Colombia Travel Guide
JERICO
COLOMBIA
Jerico is an authentic colonial village on a hillside, rarely visited by tourists but highly appreciated by Colombians for religious festivals. This place offers a fantastic panorama of the surrounding peaks and the Rio Cauca valley. It’s the perfect spot for hiking, visiting a coffee farm, or mingling with locals in the large central square surrounded by colorful houses.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT JERICO, COLOMBIA
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general overview
Jerico is a peaceful colonial village untouched by tourism.
Perched at an altitude of 1950 meters, Jerico is a colonial village in the Antioquia department, just 3 hours by bus south of Medellin, in the natural Andes region.
Founded in 1850, the town experienced its golden age at the end of the 19th century, politically (it was its own department for a couple of years), economically (important coffee and leather production), and religiously, as evidenced by its many churches.
It became a diocese in 1915, and Saint Laura, Colombia’s only saint, was born there.
Jerico has much to offer, with its rich religious history, craftsmanship, coffee culture, hiking trails, and breathtaking panoramas.
I consider it one of the most pleasant colonial villages to stroll through its colorful streets, then rest in the shade of the large trees in the main square to observe the daily life of its inhabitants.
It’s also where I found Colombia’s most spectacular coffee farm.
The climate in Jerico is tropical. Thanks to its altitude of 1950 meters, days are warm and nights are cool. The average temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year (approximately 22°C during the day and 16°C at night). It rains regularly.
The sunniest months span from mid-December to mid-March and from mid-June to mid-August.
Many Colombians visit Jerico for Easter week or during 3-day weekends (including a holiday Monday).
As for festivals, Jerico has been hosting the famous Hay Festival (book festival) in January for a few years now, and I love seeing the kites at the Festival de la Cometa in August.
One day is enough to visit the village of Jerico. Still, I recommend staying for two nights to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings and enjoy the relaxed Colombian way of life.
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THINGS TO DO IN JERICO
Jerico offers an interesting mix of history, culture, and nature.
Stroll through Jerico to discover its charming typical and colorful houses, its colonial architectural heritage, and its numerous churches attesting to its status as a diocese.
Visit its three small museums to learn about the town through history, art, and music in an enjoyable and informative way.
Jerico is the birthplace of the Carriel (or Guarniel), a leather bag typical of Antioquia created over 130 years ago. Visit Mr. Dario Agudelo’s workshop; I’m sure you’ll want to buy one.
You can also uncover the secrets of making delicious Cardamom candies.
This giant ten-meter-high Christ stands on a hill overlooking Jerico. The view from the top is magnificent, and it’s an ideal spot to admire the sunset.
Access is through a small botanical garden.
To truly experience a village in Antioquia, you must sit in the town square and order a tinto (black coffee). Honestly, tinto isn’t the greatest (very bitter and very sweet), but that’s how the locals prefer it.
In Jerico, I like sitting under the gallery to get a good view of the square. Another favorite spot of mine is La Comedia – you’ll be directly across from the striking pink church of Santa Laura.
For a genuinely good coffee, head over to Don Rafa or Saturia.
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JERICO SURROUNDINGS
A stunning canyon and coffee farms.
Colombia is renowned for its Arabica coffee culture. Although Jerico isn’t in the Coffee Zone, there are beautiful fincas to visit. My favorite plan? Discovering Ariel’s finca perched atop a cliff—mindblowing experience.
You can also learn to prepare coffee and taste it at Café Saturia.
Surrounded by mountains, