20 Oct Your Guide to Visiting One of Colombia’s Cutest Town’s: Jardin
Colors like you see in the Pixar movie Encanto, really do exist in Colombia. And while the inspiration came from places like Cocora Valley and the pueblo Barichara, those quintessential vibrant streets can be found in many towns within Colombia. My favorite so far, being Jardin.
Jardin is a beautiful pueblo just 3 hours from Medellin where you can find quaint hotels and dainty cafes to enjoy your afternoon following a morning of hiking to waterfalls or touring a coffee finca. This dreamy town is a favorite to many that visit, but hasn’t quite hit the same level of tourism compared to Salento and Guatape, meaning you can still have a sleepy get away.
For those looking for a place to relax, get a glimpse into local life and enjoy nature, Jardin is the perfect place for you.
Below I’ve laid out everything you need to know to plan your trip or if you’re just looking for a few recommendations. Also if you’re new to my blog, I’m a solo traveler so in all my guides, I also provide some insight for fellow solo travelers based on my personal experience on my own there. Hope you enjoy!
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First things first.
HOW IS JARDIN FOR SOLO TRAVEL?
Jardin is incredible for solo travelers. First, the town and nearby areas are very safe so you can freely wander the streets and even complete nearby hikes on your own to miradors. Of course you shouldn’t be careless and forget all precautions, but in general Jardin is very safe.
The town is also only 3 hours away from Medellin (where you’ll likely be coming from) so you can easily and safely take a day bus there.
If you’re like me and enjoy your alone time, Jardin is also the perfect place to enjoy those tranquil moments on your own whether it’s reading in a hammock, journaling in a cafe, or noticing plants as you hike.
However, if you prefer to spend time with people it shouldn’t be too difficult to meet other travelers. I met another woman traveling on her own at the bus station and a couple on a group tour with me. There are also a few hostels in Jardin which are a great opportunity to get to meet others in addition to some group excursions. Locals are also very friendly.
WHERE IS JARDIN AND HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
Jardin is 3 hours south of Medellin halfway in between the coffee axis. Meaning, most travelers will be coming from either Medellin or from somewhere like Salento to get to Jardin.
The most common way to get there is by bus, but you can also rent a car and make a road trip there, especially since there are so many beautiful areas nearby.
For those taking a bus from Medellin though, you’ll ride with the bus company Rapido Ochoa from Terminal del Sur. Tickets can be purchased online, although buying at the terminal is more common. When I went to Jardin (September 2023) you could pay with both card and cash for your ticket at the box. I purchased mine 30 minutes before departure – although it was a Monday, and I’ve heard visiting Jardin during the weekend is more popular so I can’t guarantee buses are always available last minute.
WHERE TO STAY IN JARDIN
The most important thing I would say when choosing your accommodation in Jardin is location and proximity to the town.
For example, there are many beautiful places I would recommend for tranquil getaways located more in nature outside of the pueblo, however if you want to be super close to restaurants or don’t like walking a lot, they might not be for you. So before booking, just double check Google Maps.
Checkout where I stayed in Jardin
Hostels
Within Jardin’s town center, there are a few hostels like Cafe Racer and Sgt Pepper’s Hostel that afford you basic comfort and are well located in the town. These range from $6-10 per night for a dorm bed and $20 – 25 per night for a private room.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil stay in nature though, there’s also Creo Ecolodge which is an open air concept hostel and has beautiful views. They price their dorm beds around $13 per night.
Hotels
My most recommended accommodation in Jardin is Hotel Plantacion where I stayed. Their beautiful rooms have either large windows or a terrace with a hammock, providing the most ideal space to relax. After some long rests, I can also attest that their bed may have been the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in.
What’s more, Hotel Plantacion is above all, a sustainable hotel meaning they implement intentional practices during your stay to reduce waste and environmental impact. I was so impressed with the care and comfort I witnessed at Hotel Plantacion, I can’t recommend it enough.
If they’re fully booked or out of your budget, here are other hotels I recommend – both of which are good for solo travelers:
Hospedaje La Casa de Ana offers a tastefully designed space and comfortable rooms for $30-45 USD. If you prefer small boutique hotels that are warm and cozy, this stay is for you.
Hotel La Casona has rooms as low as $12 USD per night, perfect for solo travelers on a budget looking to get out of hostel dorm rooms. It’s highly rated, close to the plaza, and several reviews state how comfortable and clean their stay was.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Mostly within Jardin you can just walk everywhere, however if there is a longer distance you can also take a tuk tuk, there are many around the town. For destinations farther out like waterfalls, I suggest signing up for tours or you may be able to negotiate deals with tuk tuk drivers depending on the destination.
