In brief
Nestled in the heart of the majestic Colombian Andes in the department of Antioquia, lies Jardín, a picturesque gem imbued with charm, tradition and natural beauty. Cradled by breathtaking scenery and an atmosphere imbued with authenticity, the town attracts travelers in search of escape and authentic discovery.
With its traditional colonial-style houses and lively squares, Jardín offers a true journey back in time. But beyond its captivating aesthetics, this destination also reveals an incomparable natural wealth, with majestic waterfalls, verdant valleys and bewitching hiking trails surrounded by coffee trees. A visit to Jardín also means discovering one of the country’s 17 heritage villages, without having to deal with a large influx of tourists.
Jardín
Our verdict: the soul of Colombia in a majestic setting ★★★
Jardín, a picturesque Colombian village nestled in the mountains, offers a tranquil, authentic getaway for travelers in search of nature and local charm. Colorful houses with traditional architecture and lively squares create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but with fewer tourists than Salento. Hikers will be enchanted by the green hills, majestic waterfalls and hiking trails offering spectacular panoramic views from viewpoints. The La Escalera nature reserve attracts nature lovers with its diversity of birds and lush flora, while adventure enthusiasts can enjoy paragliding and horseback riding. When it comes to accommodation and dining, Jardín offers a variety of options to suit all budgets, showcasing authentic Colombian cuisine.
When to visit Jardín
The village of Jardín can be visited at any time of year.
Tourist traffic in Jardín: for a more peaceful experience, it’s best to choose weekdays to visit Jardín. It’s best to avoid December-January, Holy Week, weekends and public holidays, as these periods are very busy. Nevertheless, Jardín remains a more relaxed and less crowded place than Salento, Guatapé or Villa de Leyva, for example.
Climate in Jardín: prepare yourself for the unpredictability of an equatorial climate, characterized by a temperate atmosphere and frequent rainfall throughout the year. The climate in Jardín is mild, generally warm and temperate, with annual rainfall of around 5557 mm. The ideal seasons to visit Jardín are the dry seasons, between December and February, and between July and August. Even during the rainy season, rainfall is generally fairly short, often limited to short afternoon showers. Temperatures remain pleasant throughout the year (25*c during the day), providing a welcoming climate for visitors. Nights are a little chilly (around 10*c).
Major event in Jardín:
– Festival de la Rosa (May/June): Jardín’s Rose festivities were originally celebrated over the Epiphany long weekend. They have been moved to coincide with the first long weekend in June, but may vary depending on the municipal administration.
– Festival de Cine (September): this festival showcases national and international films, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to discover a variety of cinematic works in a picturesque, authentic setting.
– Halloween (October 31): discover the creativity and festivities that take place in Jardín every year on October 31, Halloween or Witch’s Night.
Legend: Blue: transport terminal – Yellow: activities & visits – Green: accommodation – Orange: restaurants
History of Jardín
Located in the western foothills of Colombia, Jardín emerges like a heritage jewel in the heart of the majestic Andean mountains. Nestled in the Antioquia region, this picturesque village offers an enchanting blend of history, culture and unspoilt natural landscapes. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a tourist destination, Jardín has undergone a remarkable evolution, shaped by indigenous and Spanish influences and the rise of tourism.
Jardín, with its rich history and timeless charm, embodies the very essence of traditional Colombia.
Origins: indigenous heritage and Spanish foundation
Among the indigenous peoples present in our territory at that time were the Caramantas family, a group of the Caribe family belonging to the Chocó group, and the Chamí tribe, part of the Emberá Chocó group, also known as the Docatóes, in reference to the lands of the Docató River (salt river), today known as the San Juan River. Theindigenous descendants of the Embera-Chamí tribe who have survived to the present day reside in the famous Cristianía indigenous reserve, located 11 kilometers from the municipal capital of Jardín.
In 1848, with the second wave of colonization in Antioquia and the establishment of the municipality of Concordia, the process of colonizing several municipalities in southwestern Antioquia began. Settlers in the new Concordia were encouraged by land allocations made under Antioquia’s legislation, which had promoted colonization since 1834.
In 1852, land was distributed to the population of the village of Andes. It wasn’t until 1860 that Mr. Indalencio Pelaez and his wife Clara Echeverri set off for what was to become the municipality of Jardin.
The origin of the name “Jardin” is linked to the stories that emerged when the founders arrived from what is now Alto de las Flores, village of Sietecueros. Seeing the then jungle-dense valley, filled with white yarumos and crossed by two streams, they exclaimed, “This is a garden!” as they stayed in this territory, more precisely at a spot now occupied by the Comfenalco family compensation fund, then known as Hacienda El Jardin.
Foundation of Jardín
Here, founder Don Indalencio Pelaez assembled a working team to give structure and form to the territory, making important decisions onarchitecture, housing and village layout. In addition to the founding group, individuals came from the municipalities of Rionegro, Fredonia, Amaga, Venecia, San Vicente, as well as a number of settlers from Sonsón, Abejorral, Pácora, Fredonia and Medellín, who were grouped into villages.
At first, Jardín was administratively linked to the wealthy neighboring municipality of Andes, and it took a considerable process before, on May 23, 1863, it was deemed right and necessary to give a name and identity to this region located in the western mountain range, christening it “El Jardín” Antioquia.
In 1864, the rector of the University of Antioquia, the priest José María Gómez Ángel, arrived in the region with two other priests, all fleeing Medellín due to persecution carried out against them by General Mosquera, the disputed ruler. José María Gómez Ángel laid out the town in a checkerboard pattern and began to build houses of wall and brick, establishing an order that has had a positive impact on what is today the city.
Urban development and earthquakes
Colonial architecture remains one of Jardín’s most striking features. Colorful houses with flower-filled balconies and red-tiled roofs recall the Spanish era and add a touch of the picturesque to every street corner. The main square, with its imposing church and arcades, is the heart of the village and a must-see for visitors.
Thechurch of Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception, built in the early 20ᵉ century, is a true architectural gem. Its interior is adorned with magnificent gilded altars and religious sculptures, testifying to the region’s rich artistic heritage.
In addition to the church, Jardín is packed with small heritage treasures, such as ancient bridges, stone fountains and well-preserved traditional houses, offering a fascinating glimpse of daily life in a bygone era.
In 1979, the community of Jardín was struck by one of its worst tragedies, an earthquake that caused the destruction of one of the basilica’s towers, the entire Founder’s Park and over 250 houses in the town center. In spite of this, the city managed to recover thanks to the solidarity and resilience of its inhabitants.
Heritage conservation and tourism
Gradually, Jardín developed a distinct aesthetic, blending colonial, republican and colorful elements, shaping the town that is now recognized as a national monument, in accordance with National Decree 1132 of 1985, issued under the presidency of Belisario Betancur Cuartas. It is also part of the network of heritage cities and has been certified as a sustainable tourist destination. Jardín is truly the pearl of southwest Antioquia, an enchanting city that attracts visitors from all over the world.
In recent decades, Jardín has embraced tourism as an opportunity for economic development while preserving its natural and cultural heritage. The village has become a popular destination for travelers seeking authenticity and natural beauty. Local authorities have adopted heritage preservation policies that have helped maintain traditional architecture and protect the surrounding natural areas.
Jardín offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors. Hiking in the surrounding mountains offers breathtaking views of the valley below, with its many waterfalls. Coffee lovers can visit coffee plantations to learn more about the production process of Colombia’s world-renowned coffee. In addition, horseback rides through the verdant countryside allow visitors to discover the region’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
What to see and do in Jardín
In Jardín
In Jardín, there are many captivating points of interest worth exploring. Here is a selection of the must-see sites in the village.
GUIDES & AGENCIES
Alejandra, fromHablea, a French-speaking Colombian, can guide you during your stay in Jardín.
For nature and/or extreme sports-oriented activities, it’s best to use local agencies such as Jardín Ecotours or Jardin de Aventura.
