Enjoy the Views from Mirador Cristo Rey

From the viewpoint Mirador Cristo Rey, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Jardin!

The viewpoint is located around 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) outside Jardin and can be accessed with a moderately challenging hiking trail through the mountains. Find more information about the Cristo Rey hiking trail on AllTrails.

On the mountain’s top is a huge Christ statue and a small local restaurant serving local Colombian food.

The opening hours of the Cristo Rey Restaurant:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm.
• Closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Location: Vereda la Selva Cristo Rey

Book a Guided Tour to Visit the Cristo Rey and the Cascada La Escalera Waterfall

Hike Around Jardin

Jardin is the perfect place to visit for outdoor adventure since the area offers many great opportunities for outdoor sports and hiking.

Here are some of the most popular hiking trails to explore around Jardin!

Camino de La Herrera

Camino de La Herrera is an easy stone path hiking trail close to the center of Jardin.

Camino de La Herrera, translates to the Lady Blacksmith’s Path, is a stone path dating back to 1858.

The trail is framed by a natural tunnel of greenery, adorned with colorful cottages that add charm to the scenery.

At the culmination of the path, a side trail guides you to a picturesque waterfall and a refreshing swimming hole.

The path starts on the corner of Carrera 6 and Calle 13. Check out the hiking details for Camino de La Herrera on WikiLoc.

Salto del Angel and Cueva de los Guacharos

Salto del Angel is a 50 meter high waterfall located outside Jardin in the highest parts of the Quebrada La Salada Mountain.

Close to Salto del Angel is a cave, known as Cueva de los Guacharos, with a waterfall inside and inhabited by a colony of a a bird native to South America, called Guacharos. In English, guacharos is called oilbirds.

Salto del Angel and Cueva de los Guacharos are popular places to visit for adventous travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience with a scenic trail through Antioquia’s beautiful nature.

The hike is considered a relatively difficult, and it is recommended to do it with a local guide.

Find the hiking trail details for Salto del Angel on AllTrails or book a guided tour to visit the waterfall.

Cascada la Escalera

Cascada La Escalera is an impressive natural waterfall consisting of two streams of water coming together.

The Cascada La Escalera is located around 2.5 miles from Jardin, and is one of the easiest waterfalls to get to from Jardin

Another popular activitity is to go canyoning on Cascada La Escalera. Book your canyoning trip here.

Read more about how to get to Cascada La Escalera or check out this WikiLoc map to Casada la Escalera.

Cueva de los Murcielagos

Cueva de los Murcielagos, or the Bats’ Cave, is a man-made cave that has become the home for a herd of local bats.

The cave is located close to the waterfall of love (casada de amor).

There is a small entrance fee of around 12,000 COP ($2.70 USD) to visit the Cueva de los Murcielagos.

Cueva del Esplendor

La Cueva del Esplendor is a unique place to visit in Jardin with a waterfall that flows through the roof of the cave

La Cueva del Esplendor translates to the Cave of Splendor, and it is a popular hiking trail in Jardin.

The cave is located around 6.2 miles (10 km) from Jardin inside a natural park called Reserva Natural Cueva del Esplendor.

Since the cave is located inside a mountain and quite outside the town, it is strongly recommended to go with a guide. Ask at your hotel for the information on a guide or check out this info page about Jardin (in Spanish).

I didn’t have time for it but saw some pictures of it, and wish I had had time to visit la Cueva del Esplendor.

Book a Guided Tour to Salto del Angel & Cueva de los Guacharos

Fall in Love by Cascada del Amor

Cascada del Amor, translates to “Waterfall of Love,” and a local legend that claims couples who share a kiss before this enchanting waterfall will enjoy a love that lasts a lifetime.

Cascada del Amor is a small waterfall located a short 20 minutes’ walk outside Jardin.

Compared to other waterfalls in Colombia and South America, Cascada del Amor is a drop of water. But the legend for this waterfall is kind of cute, right?

It is a very easy walk from the main plaza to the waterfall of love. Alternatively, if you don’t want to wlak you can also easily hire a moto-taxis/tuk-tuk to drive you.

A bit further down the dirt road from Cascada del Amor, there is a bridge over a river.

By the side of the bridge, a path leads down to the river shore. Locals tend to gather for a quick dip in the river while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Read more about the Casacada del Amor and how to get there.