THINGS TO DO in Jardin
1. Wander through the town
The most obvious, but one of the most rewarding things to do in Jardin is to wander through the town. You’ll notice how every building is painted differently and can enjoy trying to find your favorite color combinations to snap photos in front.
Every street is unique and you’ll find cafes and shops sporadically throughout the town. But the one must-visit place, which would be difficult to miss, is the main plaza of El Libertador Park and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
I suggest wandering into the church to see the interior and taking a stroll around the plaza where children run around the fountain and locals sit at painted tables sipping on a beer. To enjoy a slow afternoon in Colombian fashion, I recommend joining them.
2. Visit Cueva del Esplendor
While there are many waterfalls in the region, this one gained its popularity for its uniqueness. Cueva del Esplendor is a mystical cave where a waterfall pours through a hollowed opening of the cave’s roof.
It’s absolutely beautiful to witness and the reserve where it’s located also offers some stunning views of the valley below.
To get there, you have two options (if you are without your own car). First is to hike from the town, and second is to take a group excursion by jeep and then hike a shorter way.
Typically, I’m a hiker, but in this instance I suggest taking the tour. The reason being, because it’s a long way and not particularly scenic for the effort put in.
I’ve heard varying things about the actual length of this hike, but my local guide told me it’s about 9 miles / 14km one way. You begin from the town, and the whole way is along a dirt road until you reach the reserve.
The other option, as I mentioned, is to take a jeep and go as a group. The one main company that hosts trips there is Cueva del Esplendor, who are difficult to miss as they share a name with the destination.
A tour with them costs about 70k pesos which is roughly $16 USD (Sept 2023). They provide transport, a guide to the falls and some snacks like empanadas and arepas. As a solo traveler, I really enjoyed this option and met some really nice people in the group. The tour also finishes by lunchtime if you go in the morning so you still have the afternoon to enjoy.
Cueva del Esplendor
3. Take the La Garrucha cable car to Mirador El Bosque
Teleférico La Garrucha is used by locals for transportation from the town across a ravine to the more rural areas above. But visitors can also take this unique transportation to enjoy stunning views of the town and explore the area.
At the base of where the teleferico arrives is an open air cafe with a panoramic view of the rooftops and fincas around. You can stop here or continue on a 45 minute hike up to Mirador El Bosque which is said to be the best view of the city.
When I visited Jardin, I was satisfied with the view from where the teleferico arrived (in reality I actually forgot about Mirador El Bosque) but I would recommend continuing on for the higher view, even if just to explore the area.
To take the La Garrucha cable car, head to this location at the end of Calle 12. The cable car costs 5k COP (~$1.25 USD) and leaves every 30 minutes or whenever there’s enough people to fill it up.
I will warn you, it’s not the fancy type of cable car you might imagine and looks quite rustic. However, it is safe and locals take it every day.
From the top, to return to Jardin you can either take the cable car back or follow the road walking back to the town.
4. Walk to Cascada del Amor and Rio Volcanes
You’ll begin this adventure in Jardin by following a charming cobbled pathway that leads you out of town and onto a dirt road. This route will take you to the beautiful Cascada del Amor, a small yet picturesque waterfall. The only drawback is its proximity to the road, which doesn’t offer much space to fully enjoy its beauty.
But if you continue on, you’ll reach the Rio Volcanes. Here, you can swim or simply unwind by the flowing river’s edge. After enjoying your time, you have two choices – either turn back or continue along the road, eventually arriving at the Teleférico La Garrucha (an option is to combine these activities into a loop).
And for those seeking an out of the ordinary activity, just a short distance beyond Rio Volcanes, you’ll also stumble upon a small mine where the owner offers guided tours. This hidden tunnel called Cueva de Los Murcielagos leads you through the mine to a small waterfall before looping back to the road.
During my visit, I unexpectedly encountered the little old man who owns the mine, who was guiding another couple through the tunnel. He extended the same offer to me, and had it not been for them vouching for the experience, I might have declined because it was so random, and in my terrible Spanish I was a little confused of what exactly the mines were.
