Jardín, Antioquia, is one of Colombia’s most beautiful towns. It’s a destination very close to Medellín, perfect for a leisurely stroll through its colorful streets and mountain trails, while enjoying a deep cultural and natural immersion.
In this travel guide based on our own experience, we’ll share the best things to do in Jardín, Antioquia, how to get there from Medellín, Bogotá, and other cities. Plus, we’ll give you some very useful tips.
Let’s start planning your trip:
Where is Jardín, Antioquia?
Jardín is a Colombian town located in the southwest of Antioquia. It is nestled in the mountains of the Andes, approximately 85 miles from Medellín, which takes about 3 hours by road.
It is one of Colombia’s Heritage Towns, known for its pleasant climate and the friendliness of its people. Its streets preserve the typical architecture of Antioquian colonization and are surrounded by stunning landscapes that include rivers, waterfalls, and forests.
Recommended: 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Antioquia
How to Get to Jardín, Antioquia
To get from Medellín to Jardín, you have several options. By public transportation, you can go to the Terminal del Sur and take a bus, you can buy tickets here. If you’re short on time, you can book this 1-day tour that includes round-trip transportation.
If you’re planning to travel to Jardín from Bogotá, Cali, or any other city, you first need to reach Medellín and then continue by road. The road to Jardín is in great condition, so renting a car using this link and driving on your own is a great idea.
Haven’t booked your flights to Medellín yet? No worries! Below are some links to help you search and compare cheap flights from the city of your choice on your preferred dates. Take the opportunity and book your tickets today:
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Where to Stay in Jardín, Colombia
Jardín (Antioquia) offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets, including hotels and hostels that preserve the local architecture, both in the town center and in the surrounding areas.
Hotels in Jardín Antioquia: La Casa de Ana, Candileja Hostel, 40 Amigos Hotel, La Casa de las Flores Hostal, Hotel Kantarrana, Sergeant Pepper’s Hostel, Hotel Plantación, Hotel Barajas, and Hotel La Casona.
It’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit on weekends or during peak seasons like holidays, Holy Week, or New Year’s. This will ensure room availability, better prices, and more choices.
Click here to book your hotel today!
What to Do in Jardín, Colombia:
1. Walk the Colorful Streets of Jardín
If you’re wondering what to do in Jardín, one of the most obvious answers is to stroll through its beautiful and colorful streets. You’ll discover buildings with significant cultural value, many houses reflecting the influence of colonial Paisa architecture, and meet hard-working, smiling farmers.
Start your tour of Jardín at the main square, where you can see the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, visit the Clara Rojas Peláez Museum House, and enjoy delicious locally sourced coffee at iconic spots like Café Macanas, Dulces del Jardín, and Café Europa.
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Tips for finding good, beautiful, and budget-friendly accommodation: The best way to get the best price on lodging is to book in advance. If you wait until the last minute, the most affordable and top-rated options may already be sold out, leaving you with fewer choices.
Our favorite platform for finding the best deals is Booking.com. Click here to save up to 15% or more on your stay. In many cases, you can book without a credit card, pay at the property, and cancel without penalty.
Additionally, if you book frequently, you’ll get exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades at no extra cost, helping you save even more on your trip.
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2. Cueva del Esplendor: Must-See Places in Jardín
Cueva del Esplendor is located 4 miles from Jardín and is one of the most iconic places in this charming Paisa town. Here, you’ll find a waterfall of crystal-clear and quite cold water that flows from the mountain, passes through a stone crater, and forms a natural pool.
To get to Cueva del Esplendor from Jardín, you’ll first need to travel approximately 1 hour by Jeep through the mountains. Then, you’ll enter the tourist farm where the cave is located and hike for about 1 hour to reach the waterfall. We recommend doing this activity in the morning so you have the afternoon free to enjoy other plans.
Recommended: Cueva del Esplendor Tour with Transportation from Jardín. This 5-hour tour is available every Saturday and Sunday. It includes round-trip transportation, entrance to the natural reserve, a Spanish-speaking guide, and a snack featuring arepa, cheese, and hot chocolate.
3. Visit Jardín de Rocas Nature Reserve
Jardín de Rocas Nature Reserve is located just 0.3 miles from Jardín’s main square. Here you can see the Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), one of the world’s most stunning birds. Nearby, you can stay at Candileja Hostel.
This reserve is special for the abundance of cock-of-the-rocks that fill the area with their vibrant colors and loud calls during sunrise and sunset. If you’re into nature and birdwatching, this is a must-visit spot in Jardín.
Tips for Wildlife Viewing: The best times to see birds are early morning and late afternoon, when they are most active. Wear colors that blend in with the environment and stay quiet. Make sure to bring the right equipment, such as binoculars and a camera.
Hotels in Jardín, Colombia: La Casa de Ana, Candileja Hostel, 40 Amigos Hotel, La Casa de las Flores Hostal, Hotel Kantarrana, Sergeant Pepper’s Hostel, Hotel Plantación, Hotel Barajas, and Hotel La Casona.
Recommended: Tour of Guatapé + Boat Ride
How to book the Jardín excursion from Medellín? It’s super easy and safe! Just click this link to check the price of the day trip and see the itinerary details. After reviewing the information, choose your desired date and select the number of participants.
The tour to Jardín from Medellín is available every Wednesday and Saturday. It starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends around 5:00 p.m. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a Spanish-speaking guide, lunch, and time to explore the town.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Medellín is that you’ll get instant confirmation. Plus, if something comes up and you need to cancel or change your tour date, you can reschedule or get a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
4. Explore La Herrera Trail: Things to Do in Jardín, Antioquia
Another great activity in Jardín is hiking the La Herrera trail. This cobblestone path, surrounded by trees, rivers, and countryside homes, takes you to waterfalls, natural viewpoints, and gives you the opportunity to ride the famous cable car, “La Garrucha.”
The trail is easy to hike, and best of all, you can do it on your own. If you’re looking for free activities in Jardín, La Herrera is a fantastic choice to enjoy the landscape and spot birds like motmots, tanagers, and even the rare cock-of-the-rock.
To find the start of the trail, head four blocks uphill from Jardín’s main square. Feel free to ask locals for directions to “Camino de La Herrera” to avoid getting lost. The entire walk can be completed in half a day.
Along the trail, you’ll discover fascinating spots like Cascada del Amor, Charco Corazón, Cascada Escondida, the Tunnels, and Mirador La Herrerita — perfect for resting and enjoying impressive views. You can also choose to take La Garrucha back to town along the way.
Recommended: Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour, Street food and Cable Car
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5. Cueva de los Guácharos: Top Attractions in Jardín Antioquia Colombia
If you love hiking, you’ll be happy to know that one of the best activities in Jardín, Antioquia, is trekking. This charming town offers several exciting trekking routes, and among the top highlights is the Cueva de los Guácharos trail, a 10-kilometer hike that takes you through Jardín’s stunning landscapes.
During this hike, you’ll witness the rich natural beauty of Jardín, crossing cloud forests filled with pine trees and a huge diversity of flora and fauna. You’ll come across at least 5 beautiful waterfalls, including Salto del Ángel, Las Tinajas, Las Tres Gargantas, and Escalera de Cristal.
This adventure also gives you the chance to admire local flora and fauna while crossing rivers and climbing hills to reach the impressive Cueva de los Guácharos, a magnificent rock formation where you can feel the power of nature and experience a unique energy that will renew your spirit.
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If you are visiting Medellín, one of the must-do activities is this free tour of Comuna 13. You will have the opportunity to explore an area that has transformed its painful past into a present full of diversity and social reclaim, while admiring the graffiti that decorates its streets.
To book the graffiti free tour of Comuna 13, simply click here, select your preferred date and time, and indicate the number of people attending. It is important to note that the activity is available every day and lasts for 2.5 hours, and is based on tips.
Book the free tour of Comuna 13 now!
Bonus: Hike to Cristo Rey Viewpoint
It wouldn’t be right to end this list of things to do in Jardín, Antioquia, without mentioning the Cristo Rey Viewpoint, a place where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the town and the towering Farallones del Citará mountains surrounding it.
To get to Cristo Rey Viewpoint, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you there directly, or you can walk for about 30 minutes from the main square. If you decide to walk, it’s less than a kilometer, though it’s uphill. Once at the viewpoint, you can continue walking for another 20 minutes to Café Jardín, where you can recharge with a delicious dessert.
When is the best time to visit Jardín, Antioquia? You can visit this destination anytime, but the best months are usually from December to March and from June to August, when there is generally less rain, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities. However, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance to ensure availability.
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Tip: When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but often overlook unexpected events such as illnesses, accidents, thefts, or the need to return earlier than planned due to a family emergency.
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Tips for Visiting Jardín, Antioquia
Now that you know what to do in Jardín Antioquia and how to get there from Medellín, keep in mind that this charming town has a mild climate, with average temperatures between 16°C and 22°C (60°F to 72°F). So, be sure to pack comfortable but warm clothing, a rain poncho, and trekking shoes.
If you’re wondering what to do in Jardín in a day, start your morning by exploring the town, visiting the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and enjoying a delicious breakfast in the main square. In the afternoon, head to Jardín de Rocas Nature Reserve.
Finally, remember to be a responsible traveler, especially in nature: stick to the hiking trails, don’t leave trash behind, and follow local guides’ instructions to protect the environment. For now, follow us on @travelgrafia, and here are other travel guides you might be interested in:
30 Tourist Attractions in Colombia
Rincón del Mar, Colombia: Where It Is, and How to Get There
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Some Organized Trips You Might Be Interested In:
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The tour also includes accommodation in local campesino and indigenous camps, all meals, hydration, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a guided tour, entrance fees, and medical assistance insurance.
Guaranteed departures every day!
Price per person: $1,860,000 COP
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Discover the magic of Nuquí, a destination that invites you to completely disconnect while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for peaceful beaches, jungle adventures, and unique encounters with nature, this trip is for you.
It includes accommodation in a comfortable private room by the sea, full meals, a beach walk to the Cascada del Amor, and a relaxing soak in natural hot springs. Flights from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali are not included, but if you’d like, we can arrange them for you!
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