Parque Principal El Libertador
The heart of Jardín is its main square, where you can stroll around, soaking up the local atmosphere and admiring the colorful architecture of the surrounding houses. The park is also a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
Free
Open 24/24h
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
This magnificent church, built in the early 20th century, is an emblematic symbol of Jardín. Its colonial architecture and richly decorated altars make it a must-see for lovers of history and religious art.
Free
Thu. to Tue. 8am to 5pm / Wed. closed
La Garrucha
La Garrucha is a rustic cable car linking the village to a nearby mountain in the Serranías district. Offering spectacular panoramic views, it’s a popular tourist attraction offering a fun experience in just a few minutes. The view of the village is just as beautiful, and it’s also possible to enjoy a coffee (or whatever).
10,000 COP / person (round trip)
Mon. to Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Sat. and Sun. 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Reserva Natural Jardín de Rocas
A sort of large garden converted into a natural refuge, home to a variety of endemic flora and fauna. A place to contemplate the Rock Rooster (Rupicola peruvianus) in the midst of its natural habitat, and in silence and calm. The garden is fairly simple, but still interesting for foreigners.
15,000 COP / person
Every day from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Museo Casa de la Cultura Clara Rojas Pérez
It is made up of two distinct sections: one houses a building representative of traditional Antioquia housing, where you’ll find the craft store, tourist office, historical archives and antiques museum. The other houses, among other buildings, the Gabriel Peláez Montoya municipal library.
Currently closed
Around Jardín
Other fascinating sites to discover near Jardín include the following destinations. There’s plenty of nature on the programme, so get your crampons ready!
La Argelia – Panela tour
The famous trout restaurant also produces panela. It’s possible to observe the production process as the workers go about their work. It’s not really a tourist tour in the sense that there are no explanations provided.
Free
Variable times. To be seen on site.
Reserva Loro Orejiamarillo
Located around 1 hour from Jardín, the nature reserve was created on May 6, 2006 to guarantee the survival and promote conservation actions for the yellow-eared parakeet and wax palm, the national tree in danger of extinction. 1-hour guided tour.
Saturday only (departure at 05:30 from central square)
100,000 COP / person (donation)
Reserva Orquídeas
The Colombian Orchid Society has purchased 200 hectares near the village, dedicated to the conservation of flora and fauna, including orchids, which are natural indicators of forest health.
Can be done on a tour or on your own (guide on site).
Miradors
The area around Jardín is dotted with viewpoints offering beautiful views of the village, such as the Mirador Cristo Rey just next door or the Mirador El Bosque. The panorama is even more beautiful on cloudy days.
Can be done on a tour or on your own (guide on site).
Cascades
Jardín is a paradise for waterfall lovers (but the water is cool!): Salto del Ángel waterfall, La Escalera, Las Tinajas, Chorro Blanco, Cueva esplendor, and more. There’s a 7-8 hour hike called “7 cascades”, which is a great way to get to know the area.
Can be done on a tour or on your own (guide on site).
Beware of non-existent markers. Significant physical effort.
Paragliding
Experience the magic of flying over the Antioquia Valley at Jardín, offering an exuberant landscape with its green mountains and the village lost at the bottom of the valley. The flight takes around 15 minutes. 15 minutes to feel like a condor, master of the Andes.
From 190,000 COP / person
Via one tour only
Finca de café
Come and visit a coffee farm where you can discover the whole process, from planting to tasting, and appreciate the art of producing top-quality coffee. Recommended fincas include Los Ángeles and Mariposa.
Can be done on a tour or on your own (guide on site).
From 115,000 COP / person (via tour)
Beekeeping tour
You’ll be immersed in over 18 species of native bees, discovering their fascinating world. As an added bonus, you’ll be able to visit the Apis beehive, which requires a special protective suit because of its stingers.
Can be done on a tour or on your own (guide on site).
From 125,000 COP / person (via tour)
Horseback riding
You can take a 2 to 6-hour horseback ride through the surrounding mountains for a picturesque experience of the Colombian countryside.
Via tour only
From 115,000 COP / person
Canyoning and Canopy
For adrenaline junkies, some local agencies offer zip-line courses right on the outskirts of the village, or canyoning around it.
