Jardín Antioquia
Traditional coffee village “from the movies”
Until a few years ago, Jardín was mainly known to Colombian tourists, but that has since changed. Other travelers are also increasingly finding their way to the laid-back coffee village, 128km -about 4 hours by bus- from Medellín.
Activities
In the surrounding area (which is oh so green) you can do some great hiking, hike to the Cueva del Esplendor cave, eat trucha (trout) at a trout farm, visit a coffee plantation, and catch the cable car for great views of the village. Jardín is also a good place for bird watching, as in the bird sanctuaries Reserva Natural Gallito de la Roca (cock of the rock) and ProAves reserve Reserva Natural de las Aves Loro Orejiamarillo. Here you can spot the protected Yellow eared parrot. Check out the different tours in Jardín here.
Tips for the best hotels and hostels in Jardín
Tip #1
Stay overnight in a finca
Staying overnight in a finca hotel, we think, is the most relaxing way to get acquainted with Jardín. We ourselves stayed at the stately Hacienda Balandu, with its own pool, spa and mountain views. Because of the various animals on the property, it gave us a real country feel. Gardener Jaime took us for walks around the area, which was really a bonus for us. If we wanted to go to the village, we took a cheap mototaxi. Because of the tourism “boom” in Jardin, the number of hotels in Jardín have mushroomed. Patio Bonito is another beautiful finca hotel, in the middle of nature.
Tip #2
Book a hostel in the middle of nature
For active travelers, the Creo ecolodge is highly recommended, a half-hour walk (or 10-minute tuktuk ride) from Jardín. The location of this hostel is beautiful, in the middle of nature. From this ecolodge you can do many activities, such as hiking to waterfalls, biking, horseback riding and the lodge can help you book a paragliding trip. At the ecolodge itself you can take yoga classes. The meals offered are vegetarian and the lodge can accommodate various dietary needs, such as gluten-free. Good to know: accommodations are basic and do not have private bathrooms. You can book a “dorm” bed or a private room with shared bathroom.
Tip #3
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.
