12 Most Beautiful Towns in Colombia to Visit

Villages in Colombia

At 5 p.m., when the heat eases and residents reclaim the plazas, Colombia’s towns show their best side: children on bicycles, coffee being poured behind open doors, and mountains or church towers framing the view. The most beautiful towns in Colombia are not interchangeable colonial backdrops. Each has its own landscape, pace, food traditions, and practical considerations – which matters when you are building an itinerary independently.

Some are easy additions to a route between major cities; others reward travelers willing to take a longer bus ride or stay two nights rather than one. This selection balances visual appeal with the kind of experience that makes a town worth the journey.

The most beautiful towns in Colombia for independent travelers

Barichara, Santander

Barichara is the classic answer for travelers drawn to stone streets, whitewashed walls, and red-tile roofs. Its historic center is exceptionally well preserved, but it does not feel like an open-air museum. Local life still unfolds around the cathedral and Parque Principal, especially in the late afternoon.

Walk the Camino Real to nearby Guane for wide canyon views and a quieter village setting. Barichara is best reached from San Gil, making it a natural stop for travelers combining colonial scenery with Santander’s outdoor activities. Stay at least two nights if you want time to enjoy it after day-trippers have left.

Villa de Leyva, Boyacá

Villa de Leyva has one of South America’s most striking main squares – a vast, cobbled expanse surrounded by low colonial buildings and mountain light. The town is polished, popular, and more expensive than many small Colombian destinations, but its setting earns the attention.

It works especially well for travelers coming from Bogotá who want a slower first stop. Beyond the center, the dry highland landscape holds fossils, vineyards, artisan workshops, and small rural roads. Visit during the week if possible; weekends and holidays bring heavy domestic tourism.

Jardín, Antioquia

Jardín is color at full volume. Balconies spill with flowers, facades are painted in bright greens, blues, and yellows, and the handsome plaza is lined with outdoor tables. It is one of the most visually rewarding towns in Colombia, with steep green hills rising immediately beyond its streets.

The journey from Medellín takes time, so Jardín suits a two- or three-night stay rather than a rushed excursion. Ride the cable car for views, look for the yellow-eared parrot in the surrounding countryside, and leave room for an unhurried coffee in the square. The town’s charm is in its rhythm as much as its architecture.

Salento, Quindío

Salento is the best-known base in Colombia’s Coffee Region, and its colorful Calle Real remains genuinely photogenic despite the crowds. Its real advantage is location: from here, independent travelers can access the Cocora Valley, hike among wax palms, visit coffee farms, and continue through the region by local transport.

The trade-off is popularity. Salento can feel busy and commercial on weekends, particularly around the main street. For a quieter coffee-country experience, pair it with nearby Filandia or stay outside the center. Still, for a first visit to the region, Salento is convenient and deservedly memorable.

Filandia, Quindío

Filandia has much of Salento’s colorful architecture but a less frantic feel. Its central streets are compact, easy to explore on foot, and filled with traditional houses whose carved doors and balcony details reward a slow wander.

It is also a good choice for travelers who value food and comfortable small-town stays. The surrounding countryside is lush, and the viewpoint outside town offers broad views over the coffee landscape. Filandia is close enough to use as an alternative base for the region, though Salento remains more convenient for the Cocora Valley.

Guatapé, Antioquia

Guatapé is not subtle, and that is exactly the point. Nearly every building in its historic center has brightly painted zócalos – decorative lower panels depicting animals, trades, plants, or family stories. The effect is cheerful, distinctive, and unlike any other Colombian town.

Most visitors come from Medellín to climb El Peñol and see the reservoir from above. You can do that in a long day, but an overnight stay lets you enjoy Guatapé before the crowds arrive and after they depart. The waterfront and colorful streets are far more pleasant in the quieter hours.

Monguí, Boyacá

Small Monguí feels made for travelers who prefer calm over a packed sightseeing schedule. Stone houses, a graceful basilica, and a historic bridge create a beautiful colonial core, while the cold, green Boyacá highlands give the town a distinctly different atmosphere from warmer destinations such as Barichara.

Monguí is known for handmade soccer balls, and its location makes it a compelling stop for travelers exploring the páramo landscapes around Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy. Bring layers: evenings are cold, and rain is possible year-round.

Pijao, Quindío

Pijao is an excellent counterpoint to the busier Coffee Region circuit. It has colorful homes, a relaxed plaza, and a strong local identity, but it has not been shaped around mass tourism in the same way as Salento. This is a place to slow down rather than tick off attractions.

Coffee farms, rural walks, and conversations over a local cup are the draw. Accommodation and restaurant choices are more limited, so it suits flexible travelers who appreciate simplicity. In return, Pijao offers a more everyday view of coffee-country life.

