In brief
Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s majestic mountains, the heritage village of Jéricó emerges like a jewel preserved from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Located in the Antioquia region, Jéricó stands out for its colonial charm, cobbled streets and colorful houses that seem frozen in time. Its tranquil atmosphere and natural setting make it a popular destination for travelers in search of authenticity and serenity. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, the village also offers opportunities for adventure, with winding hiking trails leading to breathtaking panoramas. But beyond its natural beauty, Jéricó also has a rich cultural heritage, with centuries-old churches, ancestral traditions and coffee plantations. To visit Jéricó is to plunge into the very essence of Colombia, between history, nature and hospitality.
Jéricó
Our verdict: the gem of Antioquia not to be missed ★★★
Discovering Jéricó was our most memorable experience in Antioquia. Nestled in the Colombian mountains, this picturesque village is brimming with charm, tranquility and character. The cobbled streets lined with colorful, well-kept houses provide the perfect backdrop for getting lost and discovering the hidden treasures of this enchanting place. We were amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds Jéricó, with its breathtaking mountain scenery and hiking trails offering incredible panoramic views. The peaceful atmosphere and warmth of the local people made our stay unforgettable. The local desert (postre jericoano) convinced us that this is a fantastic place! Less touristy than its neighbor, Jardín, the village of Jericó is similar, but at the same time very different. It’s one of our favorite villages in Colombia, and we’re looking forward to returning!
When to visit Jericó
You can discover the village of Jericó at any time of year, and you’ll be enchanted by its picturesque charm and unique attractions, whatever time of year you choose.
Tourist traffic in Jericó: to enjoy a more peaceful experience during your visit to Jericó, it’s best to choose weekdays. Avoid busy periods such as December-January, Holy Week, weekends and public holidays, as these attract a lot of people (mostly Colombians, few foreign tourists). Despite this, Jericó remains a quiet, less crowded place than other popular destinations such as Salento, Guatapé or Jardín.
Climate in Jericó: Jericó’s climate is generally mild, temperate and pleasant all year round. Daytime temperatures generally vary between 20°C and 25°C, offering comfortable days for exploring the village and its surroundings. Nights can be a little cooler, with temperatures sometimes dipping to around 10°C, especially in the cooler months. As for rainfall, Jericó generally receives rain throughout the year, although the wettest months are generally April to June and September to November. However, even during the rainy season, showers are often short and can be followed by sunny spells. December, January, February, July and August are the driest months.
Legend: Blue: transport – Yellow: activities & visits – Green: accommodation – Orange: restaurants
History of Jericó
Perched high above the coffee-growing region of southwest Antioquia, the charming town of Jericó is a veritable bastion of highland culture, offering visitors an immersion in the fascinating rural traditions of the paisas (inhabitants of the Eje Cafetero, the coffee region).
Pre-Columbian period and Spanish conquest
The origins of the Jericó population can be traced in part to the Embera community, an indigenous group currently established in the Pacific region of Colombia (Choco department). Their way of life was based on hunting, fishing and agriculture. They lived in conical huts and wore guayucos, blankets and necklaces. Their crafts included pottery, spinning and weaving.
According to historical accounts, the Spanish expedition led by Don Juan Badillo, a conquistador with a passion for adventure, named this place Gori, when they discovered that it was inhabited by natives. Later, Don Francisco César, who arrived in the Jericó region in the mid-16th century (1540), did not settle there due to the absence of vast gold deposits. At the time, these mountainous lands were covered by impenetrable jungles and largely unexplored.
Land settlement and the modern era
In 1825, eleven men submitted a proposal to the government of the province of Antioquia for the purchase of vacant land in most of southwestern Antioquia.
In 1835, a decision was made in favor of the four survivors among the eleven applicants: Don Juan Santamaría Isaza, Don Gabriel Echeverri, Don Alejo Santamaría and Don Juan Uribe Mondragón, marking the beginning of the colonization of southwest Antioquia.
Between 1835 and 1840, Don Juan Santamaría twice explored the uncultivated lands, giving them the name “Piedras”. He also oversaw the arrival of the first two settlers in the Jericoano area: Esteban Osorio and José María Bermúdez, who began clearing La Mama, the place where the municipality’s industrial and social activity was born, welcoming the first two families.