Nevertheless, out of pure curiosity I accepted the offer and ventured in. Exploring the tunnels is a unique and somewhat random experience. While it may not top your list of ‘must-dos’ in Jardin, it’s worth considering, especially if you’re already in the vicinity and don’t mind spending 10k COP (approximately $2.50 USD). Just be forewarned – you may encounter bats within the tunnel. They typically hang from the ceiling and pose no harm, but I must admit, I freaked out when I noticed them. “It’s all for the storyline,” I reminded myself.
5. Go horseback riding
One unique way to experience the enchanting landscapes of Jardin is by horseback where you’ll traverse through picturesque valleys and fincas, all while soaking in breathtaking views.
While I didn’t personally partake in horseback riding while in Jardin, I had the pleasure of doing this in Salento, another charming pueblo in Colombia. The experience was incredible, and I can confidently say that exploring the countryside on horseback is a fantastic way to connect with the natural beauty of this region.
There’s a number of agencies who may offer this activity, I suggest Jardin EcoTours or asking your accommodation if they have direct connection with a guide.
6. Hike up to Mirador del Cristo Rey and Cafe Jardin
For stunning vistas of Jardin, lace up your hiking shoes and make your way to Mirador del Cristo Rey. And if you’re looking to enjoy the magnificent views with a cup of coffee in hand, I recommend venturing a bit farther to Cafe Jardin.
The path to these viewpoints is fairly straightforward, and you can even rely on Google Maps for guidance. However, don’t be fooled by the apparent brevity on your app – it’s not a quick 20-minute stroll from town. Due to the predominantly uphill terrain, it’s more like a 45-minute hike instead. Be sure to carry some water and use sturdier footwear, as this experience leans more towards a hike rather than a casual walk like the one to Cascada del Amor.
7. Cafe hop
Coffee enthusiasts and those with a sweet tooth will love Jardin and the many cafes within the town. You can wander the plaza to find your favorite place serving cake and lattes, but I’ve also listed the cafes I enjoyed most down below in my ‘where to eat’ section of this post. Spoiler, I really liked El jardin de jardin and de Los Andes Cafe.
8. Relax and Hangout
Jardin is too beautiful and too peaceful to be preoccupied with activities entirely. Make sure to carve out some time to simply relax and take in your dreamy surroundings.
Some moments I most enjoyed while in Jardin were sitting in the plaza with a coffee watching people walk by and listening to the church bells ring. And in the rainy afternoons, swinging from a hammock with a book in hand and the soothing sound of rain hitting the leaves.
9. Try some trout
Indulge your taste buds by savoring some trucha (trout in English) – a beloved dish in the Antioquia and Quindio regions, including the charming town of Jardin. A mere 20-minute walk beyond the town’s limits will lead you to a trout farm, where you can relish in a fresh and delectable meal.
For seafood enthusiasts, this culinary experience comes highly recommended, and the way there offers scenic views.
And here’s a handy tip: If you’re planning to visit Cafe Jardin and Mirador Cristo Rey, you can conveniently start your adventure from the trucha farm. I personally opted for this route and found it preferable to the traditional hike to Mirador Cristo Rey. Plus, it cleverly transforms your hike into a satisfying loop, eliminating the need to backtrack.
10. Visit the Rocas Bird Reserve
If you’re into bird watching or want to see a unique species, then head to La Reserva Natural Jardín de Rocas. It’s a small reserve where you can observe beautiful red birds, in English known as Andean Cocks of the Rock – what a name!
In reality, I know little about birds and I’m not a big fan of them. However, I decided to stop by the sanctuary as I was walking down from La Garrucha cable car. I figured it would be worth it to see los gallitos de roca. Admittedly though, after about 15 minutes, I got bored and left, but I do think this reserve is worth a visit if you’re interested. The birds are very unique and they’re not difficult to spot.
To visit you can walk out of the town to this location. The hours may change, so you may want to send a whatsapp to confirm. But typically I was told the birds are most active in the afternoon so it was open from 3:00 – 6:00 PM and cost 12K COP ($3 USD) to enter.
11. Take a tour of a coffee finca
A trip to Colombia is not complete in my opinion without touring a coffee farm and learning more about the process that sustains almost everyone’s morning. During a tour, you’re also able to try delicious coffee and see the beauty of the fincas.
Around Jardin, there are many coffee farms. The one I recommend is with Finca Mariposa which offers jeep transportation and has both English and Spanish tours. You can book with them on Airbnb here, although note they do have a two person minimum so if you’re a solo traveler they ask that you message them first to confirm they have others joining.