Santa Fe de Antioquia, Antioquia

Santa Fe de Antioquia is warm, elegant, and easy to reach from Medellín. Its white facades, wooden balconies, leafy courtyards, and brick churches make it one of Colombia’s most attractive colonial towns. The climate is dramatically hotter than Medellín’s, so plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.

The town can be visited on a day trip, but staying overnight is more rewarding. You can walk to the Puente de Occidente, a historic suspension bridge over the Cauca River, and enjoy the center when weekend visitors are not filling the streets.

Mompox, Bolívar

Mompox sits beside a branch of the Magdalena River, far from Colombia’s fastest travel routes. That relative isolation has preserved its atmospheric colonial center: fading pastel facades, riverside promenades, wrought-iron details, and large churches that seem built for a grander era.

Getting there takes planning, which is why Mompox is best treated as a destination rather than a quick detour from Cartagena. Go for three nights if your schedule allows. The river, the heat, and the town’s famous filigree jewelry give it a personality entirely separate from the Andean towns.

Jericó, Antioquia

Jericó combines a beautiful, walkable center with views over deeply folded green mountains. Its streets are filled with colorful homes, and its religious heritage is visible in its churches and quiet devotional spaces. Yet the town also has a creative, coffee-growing character that keeps it from feeling overly formal.

From Medellín, Jericó is a longer journey than Santa Fe de Antioquia, but the scenery and slower pace make the effort worthwhile. It is particularly good for travelers who want a mountain town with enough cafés, guesthouses, and local activity to stay interesting for several days.

Honda, Tolima

Honda has a different kind of beauty: sun-bleached, river-worn, and steeped in history. Once an important port on the Magdalena River, it has narrow streets, old bridges, balconies, and a hot lowland climate that gives it a Caribbean-like intensity despite being inland.

It is a strong stop between Bogotá and Medellín for travelers interested in Colombia’s river history and colonial architecture. Do not expect the manicured look of Villa de Leyva. Honda’s appeal is more textured and lived-in, especially around its old bridges and historic center.

How to choose the right town for your route

If your time is limited, choose towns that connect naturally to where you are already going. Villa de Leyva fits easily after Bogotá; Guatapé, Jardín, Jericó, and Santa Fe de Antioquia connect well with Medellín; Salento, Filandia, and Pijao belong on a Coffee Region route. Mompox deserves its own transport plan, while Barichara pairs logically with San Gil.

Also consider altitude and pace. Villa de Leyva and Monguí bring cool nights, while Santa Fe de Antioquia, Honda, and Mompox can be intensely hot. Salento and Guatapé offer more established visitor infrastructure, which is helpful for first-time visitors. Pijao, Monguí, and Jericó are better when you are happy with fewer English-language services and a quieter experience.

A beautiful town is rarely improved by trying to see it in two rushed hours. Build in an evening, a morning walk, and enough time to sit in the plaza without an agenda. That is often when Colombia’s smaller places stop being a photo stop and become part of the trip you remember.

Why Buenavista Is Colombia’s Most Underrated Coffee Town

Travel guide Coffee Triangle, Villages in Colombia

The first thing Buenavista gives you is perspective. From its hillside streets in southern Quindío, the landscape falls away into a vast sweep of green coffee country, with ridges and changing clouds stretching toward Colombia’s western mountains. That setting is a big part of why Buenavista is Colombia’s most underrated coffee town: it delivers the coffee-region views travelers come looking for, but without the crowds, inflated menus, or polished tourist circuit of better-known stops.

This is not a destination for checking off attractions from morning to night. Buenavista is for travelers who want to slow down in a real Colombian town, drink excellent local coffee, walk a few quiet streets, and understand what makes the Coffee Cultural Landscape more than a pretty backdrop. It works especially well as a one- or two-night stop between Armenia, Salento, Pijao, and the wider coffee region.

Why Buenavista Is Colombia’s Most Underrated Coffee Town

Buenavista is small, but it has something many larger coffee-region destinations have gradually lost: a clear sense of everyday life. The central square is a place for conversations, errands, school runs, and an unhurried coffee, not a stage set built for visitors. You may hear more Spanish than English, and you are far more likely to share a sidewalk with local families than with tour groups.

That does not mean Buenavista is undiscovered. Colombian visitors, cyclists, and travelers in the know have long appreciated it. But international tourism remains light compared with Salento and Filandia. For independent travelers, that balance is appealing. There is enough infrastructure to visit comfortably, yet the town still feels like a place that exists for its residents first.