Official foundation
In 1850, this Antioquia locality was granted municipal status, and two years later, after the construction of a straw chapel, its urban layout was established with the main square as its central point, giving rise to its first streets and naming the parish neighborhood of Jericó, under the patronage of the Virgin of Las Mercedes.
Today, the city’s elegant Republican architecture invites you to stroll its picturesque streets. Explore its many historic buildings and enjoy the town’s award-winning coffee in one of its many gourmet cafés. The heart of Jericó beats around its main square, dominated by an imposing brick church. Colorful houses with wooden balconies typical of the Antiquity colonization add to the picturesque charm. Some of these traditional houses have been converted into museums, offering visitors exhibitions on architecture and art.
Jericó is also a popular destination for religious tourism, as the birthplace of Mother Laura, the first Colombian saint recognized for her work with remote indigenous communities. You can visit her childhood home, now a small museum and shrine. María Laura de Jesús Montoya Upegui, known as Mother Laura, Catholic educator and missionary, was born in Jericó. In December 2012, the evaluation committee for the canonization process confirmed a second miracle attributed to her intercession, thus fulfilling the requirements for her canonization as the country’s first saint.
What to see and do in Jericó
In Jericó
Jericó invites you on an authentic adventure full of charm. Stroll along its cobbled streets lined with colorful houses with flower-filled balconies and feel its warm, peaceful atmosphere. Discover the majestic Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes cathedral, an architectural gem from the mid-20th century, as well as the Santuario Santa Laura with its beautiful blue ceiling. Immerse yourself in local history and culture by visiting emblematic sites such as the House-Museum of Mother Laura, Colombia’s first saint, or the 3 MAJA mini-museums. In Jericó, every corner holds a new surprise to discover, promising an unforgettable experience in the heart of Colombia.
GUIDES & AGENCIES
Kaanas Travel is a travel agency run by Cathy, a Frenchwoman who has lived in the region for several years. It offers guided tours in and around Jericó. Culture, tradition and adventure!
Parque Principal
The Parque Principal is the real hub of Jericó, surrounded by beautifully preserved colonial buildings and shady benches. It’s the perfect place to relax, observe the daily life of the locals and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the village, while enjoying the many cafés and restaurants.
Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes Cathedral
This majestic red-brick church, dedicated to Notre-Dame des Miséricordes, is a symbol of the region’s faith and history. Built between 1949 and 1969 in the Romantic-Modern style, it is impressive in its size, in keeping with the relatively small size of the village. It is located right next to the main park.
Santuario de Santa Laura
A beautiful Gothic-style church on the outskirts of Jericó, built in 1943 and renamed after the canonization of Santa Laura in 2013. Its style is surprising: candy-pink walls and a pastel-blue ceiling. Surprising and pleasant. The most beautiful church in the village, it’s well worth a detour.
Casa Natal de Santa Laura Montoya Upegui
This house is the birthplace of Mother Laura Montoya, Colombia’s first saint, born in 1874 and canonized in 2013. Now a museum, you can discover her legacy through artifacts and historical documents. She dedicated her life to the indigenous communities of Choco, defending their rights.
San Francisco Chapel
San Francisco is a (very) small chapel, but also the oldest in the village. Inside, a magnificent wooden altar carved in the 1920s enchants the eye. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the chapel is more likely to be open.
Mirador Morro El Salvador
The Mirador Morro El Salvador is a viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Jericó and its picturesque surroundings. Located on Mount El Salvador, this viewpoint can be reached by a short, pleasant and fairly easy walk through the botanical gardens.
Los Balsos Botanical Garden
A beautiful place with several small trails and a multitude of plant species such as palms, orchids and so on. It’s a tranquil spot with plenty of perfect spots for taking photos or relaxing. A path leads directly to the Morro El Salvador viewpoint.
Free
Open every day from 06h00 to 18h00
Museum of Religious Art
The museum is housed in the cathedral. The centerpiece, with almost 3,000 pieces, is the Virgen de las Mercedes, brought from Quito. Religious works include croziers, chalices, crucifixes, banners, lecterns, lecterns and Roman missals.
3,000 COP / person
Every day except Wednesday, from 10am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
José Tomas Uribe Abad Museum (MAJA)
This museum pays tribute to José Tomás Uribe Abad, an illustrious local figure known for his commitment to education and culture. It is housed in a colonial house dedicated to the life and work of José Tomás Uribe Abad, who lived there for several years. The museum houses a varied collection of historical objects and works of art.