Explore Cascada del Amor and More of Jardin with a Guided Tour

Bird Watch at the Rocas Bird Reserve

A popular thing to do in Jardin for bird watcher enthusiasts is to visit the Reserva Natural Jardin de Rocas, a small bird reserve near Jardin.

The reserve is renowned for its vibrant residents, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, a striking bird famous for its bright red plumage and unique crest.

The Andean cock-of-the-rock is often referred to as “gallitos de roca” in Spanish, meaning “the small chickens of the rock.” The characteristic red bird is actually the national bird of Peru, but can be found in most of th southern part of South America.

The Rocas Bird Reserve features more than 40 different types of birds and access to various viewing platforms throughout the reserve.

The nature reserve is located in the outskirts of Jardin on a side road to Calle 9.

You can visit the Rocas Bird Reserve year around from 3 pm to 5:30 pm.

The entrance fee to the Rocas Bird Reserve is 15,000 COP ($3.38 USD) per person.

You can either reserve your entrance tickets online at the reserve’s website or book a guided tour of the
a guided tour of the Rocas Bird Reserve.

Location: Calle 9 #7-184 7-320, Jardín

Book Your Guided Visit to the Rocas Bird Reserve

Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride Around Jardin

I didn’t plan on taking a tuk-tuk ride around Jardin, but as I was running late for the bus back to Medellin, I dumped on one and it was so much fun to see the town from the backseat.

Tuk-tuks are also called moto-taxis in Colombia since they are made up if small scotters or motocycles with added backseats.

Sit back and enjoy a different perspective of Jardin from the backseat of a moto-taxi!

 

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Get the Most Out of Your Trip to Jardin

Jardin offers a great mix of a colorful colonial town with a perfect natural backdrop!

To get the most out of your visit to Jardin, here are some ideas for top-rated guided tours, places to stay, and places to go to continue exploring Colombia after visiting Jardin.

You can also use Jardin as the starting point to explore other parts of Antioquia and its picturesque colonial towns.

Top-rated Tours & Activities in Jardin, Antioquia

Here are some of the most popular tours and activities to do in Jardin:

• Coffee Tour and Jeep Tour
• Guided Tour to Mirador Cristo Rey
• Hike to Angel Falls & the Sanctuary of Los Guácharos
• Horse Back riding Around Jardin
• Canyoning La Escalera River
• Guided Tour & Bird Watching at Reserva Natural Jardín de Rocas
• Guided Hike to La Cascada del Amor & Surroundings
• Jardin Bike Cycle Tour

Popular Guided Day Trips to Jardin from Medellin

Instead of visiting Jardin on your own, you can join a guided day tour to visit Jardin from Medellin.

Here are some of the popular guided day trips to Jardin – some also includes visits to other picturesque towns in the Antioquia region:

• Private Coffee Tour in Jardin Town From Medellin
• Jardín, Andes, and Hispania Day Trip
• Day Trip to a Jardin Coffee Plantation
• Jardín Day Trip with Coffee Tour & Horseback Riding
• Coffee Plantation in Jardin and City Sightseeing Tour
• Jardín Private 2-Day Tour From Medellin

Where to Stay in Jardin?

Jardin is becoming increasingly popular both among locals looking for a relaxing weekend trip from Medellin and travelers looking for a unique experience in Antioquia, so there are plenty of options for accommodation in Jardin!

Use the map to find a place to stay in Jardin suitable for your budget

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Final Thoughts: Is Jardin Colombia Worth Visiting?

Yes! Jardin is one of the most picturesque and magical towns I have ever visited!

In my opinion, Jardin is worth visiting either on a two-day trip from Medellin or as a longer trip to relax in the cute mountain town.

A visit to Jardin is a great way to experience the beauty of the Antioquia region in Colombia and escape Medellin’s busy and noisy streets (as you might tell I wasn’t a fan of Medellin).

Jardin surprised me positively in so many ways and there were far more things to do in Jardin than what I initially expected.

I stayed only one night in Jardin, but next time, I would properly consider booking two or three nights in Jardin to exploring some of the places I didn’t get to visit the first time.

With this Jardin travel guide, I hope I have helped you to find some of the best things to do in Jardin!