The views are also unusually immediate. Buenavista sits at roughly 4,800 feet above sea level on a slope above coffee farms and deep valleys. You do not need a strenuous hike or a viewpoint ticket to see the region’s scale. Walk a few blocks from the square, find an open terrace or roadside overlook, and the landscape does the work.

On clear mornings, the patchwork of coffee, plantain, forest, and pasture seems to continue forever. In the afternoon, mist often rolls over the hills, changing the scene within minutes. Bring a light rain jacket, even during drier periods, and plan outdoor walks early if wide views are a priority.

It Is a Coffee Town, Not Just a Coffee Theme

Coffee is central to Buenavista, but it is not presented as a souvenir-friendly performance. Farms around town are working agricultural properties, and the rhythms of harvesting, drying, sorting, and transporting coffee are part of the local economy. That makes a visit more meaningful when you approach it with curiosity rather than expecting a perfectly scripted tasting experience.

A farm visit can be one of the best things to do here, particularly if you have already visited a more established coffee tour near Salento or Armenia. In Buenavista, the scale is often smaller and the conversation can feel more personal. You may learn how altitude, rainfall, shade, and processing affect a cup of coffee, but you will also see the practical realities behind specialty coffee: labor shortages, unpredictable weather, and the financial pressure farmers face when prices fluctuate.

Book farm visits ahead where possible. Not every finca receives visitors every day, and farms should not be treated as open-access attractions. A locally arranged visit through your accommodation or a trusted contact is usually the easiest approach. If your Spanish is limited, confirm whether an English-speaking guide is available rather than assuming it will be.

Coffee lovers should also keep expectations realistic. Buenavista is not packed with minimalist specialty cafés. Its appeal is proximity to the source. Order a tinto at a simple local café, ask whether they serve beans from nearby farms, and enjoy the fact that coffee here is woven into daily life rather than marketed as a lifestyle product.

The Best Reasons to Stay Overnight

Many travelers visit Buenavista as a quick detour, take photos of the valley, and leave. Staying overnight reveals the town’s best hours. Mornings are cool and clear before the day warms up. Late afternoon brings softer light over the mountains, while evenings settle into a quiet routine around the square.

Accommodation is modest compared with Salento. You will find small hotels, guesthouses, and rural stays rather than a wide choice of design hotels or hostels with nightly events. That is a trade-off, not a flaw. Choose Buenavista if you value calm, personal hospitality, and a local setting. Choose Salento if you want a larger restaurant scene, more tour options, and an easier place to meet other travelers.

The town is also a good base for a slower coffee-region itinerary. Instead of trying to see every colorful village in two days, pair Buenavista with Pijao, another quieter Quindío town with a similarly relaxed pace. Add Salento separately if you want access to the Cocora Valley. This creates a more balanced trip: one famous destination for landmark scenery, and one or two smaller towns where you can actually linger.

How to Get to Buenavista Independently

Buenavista is in the department of Quindío, southeast of Armenia. Armenia is the most practical transport hub, with bus connections from major Colombian cities and an airport serving domestic routes. From Armenia, local bus services connect toward Buenavista, though schedules can be limited and may change on weekends or holidays.

For travelers using public transportation, confirm the latest departure times at the Armenia bus terminal or with your accommodation before setting out. It is wise to arrive in Buenavista during daylight, especially if you are unfamiliar with rural Colombian roads. The ride is part of the experience, winding through small settlements, steep hillsides, and agricultural land, but it can feel slow compared with the map distance.

A rental car offers more flexibility if you want to combine Buenavista with Pijao, Córdoba, or rural coffee farms. Roads in this part of Quindío are generally scenic but can be narrow, steep, and affected by heavy rain. Drive conservatively, avoid relying only on a phone signal for navigation, and do not plan a tightly timed itinerary around mountain-road travel.

Private drivers are another sensible option for small groups or travelers carrying luggage. They cost more than local buses, but they can make sense when you want to stop at viewpoints or connect several towns in one day.

What to Do Beyond Drinking Coffee

Buenavista rewards simple plans. Start with a walk around the central square and nearby streets, then follow the town’s slopes toward open views of the valley. There are small viewpoints around town, but the pleasure is often in wandering rather than chasing a single landmark.

If you enjoy photography, be ready early and stay flexible. Clouds can hide the distant mountains one moment and reveal them the next. The best images are often not the largest panoramas, but the details: coffee beans drying in the sun, brightly painted doors, a jeep climbing a steep road, or low cloud caught in a patchwork of farms.

Rural walks are possible, but treat the countryside with care. Much of the land is private and used for agriculture. Ask locally about appropriate routes, avoid entering farms without permission, and wear shoes with grip. Trails and roads can become muddy after rain, while strong sun can make exposed stretches hotter than the cool town air suggests.

