Jardín, Antioquía
Pickup in Medellín and transfer to Jardín (approximately 4 hours drive)
During this trip, you will be immersed in stunning landscapes that showcase the rural Colombian cultural scenery and traditional way of life.

Arrival to Jardín and afternoon for relax.

Jardin (English: Garden) is a charming town and municipality situated in the southwest region of Antioquia. It shares its borders with the municipalities of Andes, Jericó, and Támesis to the north, and the Caldas department to the south. Nestled between the San Juan River and a branch of the Western Cordillera, Jardín stands out for its well-preserved colonial architecture, verdant surroundings, and the presence of numerous rivers and streams.

In the evening, you will enjoy a gastronomic experience at El Legado Restaurant.
LEGADO is a cozy culinary space in the heart of Jardín that combines local tradition, creativity, and hospitality. Visitors are welcomed into a relaxed, family-style atmosphere. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including artisanal pastas, seasonal dishes, and regional flavors, as well as coffee prepared with carefully selected beans. The intimate setting encourages a leisurely dining experience, and the personalized service adds a warm, authentic touch. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and slow-food principles, LEGADO offers a memorable culinary experience that reflects the heart and culture of Jardín.

Included meals: Dinner

Walking tour in Jardín
We begin the experience with a tasting of a specialty coffee at one of Jardín’s must-visit spots, where the aroma and flavor introduce us to the charm and tranquility of the town.
Next, we start a walk along the Camino de la Herrera, a traditional route that allows us to learn about the history and origins of the municipality. Along the way, we reach the Cascada del Amor, a beautiful waterfall that symbolizes the abundant water that characterizes Jardín.

The route continues to Charco Corazón, a natural attraction surrounded by forest. If weather conditions allow, you can refresh yourself in the stream and enjoy this peaceful natural setting.

We then proceed to a countryside viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the mountainous landscape awaits us. Here we take a break to enjoy a traditional snack of patacones, hogao, and guacamole.
Further along, we visit a rural family home, where we will taste mazamorra pilada, a traditional dish that reflects the local culinary culture.
To finish with a touch of adventure, we take a typical cable car from the upper part of the mountain, crossing the scenic countryside until we return to the town of Jardín.
This tour combines nature, history, culture, and traditional flavors.

Tour duration: 3 hours

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon free to explore the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Gallito de Roca) reserve independently without a guide. Known for its vibrant orange plumage and unique courtship rituals, the male can often be seen displaying at dusk. From a specially designed viewing platform, we’ll quietly observe these fascinating birds in their natural habitat. The short trail to the site winds through native forest, offering chances to spot other bird species along the way, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Jardín: Hiking tour to Cave of Splendor
In the early morning, we will begin a hiking tour to the Cave of Splendor (La Cueva del Esplendor).

The tour includes a trek from Jardín’s town center, passing through lush mountainous landscapes until reaching the cave, where you can fully enjoy the stunning surroundings.
The highlight of the day is the visit to one of Jardín’s most iconic natural wonders: the Cave of Splendor, a waterfall that plunges from the top of the mountain into a natural cavern, creating a unique spectacle of water and light. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this magical site, and for those interested, it is possible to swim in the pool beneath the waterfall.

Afterwards, there is a descent along a drivable path for approximately 50 minutes to a point where a private traditional vehicle will pick you up and return you to the town.

This tour is the perfect way to experience the Cave of Splendor, as it takes you through the natural landscapes that are the true treasure of the region, combining adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a deep connection with nature.

Tour Duration: Full day
Trekking Duration: Approximately 3 hours ascent, 50 minutes descent
Jeep Transfer Duration: 45 minutes

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Jardín – Santafé de Antioquia – Medellin
In the morning, we will depart from Jardín heading north, passing small towns along the minor road to Bolombolo, and from there, the road to Santafe de Antioquia. Our first stop will be ‘El Puente de Occidente’ (The Western Bridge), located a bit further than Santafe. The trip from Jardín to Puente de Occidente is 144 km and takes around 3 hours’ drive.

The Puente de Occidente, named for its location in western Antioquia, is a suspension bridge linking the municipalities of Olaya and Santafe de Antioquia on opposite sides of the Cauca River. At the time of its completion, it held the distinction of being the third-largest suspension bridge globally.

This remarkable bridge features a single suspension span, supported by four pyramidal towers—two on each side of the river. Each tower serves as an anchor for two cables. The central roadway accommodates cars and smaller trucks, flanked by two pedestrian paths, all with wooden surfaces. Construction began in 1887 under the supervision of engineer José María Villa, following approval by Marcelino Vélez, the governor of Antioquia.

Although South America now boasts longer suspension bridges, the Puente de Occidente was originally the continent’s lengthiest. It received recognition as a National Monument of Colombia on November 26, 1978. José María Villa, a native of Sopetrán, located nearby, studied engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. After completing his studies in the United States, he played a role in constructing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The structural design of the Puente de Occidente closely resembles the suspension/cable-stayed hybrid used in the Brooklyn Bridge.

A significant restoration effort took place in the early part of 2014.

After this visit to the bridge, we will return to Santafé de Antioquia, a town, founded in 1541 by Jorge Robledo as Villa de Santafé on the western bank of the Cauca River, the city received its coat of arms and the title of City of Antioquia from King Philip II of Spain in 1545. Elevated to parish status in 1547 by the bishop of Popayán, it underwent a name change in 1584 when it became the capital of Antioquia. From its inception, the town centered around mining, with gold operations forming the backbone of its economy.

The construction of its cathedral took place in 1799, and it was later raised to the Diocese of Antioquia in 1804 by Pope Pius VII. In 1813, Antioquia declared itself a sovereign and independent state with Santa Fe as its capital, a status it maintained until 1826 when Medellín was chosen as the new departmental seat. Recognized for the excellent state of its colonial architecture, Santa Fe was declared a national monument in 1960.

We’ll have a walking city tour in this lovely town. The aim is to enjoy and learn about this interesting and historical town.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Medellín, the actual capital of Antioquia, and the second-largest city in the country. The trip is 58 km and around 1.5 hours, plus the time for traffic getting into the city.

Included meals: Breakfast