Otherwise there’s also Finca Cafetera Los Angeles which is also highly regarded. You can whatsapp them to reserve a tour (number on their website).
12. Visit Lesser Known Waterfalls
Cueva del Esplendor is not the only stunning waterfall in the region, there are many including Cacada La Escalera, Cascada Salto del Angel, Chorro Blanco and the falls at Cueva de los guacharos.
To visit these, especially as a solo traveler I suggest going with an agency as they will have a much needed jeep for the terrain and you can visit many falls in one day (depending on the tour). Tour agencies to check out who could take you to falls are Montañeros Viajes Y Aventuras and also Jardin EcoTours.
It is of course also possible to hike to them from the town, but I would definitely do so with a buddy. Some trails may not be so obvious, like to Chorro Blanco which is rarely visited, and you don’t want to get lost alone.
13. Go Paragliding
The most unique and adventurous way to witness the vastness of the mountains and valleys of Jardin is to paraglide. You’ll fly right over the town and enjoy a birdseye view of the rooftops below.
Paragliding is offered in many parts of Colombia like Medellin and other pueblos, so if you’ve been wanting to do it while in Colombia this is the time.
In Jardin, to take your tandem flight head to La Tienda del Parapente who have certified and experienced pilots.
WHERE TO EAT & Drink
In my opinion, half of the experience in Jardin is eating and taking it slow with a drink in hand. And for such a small town, there’s a lot of good culinary options:
El jardin de jardin
El jardin de jardin is so, so delicious and you’ll likely come here more than once. This lovely cafe adorned with art and plants is by far my favorite place to eat in Jardin. The menu is plant based but you don’t need to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy it. My diet is not restricted and I would choose the pesto wrap I ordered here over any chicken pesto wrap I’ve had in the past. I can’t rave about this place enough, and urge you to add it to the top of your list. It’s so delicious!
Cafe jardin
I mentioned hiking to Cafe Jardin earlier, but if you prefer to opt out of the physical activity it’s still worth it to take a tuk tuk there for the coffee and the views. They offer many sweet drinks and beer as well for the non-coffee drinkers.
Consulado Vegetal
Another plant based option, Consulado Vegetal is a restaurant inside Hotel Plantacion that serves delicious vegan and vegetarian options made with locally sourced ingredients.
Del Alto Cafe
A small cafe on a corner, Del Alto serves tasty sweets and rich coffee. They have comfortable seating to chill out and have wifi, so this is a good place to spend a rainy afternoon or wait for your bus.
Bon Appetit
If you’re searching for good pasta or a mix of options like noodles or tikka masala, then go to Bon Appetit. This is a popular restaurant near the plaza that is almost always recommended in Jardin. Their delicious plates are no secret and there’s little seating so make sure to go a bit earlier than prime dining time.
Cafe Europa
After showing up to Bon Appetit late when there was no seating, I headed to the plaza and settled on Cafe Europa right next to the basilica. I assumed that like most restaurants located on the most touristic street, that the food would be subpar. However, I was pleasantly surprised!
The pasta here was delicious and sitting outside on a cool night under the church’s lights tied the whole experience together. I definitely recommend Cafe Europa if you’re choosing somewhere within the plaza.
Oleo Bistro
For more upscale dining and elegant plates, Oleo Bistro is the perfect option servinging a long list of diverse dishes such as fish, meat, noodles, bowls and pastas.
Ambrosia Taller de Pan
A small bakery, Ambrosia Taller de Pan is a good place to stop in if you want to grab a quick pastry or treat. Their cookies are especially delicious!
Dulces de Jardin
There’s definitely a sweet tooth trend in this town and Dulces de Jardin is one of the main culprits. They serve pastries, cakes, chocolates and cookies all in a beautiful garden of plants sitting in rainbow colored pots.
De Los Andes Cafe
For a stunning overhead view of the plaza, go to De Los Andes Cafe where you can sip on a coffee from a terrace right across from the basilica.
Cafe Macanas
Like Dulces de Jardin, Cafe Macanas is very instagram worthy with its decorations but they also serve a delicious breakfast and tasty coffee.
An afternoon in El Jardin de Jardin
WHEN TO VISIT Jardin
Temperatures in Jardin, like Medellin, are pleasant throughout the year so you don’t need to worry excessively about the exact time to visit. Technically though the dry season is July – September and December – February. If you visit during the rainy season though it’s still totally worth it and may not even rain often.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WEATHER
Weather in Jardin is very moderate and year round is usually between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 – 26 degrees Celsius). Sometimes even during the dry season it will rain in the afternoons but only for a short bit. And it’s not usually humid at all, if anything I found the climate to be perfect.