Food is straightforward, regional, and best enjoyed without expecting an extensive international dining scene. Look for a local lunch of soup, rice, beans, meat or trout, plantain, and fresh juice. For a special meal, ask your host where residents eat rather than choosing only the most visible place near the square.

A Better Fit for Some Travelers Than Others

Buenavista will not suit everyone. If this is your only stop in Colombia’s coffee region and you have limited time, Salento may be more convenient because it has more accommodation, restaurants, tours, and transport connections. If you want nightlife, a busy hostel atmosphere, or a highly structured list of activities, Buenavista may feel too quiet.

But for travelers who have room to move at a slower pace, its quietness is precisely the point. Buenavista offers an antidote to the idea that every worthwhile place must be heavily developed for tourism. You can have a memorable coffee-region experience here without a packed schedule, a queue for a viewpoint, or a sense that the town is performing for your camera.

Give Buenavista an evening, a clear morning if luck allows, and enough time to sit with a cup of local coffee while the valley changes color below you. That is often all it takes to understand why this little Quindío town deserves more than a passing glance.

Jardín Antioquia

Travel Guide Medellin, Villages in Colombia

Home 9 Category: Villages in Colombia

Traditional coffee village “from the movies”

When the farmers ride their horses to the village square on Sundays to enjoy a cup of coffee (or something stronger, like aguardiente), you can really imagine yourself in a movie…for a moment the modern life seems very far away! Therefore, our favorite thing to do in Jardín is to have a cup of coffee on the cozy square, the best place to get a good look at the village life.

Until a few years ago, Jardín was mainly known to Colombian tourists, but that has changed a lot. Other travelers are also finding their way to the laid-back coffee village, 128km -about 4 hours by bus- from Medellín. Visitors not only visit Jardín for the laid back atmosphere, but also for the gorgeous nature around the village. In the surrounding area (which is oh so green!) you can do some great hiking to viewpoints, waterfalls, caves, do some horseback riding and visit coffee plantations.

In this guide, you find detailed information about the best hikes around Jardín, the best bird spotting spots, hotel tips and how to get to Jardín. Want to visit Jardín on a guided tour, then Check out the different tours in Jardín here.

(Updated August 2025) 

Activities:

1) Visit Reserva Natural Jardín de Rocas, also known as the Gallito de la Roca Preserve, is located just outside the town of Jardín.  It is a nice and easy activity, due to it’s location on only 400 meters from Jardín’s main square. The private nature reserve that is situated in the canyon of the Río Volcanes. The reserve offers a unique birdwatching experience, especially in the breeding periods, when 10-25 male Andean cock-of-the-rock may gather in the late afternoon. The reserve also hosts numerous other species such as tanagers, hummingbirds, Colombian chachalacas, green jays, and more.

Opening Times & Admission Fees
Open daily with sightseeing sessions from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm (sometimes listed as 4:00‑6:00 pm). Sightings usually last about **1 hour
Price: COP 15,000 per person
Facilities: Gentle walking trails and observation points; no guided tours by default (guides can be arranged upon request)

Tip: another excellent place for birdwatching is the ProAves reserve Reserva Natural de las Aves Loro Orejiamarillo. Here you can spot the protected Yellow eared parrot. 

2) Take a ride on La Garrucha
Until 2018, Jardín had a gondola known as the “Cable Aéreo de Jardín,” which led to the viewpoint at Alto de las Flores (Cristo Rey). This cable car has been closed indefinitely, but it is still possible to take a ride on the iconic La Garrucha.

This rustic wooden cable car is a small wooden “box” that glides across a deep ravine via two steel cables, connecting the town of Jardín with nearby coffee and banana plantations. The ride costs approximately COP 5,000 (around $1.25) per one-way trip. It lasts just a few minutes and offers spectacular views of the valley, the town, and the surrounding fincas (rural farms).

3) Make a trip to La Cueva del Esplendor (Cave of Splendor)
Cueva del Esplendor is a natural waterfall‑carved cave nestled in the mountains above Jardín, around 2,300 m elevation, inside a private reserve near the rural vereda La Linda, about 10 km from Jardín’s town center.

How to get there:
Option 1: Guided Tour (Jeep + Hike)
Tours start at Jardín’s central square and include transport by jeep up the mountain, followed by a short 15–20 minute downhill walk to the cave. The standard tour fare is about COP 60,000 per person, including snacks and water.

