A few days ago, I got back from 3 days in Jardín. The trips fresher in my mind than the coffee I just brewed; bought direct from the finca we stayed in.
I left so energised and fulfilled, I had to share (despite the 93286 articles on el Google).
So, if you’re looking for a complete Jardín plan or places to stay (budget & swanky), this post’s got you covered.
Day 1
Getting to Jardín from Medellín
We left Saturday morning; aiming for the 8:50am Rapido Ochoa leaving from Medellín’s Terminal del Sur. Naturally, we missed it. Nevermind. Turns out there are bare buses to Jardín. Instead, we got on the 9:30 Suroeste Antioqueño and settled into the 3.5 hour journey to Jardín.
As with most great plans, we had to improvise. This meant finding accommodation on the way to Jardín. We had the 2nd night at a swanky hotel sorted, but nothing for the first. The improvisation paid off ‘cos my friend found a hidden gem.
Finca La Mariana
In the town, we jumped in a moto taxi [Tuk-Tuk]. This would be the first of many Tuk-Tuk trips. And at 15mil a pop, make sure you’ve got cash. In fact, if you can’t withdraw at Banco Colombia, you’re gonna need it. Few places accept cards in Jardín and there’s no foreign card friendly BBVA.
One of 51617 Tuk Tuk rides in Medellín.
Juan, son of Finca La Mariana owner Don Jamie, greeted us with coffee picked from their land. We lucked out. The place is beautiful. And at only 70mil pesos a night for a double room, en suite bathroom and two pear coloured parrots, if you can, stay longer. I’d have loved to chill another day in the hammocks, in nature. Don Jamie also offers a coffee tour for 30 mil. I’ll be back another time for that.
La Finca Mariana, Jardín.
Mirador
The rain stopped hammering down long enough to head back to the town. We went straight to La Garrucha (cable car thing). It takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the town. There you can eat, drink, or play board games while day turns to night.
That little box takes you to the viewpoint…
Jardín from another perspective.
We organised tomorrow’s main event; La cueva del esplandor. We booked through the aptly named Cueva Del Esplendor agency for 60 mil per person.
Day 2
La cueva del esplandor
Straight after chocolate, arepa, eggs, and queso at the Finca, we Tuk-Tuked to the tour operator office.
Three jeeps worth of us made the ascent up the mountainside. The hike is short, but muddy. I’d suggest bringing welly boots or a change of shoes. Although the route is well maintained and there’s ropes to hang onto, you’ll need a steady step for the descent to the waterfall.
The tour’s super popular at the weekend.
Half-way to the waterfall!
La Cueva del Esplendor in all her glory.
A change of accommodation
We picked our things up from Finca La Mariana around 3pm. Next stop, Hotel Lago Valdivia Jardín. It’s not a budget option, but it books up quick– get your reservation in early. The only cabin available cost 390mil per night. There are other options ranging from 140 mil to 490 mil.
Hotel Lago Valdivia, Jardín.
Our cabaña for the night.
The view from the jacuzzi.
Day 3
Touristing in the pueblo
After the below epic breakfast at the hotel, we hit the pueblo again. This time to stroll around in the sun (it finally stopped raining). It’s easy to find cute coffee shops and places to eat in the pueblo, but if you want an Insta pic, go to Macanas next to the church (to the left of the entrance).
Jardín’s famous church and plaza.
This is inside Macanas. As insta worthy as they come!
La Truchera for lunch
Our final stop was lunch at La Argelia Truchera & Molienda. If you go, you’ve got to try the fresh trout and guandolo.
Fresher than fresh trout & guandolo (panela based drink)
En fin.
Lunch at the truchera capped off a perfect plan in Jardín. If I’d change anything, I’d stay an extra day at Don Jaime’s finca. He and his son had such a kind way about them. They epitomised the beautiful people in their beautiful country.
As always, drop me a comment or email if you have any questions. Looking for other adventures in Colombia? Check out more here.
Big love
Nick
