Jardin is a small village located in the southernmost part of the department of Antioquia. Unlike many other hamlets in the country, Jardin has remained largely unchanged since established 140 years ago. Less than 20,000 people inhabit Jardin, in the past most dedicated their lives to grow coffee, plantains, beans and sugarcane. Today many will be glad to show you their town and surroundings. Mean daily temperatures are 19__C with moderate humidity. Days are comfortable while nights are colder and a jacket/sweater is required. The area of the municipality is 224 kms2 (87 mi2).

Get in

By bus

  • From ''Terminal Sur'' [http://www.terminaldelsur.com/transporte.htm] in Medellin take a bus of '''Transporte Suroeste Antioqueno Andes-Jardin''' to the last destination. Trip duration 3 hours. Price 10,000 pesos (5 USD). Phone +57 4 361 1998 or +57 4 232 1923.
  • ''Rapido Ochoa'' [http://www.rapidoochoa.com] also travels to Jardin from the same bus terminal. Phone +57 4 444 8888.
  • From Riosucio in the department of Caldas (South of Antioquia) take a small bus - once daily - to Jardin.
  • By car

  • Departing from Medellin take ''Autopista Sur'' through the towns of Caldas, Amaga, Bolombolo, Hispania and Andes. It will take 2.5 hours for the distance of 134 km.
  • From Riosucio (Caldas - make a note this is a different 'Caldas' that the one mentioned above) drive north through a small and dirty road suitable only for 4x4's and jeeps. Trip duration 2 hours.
  • By taxi

    Sharing a taxi with 4 people to go from Medellin to Jardin is also commonplace. They pick you up in your hotel or home. Rates are competitive. Phone +57 4 845 5310 or +57 4 361 7935

    Get around

    By moto-raton

    Ride a '''moto-raton''' - a tiny cart pulled by a motorcycle - for fun or for transportation in town and to nearby destinations. These drivers can take you as far as the trout restaurant or to visit the native tribe.

    By cable car

    Jardin is located in the Andean mountains and this city pioneered the new wave of '''Cable Car systems''' Colombia is living. The 2 Cable cars in town are popular for both commuting and tourist transportation [http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_(Antioquia)].

    Walk

    Hiking is most pleasurable in Jardin due to the comfortable weather.

    See

  • Visit the first nation people of the ''Embera-Chami'' tribe just 10 minute away from the town center, or go to their old cemetery in ''Morro Amarillo''.
  • Over a century ago people from the central and eastern area of Antioquia started moving south and conquering this unsettled land, this migration is called the 'Colonizacion Antioquena'. The new towns grew with a characteristic '''architecture''' and Jardin is a fine example of such. ''Balconies'' and doors are in wood painted in colorful reds, blues and yellows, in sharp contrast with the white walls of the homes.
  • The main church dominates the plaza, the town and the whole scenery. Its neogothic style couples perfectly with the materials used to build it: hard rocks from a nearby river.
  • Museum ''Casa de la Cultura'' along the main plaza. Phone +57 4 845 5745.
  • Do

  • Countryside journeys to many creeks, ponds and caves (''Cueva esplendor'' a 3 hour-walk).
  • Just hang around the main plaza, listed as a National Monument - together with the basilica -. There are more than 20 cafes and bars with wood-and-leather tables and chairs to sit outdoors and have a cup of coffee, a soda or as many do: your favorite liquor.
  • Visit nearby hills, ''Alto de las Flores'' is close by and offers nice views of town.
  • Countryside paintball has become popular in the last few years. The scenery is beautiful and it is great fun. Rates: 6 USD for 90 shots. Camouflage, helmet and guns included. Phone +57 312 286 3243 or +57 300 610 9939
  • Buy

    The area's handcrafts are basic. The most popular is ''Carriel Paisa'' a handbag with a wide shoulder strap used for carrying money and small personal articles. This bags have many tiny hidden pockets to conceal the valuables: think the 'old & wild west'. The outside cover is finished in hairy leather, a distinctive trait.

    Eat

    In town

  • Restaurante '''El Zodiaco''' has been around for almost 30 years. The food is basic, the place is clean. Location: Calle del Medio, half a block down from the main plaza. Phone + 574 845 5615
  • Restaurante '''El Dorado''' Phone + 574 845 5556
  • In the country

    Five kilometers (3 miles) away from town you will find a couple of creeks and ponds with rainbow trout. The restaurants nearby offer delicious recipes, you can catch your own trout and they will cook it for you. Phone + 574 845 5159

    Drink

    The many bars and cafes around the main plaza should suffice anyones' thirst.

    Sleep

    In Town

    Accommodations are usually simple and basic, but quite clean and staffed with helpful people. ''Hotel'' here usually refers to what you will consider a ''hostel''.

  • '''Hotel Hacienda Balandu''' Although small it is probably the only true hotel. Located just outside the village offers the most comfortable stay with private rooms, restaurant, swimming pool, parking area. Transportation is needed to got to the main plaza. Usually quieter than the hostels downtown. Phone + 574 845 6848 or +574 845 5561
  • '''Hotel Jardin''' Right in the heart of town, classic architecture, nice views. The rooms facing the plaza are noisy. Phone + 574 845 5651
  • '''Hotel La Casona''' Phone +574 845 5514 or +574 845 5897
  • '''Hotel Los Guayacanes''' Phone +574 845 5543
  • '''Hotel Los Balcones'''
  • '''Hotel Diana''' Basic rooms. Phone +574 845 5854
  • '''Hotel Barajas''' Phone +574 845 6393
  • '''Hotel Valdivia Plaza''' Phone +574 845 5055 or +574 845 5050
  • '''Hotel el Dorado''' Phone +574 845 5618
  • '''Hotel Casa Colonial''' Phone +574 8456152
  • '''Hotel Casa Grande''' Phone +574 845 5487
  • ''Renting a room in a Family Home'' or a ''FamiHotel'' is also popular, the options are: MI CASA 845 5845, NUBIA CONDE 845 5597, ROCIO PELAEZ 845 5624, TERESITA LONDONO 845 5963, RAQUEL MONTOYA 845 5905.

    A furnished apartment is also available: Phone +574 845 5580

    In the Country

    Fully equipped countryside homes, the ones were local farmers used to live in, are a great choice for large groups of people:

  • Finca hotel la Trucheria: Great view of the valley and close to the trout ponds. Phone +574 845 5181
  • Finca la Esmera Phone +574 845 5546
  • Finca Kantarrana Phone +574 845 5184. Contact in Medellin Phone +574 238 5484
  • Contact

  • There are a couple of internet cafes in town.
  • You can buy cell phone 'minutes' to wholesalers in the main plaza.
  • Get out