Option 2: Tuk‑tuk + Hike
1. From the town, take a tuk‑tuk ride (COP 25,000–30,000) to where the dirt trail begins (approx. 6 km uphill)
2. Hike for 1 to 2 hours to reach the entrance house. At the house, you pay COP 20,000 per person entrance fee and can hire a local guide (recommended) to reach the cave safely via a steep and slippery trail with rope sections

Option 3: Full Hike
1. Walk the entire route (approx.3 hours one way, 16 miles round trip). It’s challenging and not well marked, not recommended unless you have hiking experience and offline maps (e.g. Maps.Me)
2. The final descent to the cave takes about 20 minutes from the owner’s house; expect slippery paths with ropes for supp-ort.
3. At the cave: a spectacular 40 meter waterfall pours through a cave opening into a natural pool. Swimming is possible but water is very cold.

Tips for visiting:
1. Guided option recommended due to unclear paths and safety considerations.
2. Wear sturdy trail shoes, long pants, and bring sunscreen.
3. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to dip in the cave’s pool.
4. Ensure you bring cash in COP, as this is needed for entrance fees and transport.

4) Hike the trails around Jardín

Here you find the different trails, with difficulty level, duration, the highlights alond the way, how to get there and tips for your visit.

1. Cristo Rey viewpoint
Difficulty: moderate
Distance & duration: approx. 1 hour round-trip on a steep, sometimes muddy trail.
What to see: panoramic views of Jardín from the hilltop statue of Christ.
How to get there: start from Calle 11 and Carrera 2, or via the Salada trail for a longer 1.5-hour hike.

2. Cascada la Escalera  
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — well-maintained trail
Distance & duration:  6.4 km round-trip, around 2 hours
What to see: Cascada la Escalera is a stunning, powerfull waterfall approx. 60 meters tall.
The trail offers lush landscapes, opportunities to wade in shallow waters, and the chance to cool off under the cascade.
How to get there: Cascada la Escalera is located about 3.2 km north of Jardín’s town center. From Jardín’s Plaza, walk northeast via Calle 13 and follow road signage to the waterfall. Alternatively, you can take a quick and inexpensive  tuk-tuk from the  main square who can drop you at the trailhead. You can also get there by horse. Roads can get muddy during the rainy season, making transport especially handy.

 

Tips for visiting:
1. Although swimming isn’t feasible in the deep areas, you can comfortably wade and cool off near the cascade’s base
2. Waterproof shoes are recommended, you need to cross a small river to get there
3. The waterfall creates a refreshing “mist”during rainy seasons, though the dry months are best for comfortable visits and avoiding slippery terrain

3. Combination of Christo Rey-Cascada la Escalera+Café Jardín
Trail 1 and 2 can easily be combined into a half day scenic loop, adding the Café Jardín.

Difficulty: moderate (some steep sections and uneven paths)
Total Distance: 7 to 8 km
Duration: around 4 hours, depending on pace and breaks
How to get there: This is a loop: you start and end in Jardín’s town center

The route step-by-step:
1. Start: Jardín Town Center
Begin your hike at Plaza del Libertador. From here, head northeast** along Calle 13 toward the trail leading to Cascada La Escalera.
2. Visit: Cascada La Escalera
Trail time: 1 hour round-trip from town
Enjoy the peaceful forest path and relax at the waterfall.
Optional: take a break and dip your feet in the stream.
3. Continue uphill to Café Jardín
From La Escalera, walk uphill via a trail or small road that connects with Café Jardín.
*The ascent takes 20–30 minutes and is a bit steep but manageable.
At Café Jardín enjoy:
* Amazing panoramic views over Jardín
* Local coffee and snacks
* Cute photo spots like the “I 💚 Jardín” sign and swing with a view


4. Final Stretch to Cristo Rey viewpoint
Just 5–10 minutes uphill from Café Jardín is the Cristo Rey statue.
From the viewpoint, you’ll have:
*Sweeping views over Jardín’s colorful rooftops
* A great place for sunset if hiking later in the afternoon
5. Descent Back to Jardín**
Take the main trail or the road downhill back to town (20–30 minutes)
Take a tuk-tuk or mototaxi if you’re tired.

Optional stops along the loop:
* Chorros de Tapartó: Further out (approx. 10 km), can be added by advanced hikers or via moto-tour.
* Mirador de la Garrucha**: Cross to the opposite side of town for a different view via cable car (adds 1–2 hours more).

4. Cascada del Amor & Charco Corazón loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance & duration: around 5 km; 1.5 hours total if including La Garrucha descent
What to see: A beautiful waterfall, a natural pool (Charco Corazón), coffee and banana farms, and a cable car descent option
How to get there: From Plaza del Libertador, follow signs near Dulces de Jardín, walk or return via La Garrucha.