5,000 COP / pers. or 12,000 COP access to 3 MAJA museums
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
Wednesday 8am to 1pm / Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm
House of Music (MAJA)
For many years, Mr. Álvaro Arango Gaviria, on his travels abroad for work or tourism, was interested in acquiring musical instruments of different families and origins until he arrived at a collection. This collection can be seen at the Maison de la Musique (1st floor).
5,000 COP / pers. or 12,000 COP access to 3 MAJA museums
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
Wednesday 8am to 1pm / Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm
Museum of Anthropology (MAJA)
This heritage building is a prototype of Antiquarian colonial architecture, built in 1906 and enlarged and restored in 2012. Today, the entire space (1,000m2) is dedicated to MAJA’s cultural projection work, and features six exhibition rooms showcasing ancient artifacts, traditional handicrafts, historical photographs and more.
5,000 COP / pers. or 12,000 COP access to 3 MAJA museums
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
Wednesday 8am to 1pm / Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm
Bomarzo Cultural Center
The Bomarzo Cultural Center offers a variety of activities such as art exhibitions, creative workshops, concerts, film screenings and various cultural events. It is a meeting place for artists, as well as art and culture lovers, offering an enriching and stimulating experience for all who visit.
Free
Closed Mondays / Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There is currently no café-bar
Calles Ochenta Escalas and Cien Escalas
2 sections of pedestrian streets, with lovely staircases between the old stone of the steps and the colonial houses on the sides. Less than 5 minutes from the main square, it’s a must-see (it’ll help your digestion too!).
Carrieles stores (typical bags)
The carriel (or guarniel, as it was originally called) is a leather bag produced by paisas (Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío regions), and not just in Jericó. There are plenty of stores, and it’s hard to miss them.
Around Jericó
Nestled in the majestic mountains of Colombia’s Antioquia region, Jericó offers a plethora of captivating activities for travelers eager to explore. This charming colonial town features colorful cobblestone streets, preserved colonial houses and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Around Jericó, the lush green landscapes and surrounding mountains offer the perfect terrain for adventure, with endless possibilities for hiking, discovering hidden waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views, including paragliding. Coffee lovers can explore the surrounding coffee plantations and samplesome of the best coffee in the world. Here are a few suggestions.
Fincas de café (finca de Ariel, La Nohelia)
A visit to the coffee fincas in Jericó offers a fascinating immersion in the world of Colombian coffee. These farms offer visitors the opportunity to discover the process of growing, harvesting and processing coffee, from planting to roasting. We opted for the finca de Ariel, offering an incredible view of the Cauca canyon.
Finca de Ariel : take a 4*4 from the central square at 06:30 or 11:00, for a 1-hour journey (8,000 COP/person one way).
Cost of visit (3h): COP 50,000 / person (with meal)
Jericó is a beautiful paragliding site, allowing visitors to fly over the majestic mountains of the Antioquia region while enjoying spectacular views of the city and the Cauca canyon. Thrill-seekers can take to the skies from the surrounding hills, accompanied by experienced pilots who guarantee a safe adventure.
2 companies: Ecoland or Nube Extrema
Tested with Ecoland and very satisfied.
200,000 to 250,000 COP / person flight
Las Nubes Nature Reserve (Mirador)
From the village, it’s possible to visit the mountains to the north, which form a nature reserve. A 1-hour hike up to 2,400m altitude (for people used to hiking) offers different views of the surrounding area (sometimes partially hidden by vegetation). Nice to do in the morning to avoid the heat.
Free, easy to do on your own. Start from calle 6 to the north.
Duration (round trip): 2h-2h30 / Difficulty: medium
Balneario Las Playas (Rio Piedras)
A small river, the Rio Piedras, runs just south of the village, where you can swim at the “Las Playas” site. Locals also go there. If it’s hot and you want to cool off, this is the nearest option.
Distance: 5km. Get there by tuktuk and return to the village on foot.
GUIDES & AGENCIES
Kaanas Travel is a travel agency run by Cathy, a Frenchwoman who has lived in the region for several years. It offers guided tours in and around Jericó. Culture, tradition and adventure!
How to get to Jericó
Jericó can be reached directly by public transport from Medellín, 108 km away, or from Jardín (35 km). There are no direct routes from cities such as Armenia, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali or Santa Marta. Nor from other villages like Salento or Guatapé.
