Jardín, Antioquía
Early pick-up at the hotel to begin a highly scenic road trip along the Central Cordillera, showcasing varied and changing landscapes. The journey commences from the Coffee region and heads northwards to the Departamento (state) de Antioquia.

During this trip, we will take the main road from Manizales to Medellin. At La Pintada, we’ll veer onto a secondary road toward the town of Bolombolo. A few kilometers before, we’ll head south, passing through the towns of Hispania and Andes, eventually reaching Jardin. The road trip from Manizales is 213 km and takes about 5 hours. The landscapes are stunning, providing an immersive experience in the rural Colombian cultural landscape and traditional way of life.

Jardín (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.

Upon arrival in Jardin, there will be a walking tour of this magnificently colored and well-preserved town. The atmosphere of traditional coffee region towns bursts at every corner, with plenty of places to enjoy local products and acquire some nice handicrafts. During this city tour, we will take a cable car that is locally used to cross the valley, and from the other side, you get a great panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

Included meals: None

Jardín: Cave of Splendor & Cock-of-the-Rock’s bird watching
In the early morning, we will begin a tour to the Cave of Splendor (La Cueva del Esplendor). The experience starts with transportation in traditional Willys jeeps along an 11 km route to a nature reserve located on the Jardín–Támesis ridge. From there, we will walk along an easy 1 km trail to a local farm, where we’ll enjoy a light snack.

After the break, we will continue along a path that descends approximately 500 meters (in distance, not elevation) through native forest until we reach the Cave of Splendor. 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. The return will follow the same trail.

In the afternoon, we will visit a nature reserve just outside Jardín, one of the best places in Colombia to observe the striking Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Gallito de Roca). 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

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