Let’s address the elephant in the room: Jardín is not around the corner. It is a solid three-and-a-half to four-hour drive from Medellin, winding through the deep folds of the Andes mountains. For many travelers, that sounds like too much effort for a day trip. But if you ask anyone who has actually made the journey, the answer is unanimous: it is absolutely worth every minute.
While Guatapé gets the fame (and the crowds), Jardín is the authentic soul of Antioquia. It is arguably the most beautiful pueblo in all of Colombia, a place that feels blissfully untouched by mass tourism. The town is a sensory explosion; every colonial balcony is painted in vivid, clashing colors—bright blues, neon pinks, lime greens—that somehow harmonize perfectly against the backdrop of lush green mountains. It is a photographer’s paradise where every street corner belongs on a postcard.
The magic of Jardín revolves around its magnificent main plaza. This isn’t just a square; it is the town’s communal living room. The “insider” ritual is simple but essential: grab one of the hundreds of brightly painted wooden chairs belonging to the local cafes, order a tinto (coffee) grown on the surrounding hills, and just watch. You will see elderly men in traditional cowboy hats watching the day go by, horses trotting down cobblestone streets, and a pace of life that is refreshingly slow. For a touch of adventure, take a ride on “La Garrucha.” It’s not a sleek modern cable car, but a rustic, wooden gondola box originally built by farmers to move goods across the ravine. It’s thrilling, slightly terrifying, and offers the best views of the colorful town nestled in the valley below.
The VIP Road Trip
The destination is world-class, but the journey can be exhausting if done incorrectly. Public buses on winding mountain roads are not the luxury experience you came for.
Don’t let the transit ruin the destination. When you book your stay with MedellinVillas.com, we transform the long drive into a comfortable scenic tour. Our concierge team will arrange a luxury, climate-controlled SUV with a professional private driver who knows the mountain roads perfectly. You can relax in the back, stop for photos of the breathtaking Andean scenery whenever you wish, and arrive in Jardín fresh and ready to explore, rather than carsick and tired.
Contact our concierge team to book your comfortable journey to Colombia’s most vibrant town.