The nearest airports to Jericó are :
– Medellín’s Enrique Olaya Herrera airport (in the city) 108 km away.
– Medellín Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (outside the city, near Rionegro) 130 km away.
Getting to Jericó from Medellín
| Company | Jericó Pueblorrico Tarso S.A.S. |
| Opening hours | 5.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. – Buses every 40 minutes approx. |
| Departure point | Terminal del Sur, Medellín |
| Arrival | Carrera 4 (next to the Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes cathedral), Jericó |
| Duration | 3h |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 37,500 COP / person |
Getting to Jericó from Jardín
- Bus from Jardín to Andes
Company: Suroeste, Rapido Ochoa
Opening hours: 06:30 to 17:45
Departure point: company offices on calle 8
Arrival: terminal de transportes, Andes
Duration: 30 minutes
Price (one-way): 7,000 – 10,000 COP / person - Bus from Andes to Jericó
Company: chiva (colorful wooden bus)
Times: departures at 08:00 and 14:00
Departure point: terminal de transportes, Andes
Arrival: Carrera 4 (next to the Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes cathedral), Jericó
Duration: 2h-2h30
Price (one-way): 19,000 COP / person
Getting to Jericó from Manizales
- Bus from Manizales to La Pintada (or bus to Medellín with stop at La Pintada)
Company: Empresa Arauca, Flota Ospina, Transporte Sideral
Opening hours: 04:30 to 20:30
Departure point: terminal de transportes, Manizales
Arrival: terminal de transportes, La Pintada
Running time: 03h30 minutes
Price (one-way): 35,000 COP / person - Bus from La Pintada to Jericó
Times: departures at 06:00 and 17:30
Duration: 1 hour
Price (one-way): COP 15,000 / person
Where to stay in Jericó?
Here’s a selection of accommodation that will let you discover all the magic of this enchanting village. From cosy inns to charming hotels, Jericó has accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. And often in beautifully maintained colonial buildings!
Of course, you won’t find any luxurious five-star hotels or sumptuous palaces, but Jericó is full of charming establishments with a dozen or so rooms, offering tasteful decor and attentive service.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Hostal El Fin del Afán
A peaceful refuge close to the main square, welcoming and family-friendly. Spotless, comfortable dormitories. Ideal for relaxing, meeting new people and recharging your batteries.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Parcerito’s Hostel
The hostel’s atmosphere is exceptional, thanks to the kindness and availability of the manager, Leif. Clean, with several relaxation areas, and close to the main square.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Juhalu
Juan Felipe is a friendly host! Breakfast is generous and nights are quiet. The center of Jericó is a 10-minute walk from the botanical gardens.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Madre Laura Jericó
Nice, quiet building with small, simple rooms, comfortable beds and good cleanliness. Helpful staff. Please note, no breakfast available.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
El Despertar Hotel
The hotel is well located, organized around a patio that guarantees peace and quiet. The colonial-style rooms are pleasant and take us back in time. Superb views from the terrace.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel (cabins)
Cabañas y Flores
Mario and Dione are exceptional hosts, as is Sergio, who always looks after you! The Finca’s location is superb: a 15-minute walk from town.
Where to eat in Jericó (and local gastronomy)?
The gastronomy of Jericó and Antioquia is a sensory journey through the traditional flavors of Colombia. Local dishes feature fresh local ingredients, such as corn, kidney beans and meat (lots of meat). In the cobbled streets of Jericó, visitors can savor regional specialties such as bandeja paisa, arepa antioqueña and tamales.
Postre jericoano, the local dessert: a seven-layer fruit dessert containing ripe papaya, green papaya, pineapple, panela caramelized figs, grapefruit peel and coconut, on a base of arequipe (a kind of condensed milk) and cake, and soaked in alcohol. A blend that makes it incomparable. To eat it, head for Jose’s pizzeria (10,000 COP for a single portion), a very small restaurant whose family originated this dessert almost 120 years ago!
Dulces de Cardamomo, cardamom sweets: dulces de cardamomo are sweet delicacies that incorporate the subtle, fragrant flavor of the cardamom plant. These confections are prepared by mixing sugar with ground cardamom seeds, then heating them until a thick syrup is obtained. This mixture is then poured into molds and left to cool until hardened. There are different fruit flavors: grape, mango, mango, etc. To try and buy some, head for the family-run tienda Dulces el Jericoano, not far from the main square (3,000 COP for a small pack of 25).
