Southwestern Antioquia is a region where the mountains soften and the aroma of coffee permeates the air. At the heart of this region lies Jardín, a town that seems to have frozen in time during the era of Antioquia's colonization. This destination is not as famous as Guatapé, but it is more authentic and offers a genuine immersion in the Coffee Cultural Landscape.
Jardín is the ideal escape for Hotel Sloh guests who value aesthetics, history, and tranquility. While the journey is longer, the visual and cultural rewards make it worthwhile. Plan for a long day and an early start, or better yet, consider spending the night.
1. Logistics: A trip to the Southwest
Jardín is located about 83 miles south of Medellín. The journey takes approximately 3 hours by road, depending on traffic.
Step 1: Go to the South Terminal
From Sloh: The South Terminal is easily accessible from the Manila neighborhood. You can take a taxi or Uber (short 5-10 minute ride) or use the Metro to the Poblado station and take an integrated bus.
Step 2: Buy your bus ticket
Companies: Look for ticket offices for companies such as Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño or Rápido Ochoa.
Cost (2025 estimate): A round-trip ticket costs between $45,000 and $55,000 COP each way.
Step 3: The Trip
The Route: The road is famous for its scenery. You will pass through towns such as Caldas and La Pintada. It is a mountain trip, so if you suffer from motion sickness, take a preventive pill.
Ideal time: If you want to do it in one day, you should leave Medellín no later than 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. to take advantage of the daylight.
2. The Heart of the Town: Main Park
Rock Cock Sighting (Jardín de Rocas Nature Reserve)
The Species: Rupicola peruvianus is one of the most exotic and beautiful birds in the world. The male has bright orange plumage with a disc-shaped crest.
The Experience: The Jardín de Rocas Nature Reserve is a sanctuary just a few minutes from the village. At dawn or dusk, the males gather for their courtship ritual (lek). This is a must-see for bird lovers.
Garrucha Artesanal (Local Cable Car)
The Trip: Jardín has a rustic, handmade cable car (the Garrucha) that climbs one of the hillsides. It was originally used to move cargo.
The Viewpoint: As you ascend, you will reach the Cristo Rey Viewpoint, where a statue dominates the landscape. From here, you will have the best view of the town, the Basilica, and the coffee valley. You can walk up, take a tuk-tuk, or ride the garrucha.
4. Gastronomy and Coffee
The food in Jardín is authentic, based on mountain products.
La Truchera: Surrounded by mountain rivers, Jardín is famous for its trout farms. There are restaurants that allow you to catch your own trout and have it prepared immediately. The typical dish is fried or garlic rainbow trout, served with patacón and salad.
Coffee: You are in the coffee export zone. A tour of a coffee farm is a must. Places like Finca Monteser take you through the entire process: from the plant and harvesting to the processing and tasting of specialty coffee.When you arrive in Jardín, the first thing that will captivate you is its central square, known as Parque El Libertador. It is the best example of Antioquian urbanism.
The Architecture: The park is covered with large trees, gardens, and rustic wooden chairs. It is surrounded by two-story houses with large balconies and colorful baseboards. The paintwork is original and vibrant.
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: An architectural gem built in hand-carved stone (yellow stone extracted from nearby quarries). Its imposing presence dominates the square.
The Coffee Ritual: The local plan (el parche) is to sit at the wooden tables of the cafes surrounding the plaza. Order a tintico (black coffee), a craft beer, or an aguardiente and simply watch life go by. You will see farmers arriving on horseback, retirees playing dominoes, and jineteros (horseback guides) offering tours.
3. Nature and Adventure on the Outskirts
Jardín is surrounded by mountain rainforest ecosystems, perfect for ecotourism.
La Cueva del Esplendor (The Cave of Splendor)
The Plan: This is the most famous adventure excursion. It is a guided tour (mandatory) that takes you to a waterfall that falls into a cave with a zenithal opening (it looks like a hole in the ceiling), creating a spectacular light effect.
Logistics: The tour is booked in the village (approx. $70,000 COP, including 4x4 transport and guide). It requires a demanding hike of about 30-45 minutes.
Returning to Comfort after the Mountains
Jardín is an experience of contact with the earth that revitalizes you. However, a day of hiking, altitude, and a 3-hour road trip demands a rest of equal quality.
Returning to Medellín and the Manila neighborhood guarantees that you will be able to fully recover. The quiet streets of Manila and the welcoming atmosphere of Hotel Sloh are the perfect end to a long day of adventure.
At Sloh, we take care of your tired feet and renewed spirit, offering maximum comfort in our rooms so that when you wake up, you are ready for your next destination.