How Long to stay in Jardin
It depends on how much you want to do, especially if you factor in some of the longer hikes to waterfalls. But usually I would say 3 days is the perfect amount in Jardin.
MORE SPECIFIC TIPS / FAQs
Do I need to know Spanish to visit Jardin?
If you’re wondering if people speak English here the answer is usually no. That doesn’t mean you need to be fluent in Spanish to get by and have a good time. But you may need to use Google translate and I suggest trying to converse in Spanish when needed; put that Duolingo to work!
How do I get back to Medellin from Jardin?
To get back to Medellin, take the bus back with Rapido Ochoa. There isn’t a bus terminal in Jardin, instead you’ll go to the Rapido Ochoa office, buy your ticket and the bus picks up passengers from there.
Are there ATM’s in Jardin?
Yes, there is a Davienda (the bank I recommend) and Servibanca ATM in Jardin. I didn’t use either since I came with enough cash from Medellin so I’m unsure about their functionality but I’d assume they work fine.
In general though, when I’m traveling to a smaller destination I make sure to have cash already on me just in case.
Are credit cards accepted in Jardin?
Credit cards are usually accepted at restaurants for larger meals, but otherwise at cafes, for entrance fees, smaller transactions and for the Cueva del Esplendor tour you needed to pay cash.
In general though, whenever I’m traveling to a smaller destination I make sure to have cash already on me just in case.
Is it better to visit Salento or Jardin?
If you’re planning your itinerary through Colombia and wondering which pueblo is better to visit, Salento or Jardin (both popular and beautiful), then my answer is: it depends. If you have an extended amount of time in the country, try to go to both. Jardin is actually on the way to Salento from Medellin so it works out well.
However, if you only have enough time to choose one, I’d say Salento. And not because I prefer it to Jardin. In fact I much prefer the town of Jardin over Salento.
But Salento does have Valle de Cocora which is a bucket list item for many to see. On the other hand, if you’re really short on time and coming from Medellin, Jardin is much closer.
What should I pack for a trip to Jardin?
Below I’ve listed a few items that you don’t want to forget to pack on a trip to Jardin
- Good walking shoes for hiking
- Functional clothing for walking around
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket
- A cute outfit or two for all the adorable places in Jardin
- Portable battery
- Cross-body sling
- Day bag
- Sunglasses
My recommendations
I hope this guide was helpful! Be sure to check out the rest of my resources for visiting Colombia and please leave and questions or comments below.
More Resources for Your Trip to Colombia
Planning your own trip? Here’s some resources I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Colombia along with some recommendations:
Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others, Hostelworld is the best place to search. Below are some of my recommendations, click to search for availability!
- Medellin: Hostel Rango Boutique OR Los Patios
- Cartagena: Life is Good Hostel
- Santa Marta: Viajero
- Minca: Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge OR Masaya Casas Viejas
- Salento: Coffee Tree Boutique
- Bogota: Cranky Croc Hostel
- Cali: Viajero Hostel & Salsa School
- Palomino: Casa Chapolin
Hotels
Booking.com is the way to go when search for hotels in Colombia because they typically offer free cancellation with plenty of affordable to more luxurious stays.
Flights
Flights to Colombia from the U.S. are typically the most affordable in South America to Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, or Cali. Domestic flights within Colombia also tend to be pretty affordable especially if traveling light. To find the best deal & prices I recommend using Skyscanner.
BUSES
The easiest way to search for and book buses in Colombia is with BusBud where you can easily compare options and use a platform in English. Check it out here.
Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for every trip, especially when coming to a destination like Colombia where you may be doing adventurous activities, taking a lot of buses, and theft may be a risk. Make sure your health, bookings, luggage, and belongings are covered. My go to is always WorldNomads which has a generous coverage and is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here. However if you’re looking for a cheaper option for travel medical emergency insurance, I suggest Safety Wing.
Tours & Experiences
There’s a lot of free thing to do in Colombia or experiences you can do on your own. I always recommend checking blog posts for inspiration. If you’re interested in tours though like a boat tour of Rosario Islands, a day trip to Guatape from Medellin, or a trek to the Lost City then I suggest checking on GetYourGuide & Viator.
Know Before You Go
Check out my Colombia Destination Page here for information on visas, health requirements, currency, outlets, and more.
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