5. Waterfalls + La Garrucha Loop (Waterfalls and Cable car Loop)
The loop includes multiple waterfalls and finishes with a descent via the cable car.
Difficulty: easy to moderate, the trail is  well-trodden through farms and forest, with minor elevation changes and manageable terrain.
Distance & duration: 6.7 km circular route; around 1.5-2 hours, depending on pace and breaks.
What to see:  multiple small waterfalls, lush jungle paths, and scenic overlooks.
* La Garrucha cable car: a homemade cable car (wooden box style), originally built for farmers, now a quirky highlight ideal for descending back into town.
* Birdwatching**: Expect bird life along the route — from turquise hummingbirds to green jays and tanagers.
How to get there:
1. Start at Jardín’s Plaza (Plaza del Libertador) and head toward the yellow bridge.
2. Cross the bridge,  but don’t go straight.  Turn right and follow the downhill path (unmarked).
3. Continue walking along a soft path that transitions into rural trails through farmland. The waterfall loop will begin just past this area.
4. After completing the loop, you’ll return near the town’s edge where La Garrucha cable car awaits for a scenic descent (fare COP 5,000 one way).

Tips for visiting:
* Time your walk to return before dusk, as cable car hours may be limited
* Combining a **coffee break at Café Jardín** or a detour to **Cristo Rey Viewpoint** makes for a rich half-day loop.

6. Los Siete Cascadas / Cueva de los Guácharos Trail
Difficulty: very challenging, suitable for experienced hikers
Distance & duration: full loop: approx. 7–8 hours, can include up to 7 waterfall stops
What to see: multiple waterfalls including Dragon Falls, and scenic country side and hills.
How to get there: The trail sarts near Cascada La Escalera and passes through farmland and rural paths. Guided options recommended due to poor signage.

Essential tips for hiking
1. Use clear GPS (Maps.Me recommended) 2. unmarked trails are common.
3. Hire a guide for  challenging hikes like Cueva del Esplendor or Seven Waterfalls.
4. Wear proper hiking shoes and water shoes and prepare for slippery trails and river crossings
5. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent and bathing suit for swimming under waterfalls
6. Bring rain coat, especially during wet months
7. Combine jeep rides or tuk-tuks with hikes to make difficult trails more manageable.

ColombiaMyWay Tips

#How to get from Medellín to Jardín (updated August 2025)
Jardín has very good bus connections with the city of Medellín. The distance is approximately 128 km and the bus trip takes around 3-4 hours.

Schedules and prices:

  • The main operator on this route is Rapido Ochoa, known for regular and reliable departures.
  • Buses generally depart from Terminal del Norte in Medellín and arrive at Jardín’s bus terminal near the town plaza.
  • Common departure times include 04:45, 08:50, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:25, and 18:45.
  • Tickets cost around USD 11-13 (Busbud) for a one way trip

Booking and travel tips:

  • Book in advance via platforms like Busbud or RedBus to secure seats and better fares.
  • Arrive at the terminal at least 20 minutes before departure.
  • Buses often include air conditioning and power outlets for a comfortable ride.

#Where to stay in Jardín:

Tip #1
Stay overnight in a finca
We think that staying overnight in a finca hotel is the most relaxing way to get acquainted with Jardín. Some of the fincas are working farms with various animals on the property; others have their own coffee plantation and you can enjoy a fresh brew every day. Not having a rental car, is not a problem most of the times as there are cheap “tuk-tuks” who can bring you from the farm to the center if it’s too far out to walk. Patio Bonito is one of those beautiful finca hotels, smack in the middle of nature.

Tip #2
Chill in a hotel with jacuzzi
If you prefer something more luxurious but still want to stay in the middle of nature, then the Gulupa ecolodge is a must. From the lodge you have a beautiful view of the surroundings and after an active day you can relax in the jacuzzi. You can get action for sure at the Gulupa ecolodge, as there are several activities you can do, such as ziplining. Café Jardin is almost next door, so also for a good cup of coffee with or without goodies, this is the perfect spot.

Here you can book other hotels and hostels in Jardin

Tip#3
Book a hotel close to the center of Jardín
Would you like to spend the night close to the center of town, while being surrounded by nature? The the hotel Plantación might be your thing. With its location on a 5 minute walk from town, you can have the best of both worlds.

Tip #4
Continue your trip to the village of Jericó and spend a few nights
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to see a less well known village in Antioquia, you can take a (long) chiva ride to the village of Jericó, famous for its many churches and an excellent place to do paragliding. The ride by chiva bus is long and winding, but it’s an adventure in itself. You will be traveling with locals and the trip can be full of surprises.