Via tour only
From 35,000 COP / person
GUIDES & AGENCIES
Alejandra, fromHablea, a French-speaking Colombian, can guide you during your stay in Jardín.
For nature and/or extreme sports-oriented activities, it’s best to use local agencies such as Jardín Ecotours or Jardin de Aventura.
How to get to Jardín
The village of Jardín can only be reached from one major city, Medellín, by following the tourist routes usually taken by travellers. Surrounding villages such as Jericó also feed directly into Jardín.
Any bus journey to Jardín systematically involves a compulsory change in Medellín. Consequently, there are no direct routes (with no change of bus) from cities such as Armenia, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali or Santa Marta. Similarly, bus changes will be required from villages such as Salento (with a change at Riosucio or La Pintada) or Guatapé (with a change at Medellín).
The village of Jardín is served by two nearby airports: Medellín’s Enrique Olaya Herrera airport (EOH), 73.1 kilometers away, and Medellín’s Jose Maria Cordova airport (MDE), 76.9 kilometers away.
Getting to Jardín from Medellín
| Bus company | Rapido Ochoa, Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño |
| Departure | Approximately every 45 minutes from 05:40 to 18:45 |
| Departure point | Medellín, Terminal del Sur |
| Arrival | Jardín, bus company office (near Parque Principal) |
| Duration | Approx. 3h30 |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 40,000 COP / person |
Getting to Jardín from Jericó
| Bus company | Chiva (colourful old bus), you have to pay the driver directly |
| Departure | 07h00 or 14h00 |
| Departure point | Carrera 4 (next to the Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes cathedral), Jericó |
| Arrival | Main square or company offices at calle 8, Jardín |
| Duration | 3h |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 31,000 COP / person |
Getting to Jardín from Salento
- Salento to Riosusio (stop in Pereira but no change of bus)
Companies: Flota Occidental
Departure at 09:40 from the (small) Salento terminal
Duration: 04:00 (arrival around 13:40)
Price (one way): 38,000 COP / person - Riosusio to Jardín
Company: Cootransrio (chiva, coloured bus)
Departure: 15:00
Duration: 04:00
Price (one way): 37,000 COP / person
Where to stay in Jardín?
We recommend staying in the heart of the village, to be close to restaurants, terminals, tour departure points, or near the squares to enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful village. Jardín is touristy enough to offer a varied range of hotels at all price points. There’s no need to look for 5-star hotels or palaces, but there are some nice hotels with ten or so rooms, well-decorated and well-serviced, as well as budget hotels and youth hostels.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Sergeant Pepper’s Hostel
Friendly hostel located in a renovated traditional house, with basic rooms. Close to the main square, it offers easy access to transport and amenities.
$ – Economical budgeting
Guest house
Hospedaje en Esplendor
Daniel, the host, has 6 rooms in a quiet street, but close to the main sites. The staff is top-notch. The rooms are simple but impeccable. Well-equipped kitchen.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Gulupa Ecolodge
This out-of-town ecolodge offers a peaceful getaway experience in a spectacular natural setting. It offers comfortable accommodation and outdoor activities.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Dulce Campestre
Beautiful hotel, architecture, colorful. Excellent location, in the center of town but away from the hustle and bustle of the park. Staff attention was excellent. Very good breakfast.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Casa Passiflora
Spacious, renovated rooms with modern and traditional Colombian decor, very warm and well-equipped. Very friendly and respectful staff. The breakfast included is delicious.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Plantación
You’ll be greeted by gentle staff in a beautiful setting, rich in plants, colors and Colombian decorations, reflecting their commitment to sustainability (and vegetarian food).
Where to eat in Jardín
The gastronomic offerings in Jardín, Colombia, embody both the richness of its local culture and international gastronomy. Although it doesn’t offer Michelin-starred restaurants, the dining options for a small village are quite extensive, and there’s plenty to keep your pallet happy. Whether in the picturesque restaurants of the town center, the lively street stalls or the welcoming homes of the locals, Jardín’s gastronomic offering invites travelers to discover a veritable symphony of flavors and culinary traditions.
