The 13 best Things to Do in Jardín, Antioquia

Are you trying to find the best things to do in Jardín, Antioquia?

During our trip through Colombia, we visited Jardín—an enchanting little town full of colorful houses and surrounded by nature, making it a perfect spot for hiking and outdoor adventures.

Jardín is a classic pueblo paisa in Colombia and a popular destination for tourists. The town has plenty of attractions and excellent infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, cafés, and bars.

Best Things to Do in Jardín, Antioquia?

See the best things to do in Jardín, Colombia. This list highlights unmissable experiences and everything you can explore in town.

1. Take a tour of the Immaculate Conception Minor Basilica and El Libertador Main Park

The town square, or El Libertador Main Park, is the main draw in Jardín. It is surrounded by restaurants, pubs, cafés, and lodging options. The square is bustling, particularly at night when a local fair featuring authentic Colombian cuisine is held.

When visiting a small town, this is the traditional activity to do because the square is prominent and located in the center of the city. You’ll also find the Basílica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción (Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) here, a stunning religious site that’s definitely worth a visit.

HOT TIP! If you’re looking for a panoramic view of the main square, Los Andes Café is a great spot. Head to the second floor, grab a delicious Colombian coffee, and enjoy the view over the plaza.

2. Stroll Through Jardín’s Colorful Streets

An essential part of your itinerary should be exploring the quaint streets of Jardín, Antioquia. As you explore, you’ll come across vibrant colonial-style doors, windows, and balconies overflowing with flowers.

It’s the perfect opportunity to snap tons of photos — every house seems more beautiful than the last. You can do this walk on foot or hop on a tuk-tuk. We personally preferred walking, as it let us enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of the town much more.

3. Check Out Café Macanas

Located right on the main square next to the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Café Macanas is a favorite among visitors — the perfect spot to try traditional Colombian dishes.

In fact, when we arrived at our accommodation and asked for restaurant recommendations, the owner immediately suggested this café. We even saw a small line forming there a couple of times as we passed by.

Café Macanas is pretty spacious and has several seating areas. The menu includes typical Colombian meals — for us, it worked great as lunch, with a hearty plate of rice, beans, eggs, avocado, and other local ingredients.

You’ll also find cakes, pastries, breads, coffee, and more to treat yourself. If you plan to visit, don’t forget to check out the patio — it’s an excellent spot for photos, and the setting is super photogenic.

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

4. Hike to Cristo Rey and Take a Break at Café Jardín

Cristo Rey sits atop a hill and offers a sweeping panoramic view of Jardín, Antioquia. An easy hike that takes about 40 minutes on average will get you to this location. If hiking is not your thing, you can take a tuk-tuk; the price is usually negotiated on the spot.

After visiting Cristo Rey, make sure to stop by Café Jardín, located about 1 kilometer (0.621 miles) away. There, you’ll get to taste traditional Colombian coffee and try some typical local dishes. Plus, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the town, making it a fantastic spot to spend your daytime hours—and one of the top things to do in Jardín.

The well-known 4×4 tour of Jardín and excursions to the Escalera de Cristal waterfall also stop here.

• Cristo Rey hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Tuesdays and Thursdays are closed.
• Café Jardín hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Mondays are closed.

5. Ride the La Garrucha Cable Car Up to the Viewpoint

The La Garrucha cable car is a traditional means of transport used by locals to move around and carry goods to the rural areas of Jardín, Antioquia. It is, nevertheless, an entertaining and unique ride that provides a panoramic view of the town.

To catch the cable car, head to the end of Calle 12. The ride costs 5,000 COP and departs every 30 minutes. It drops you off at a small café, but if you’re up for more adventure, you can continue with a 45-minute hike to the Mirador El Bosque for even better views.

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM. Saturday, 9:30 AM–7:00 PM. Sunday, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.

6. Hike to the Cueva del Esplendor and take a refreshing dip while you’re there

La Cueva del Esplendor is definitely a must-see on your list of things to do in Jardín.
To get there, you’ll need to book a tour with the authorized agency that manages access to the attraction. It’s located at Carrera 2 #14-118, just six blocks from the main square.

The tour to La Cueva del Esplendor costs 80,000 COP (USD 18) and includes transportation by jeep to the entrance of the nature reserve, a guide, water, a cereal bar, and a snack.

7. Hike the Waterfalls Trail

This trek is perfect for those who truly enjoy hiking, as it’s a challenging 7-hour walk with a high level of difficulty. On the Waterfalls Trail, you’ll experience the incredible biodiversity of Jardín’s mountains and come across some breathtaking waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll visit spots like El Salto del Ángel and La Cueva de los Guácharos.

8. Visit a coffee farm

Since Jardín is a coffee town, visiting a local coffee farm is a must on your itinerary. On this tour, you’ll explore the entire farm—including the coffee plantations—and learn all about the production process from bean to cup.

Numerous local organizations provide this incredibly fascinating experience, though costs vary based on the length of the tour and what is included. Coffee tours are really popular in Salento, but if you’re not planning to go there, Jardín is the perfect place to enjoy one instead.

9. Take a tour or hike around the outskirts of Jardín

10. Go birdwatching at the Rocas Nature Reserve

Birdwatching at the Rocas Nature Reserve is a fascinating activity to add to your Jardín itinerary. On this outing, you might catch a glimpse of the bright plumage of the Andean cock-of-the-rock—Peru’s national bird.

You can visit the reserve on your own or with a guide. Entry costs 12,000 COP, but if you book a tour, it’s usually included in the price.

11. Enjoy a trout meal

When it comes to local food, having a trout meal is definitely one of the best things to do in Jardín. This dish is a traditional favorite in the regions of Antioquia and Quindío, and it’s a must-try during your trip.

Just outside the town (about a 20-minute walk), you’ll find trout farms where you can taste this regional specialty. You can get there on foot or hop in a tuk-tuk for a quicker ride.

12. Visit the Cascada del Amor (Waterfall of Love)

If you’re looking for more nature-filled activities to add to your list of things to do in Jardín, don’t miss the Cascada del Amor (Love Waterfall). You can get there on your own or by booking a tour.

If you go solo, make sure to use a map. It’s an excellent opportunity to combine this visit with other nearby attractions like the El Bosque viewpoint and the Volcones River, which is a bit further past the waterfall. Just be ready for an exceptional amount of walking!

13. Unwind in nature in Jardín

To wrap up your trip in the best way possible, set aside half a day—or even a full day—to relax and soak up the natural surroundings. It is an exceptional idea to stay at a hotel located a bit further from Jardín’s town center.

In our guide on where to stay in Jardín, Antioquia, we’ve listed several options that are tucked away in nature and offer everything you need for a peaceful getaway.

Unmissable tips for your itinerary on what to do in Jardín

And to help you make the most of your trip to Jardín, Antioquia, here are some essential tips:

• Don’t forget to pack waterproof clothing for your trip. A rain poncho is a must when visiting small towns in Colombia—rain is quite common in this region.
• Be sure to bring at least one jacket and a pair of long pants. Nights in Jardín get pretty chilly, so these items are essential.
• Bring mosquito repellent, especially if you’re allergic or planning to go hiking. Since Jardín is surrounded by nature, mosquitoes are everywhere.
• To avoid any issues, carry some cash with you, as some places don’t accept cards. For example, even the chiva (local colorful bus) only takes cash.
• Nights in Jardín are usually quiet, but if you’re in the mood for a drink, there are plenty of small bars around the main square—just pick the one that suits your vibe!

Did you enjoy the tips on what to do in Jardín? Also check out where to stay in Guatapé with suggestions for the best accommodations.