#Tips for the best food in Jardín:
Jardín has quite some nice places to soak in the village “ambiente” while enjoying delicious drinks and food. These are some of our favorites:

*Cafe Macanas
The place to go for a coffee (hot or iced) with something sweet, or a good breakfast. The cafe has a patio and is easy to find due to its location next to the church. It’s a cozy cafe with a beautiful, colorful interior.


*Dulces de Jardín: a cozy place with lots of plants. A populare place to buy caramels “to go”
*Doña Hilda: for local food
*La Parilla de mi pueblo: for grilled meat
*Oleo restaurante: with it’s specialty Posta negra beef

Colombia My Way

All about Santa Fe de Antioquia Colombia

Travel Guide Medellin, Villages in Colombia

Home 9 Category: Villages in Colombia

About Santa Fe de Antioquia

Santa Fe de Antioquia is beautiful colonial town 58 km north of Medellín, making it a good place to visit on a side trip.

Santa Fe de Antioquia is the oldest settlement in the region (1541) and used to be the capital of Antioquia. The city with about 25,000 inhabitants has been declared a national monument because of its beautiful architecture. You will find atmospheric narrow streets, white houses and the Plaza Mayor Simón Bolívar.

Must do’s

1. Savor the colonial atmosphere
Stroll around the adorable streets, admire the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara and visit the free museum Juan del Corral. This museum about the history of the region, is located in a beautiful colonial building and worth a visit. Old crafts are also still practiced, so you can see silversmiths at work in their small studios and buy a beautiful piece of silver jewelry.

2. Walk across the Puente de Occidente
This 291-meter-long hanging bridge over the Cauca River, is located 5km outside the city. You get there with a ride by mono cab (tuk-tuk). From the bridge, you have a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The bridge was built in 1895 and named a national monument. Fun detail: designer of the bridge, José Maria Villa, was also involved in the design of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

3. Explore the area on horseback
Even if you stay in Santa Fe de Antioquia a bit longer, you won’t have to get bored. Among other things, you can go horseback riding, rafting and paragliding in the area.

Photo: Paseos a Caballo Santa Fe de Antioquia-Carlos Lopez

Plan your trip

How to get there

From Medellín, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Santa Fe de Antioquia (terminal del Norte). You can also take a tour including transportation book a tour operator. From the Andes you travel to the lower town of Santa Fe de Antioquia, while passing coffee and banana plantations.

Climate and best time to go

Climate
Santa Fe de Antioquia is located at an altitude of 550 meters. The climate is tropical and it is very warm compared to cool, high altitude Medellín. You can visit Santa Fe de Antioquia year-round.

Events

*Fiesta de los Diablitos
This festival with lots of music, dancing and parades is the oldest and most popular celebration in Antioquia, having originated in 1653. The festival commemorates the day of rest given to slaves at the time; one (!) day on December 28 each year. To celebrate their freedom on this day of rest, the slaves dressed up as their “masters”, were drinking and partying late into the night. The festival is held during the last week of the year.

*Easter celebration
The Easter celebration during Semana Santa (Easter week) is one of the biggest happenings in Santa Fe de Antioquia. The celebration attracts many spectators. Semana Santa is a popular travel period for Colombians, so if you want to experience the Easter celebration, book your hotel early. (Photo: RCN radio)

Where to stay overnight?

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More hotels in Santa Fe de Antioquia

#ColombiaMyWay tips

 

# Tip 1

Take a look inside the colonial hotel Mariscal Robledo

The hotel on Parque de la Chinca oozes history and is the 4th oldest hotel in Colombia. The cozy hotel is decorated with many antiques and has its own library. Nice to see, even if you’re not going to spend the night there.

# Tip 2

Taste the local specialty, the Pulpa de tamarindo

The pulp of the tamarind fruit has a sour taste and is sweetened with sugar. This is then made into sweets, the Dulce de tamarindo which you can buy at the stalls on the Plaza Mayor, among other places.

 

← Villages near Medellín

All about Jericó – Antioquia

Travel Guide Medellin, Villages in Colombia

Home 9 Category: Villages in Colombia

An authentic village with 17 churches

Jericó is a traditional village located 108km from Medellin, about 3 hours by bus. Among travelers, the village is less known than the village of Jardín. Except among Colombian tourists and lovers of churches, because there are no less than 17 of them!

Activities
In Jericó, you can visit coffee plantations, hike to lookout points and go horseback riding, among other things. Furthermore, you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere in the colorful village, grab a coffee in one of the nice places and try the local cuisine in one of the good restaurants. Especially on weekends, the square is a pleasant place to be, with more visitors coming for a cup of coffee or cerveza, or just for a chat. You can also go with an organized tour to Jericó from Medellín.

The most adventurous way to reach Jericó is by chiva (local bus) from the village of Jardín,The ride is long and uncomfortable, as you will be traveling with locals on a long and winding road. But, if you have an adventurous spirit, this might just be the trip for you!

#ColombiaMyWay Tips

# Tip 1
Check out Bomarzo, hot spot for the arts in Jericó
There is a creative vibe in Jericó, so you’ll find many galleries and other artsy spots. Bomarzo is the place to be, with paintings by Colombian artists, a studio, café, restaurant and stores.

# Tip 2
Go paragliding
Medellín has the reputation of being a hotspot for paragliding, but did you know that Jericó is also a great place for paragliding? All the more reason to include this village in your itinerary before it is discovered by everyone!

#Tip 3
Book the nicest hotels and hostels in Jericó here

Villages near Medellín

Travel Guide Medellin, Villages in Colombia

Home 9 Category: Villages in Colombia

The villages nearby Medellín come in all shapes and sizes. Colonial villages where time seems to have stood still, villages from which you can do all kinds of adventurous activities and…. villages with houses in “all the colors of the rainbow”. For a nice day trip or multi-day trip to villages near Medellín, there is therefore a lot of choice.

Check out some of the options below. For your convenience, we’ve listed approximate travel times from Medellín and the bus terminal you should get to: the bus terminal del Norte, a 20-minute drive from El Poblado, or the bus terminal del Sur, a 10-minute drive from El Poblado.

Colombia My Way

How to get there

Bus Terminal del Norte

  • 4 min. walk from Caribe subway station (line A)
  • Taxi ride 20 min. from el Poblado

Santa Fe de Antioquia

Guatapé

Cocorná

photo:orienteantioqueño

    San Rafael

    • 110km/3h
    • Off the beaten track. Rainforest, natural pools, waterfalls
    • Good to combine with Guatapé (1h)
    • Check here your options for hotels in San Rafael
    • Hotel tip: Ritmo del Rio: an ecohotel in the midst of nature, for a relaxed experience.
    photo:viajaremverano

    Aldea Doradal (Santorini Colombiano)

    • 172km/3.5h
    • Greek-style village
    • Fun to stroll through the few streets of the village, if you happen to be in the area. Aldea Doradal is located 19 km from Rio Claro Reserva Natural and 1 km from Hacienda Nápoles.
    • You can also stay overnight there, including at hotel Aldea Plaza
    photo:Octavioprensaturismo

    San Carlos

    • 113km/4.5h
    • Village not accessible 10 years ago due to security concerns
    • Waterfalls, natural pools
    • Check hier je opties voor hotels in San Carlos

    Bus Terminal del Sur

    • 3 min. walk from Olaya Herrera Airport
    • 20 min walk from el Poblado subway station (Line A)
    • taxi ride 10 min. from el Poblado

    Fredonia

     

    Jericó

    • 108 km/3h
    • Authentic village with 17 churches, well “hidden” among coffee plantations
    • Check your options for hotels in Jericó
    • Read our tips for Jericó

         

        Abejorral

        • 90 km /3h
        • Off the beaten track, base for extreme sports such as rock climbing
        • From here you can reach Casa en el Aire and Ecoparque los Saltos, among others.
        • Check your options for hotels in Abejorral

        Jardín

        • 128 km/4h
        • Traditional coffee village with a cozy village square, in the middle of beautiful nature
        • There are many hotels and hostels in Jardín, from beautiful colonial hotels in the center to gorgeous accommodations in the middle of nature. Check your options for hotels in Jardín here.
        • ⇒ Hoteltip: Gulupa ecolodge, a lodge in the midst of nature, with the luxury of a jacuzzi and cool activities such as ziplining
        • Here you can read more tips for Jardín

        Tamesis

        • 107 km/3.5h
        • Authentic village, not yet as well known as Jardin and Jericó
        • Indian petroglyphs, adventure activities
        • Check here your options for hotels in Tamesis

        #ColombiaMyWayTips

        Don’t feel like spending a few hours on the bus, but still want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Medellín?

        Then the high-altitude village of  Santa Elena (2500m) east of Medellín is an option. The village is known for its flower farms and Medellín’s annual flower festival Feria de las Flores.

        You can do hikes in the forest and there are a number of eco hotels and glamping sites, in the middle of nature.

        Read here the travel story about our own experiene with information and tips about Santa Elena.

         

        Colombia My Way

        Santa Elena

        20km from the center of Medellín

        • Easiest to reach by cab (approx. 40 min, COP80,000/$20)
        • Or by bus from Placito de Flores (approx.50min) or via Parque Arví for the scenic, long route (metro-cable car-bus).
        • Check here your options for hotels and glampings in Santa Elena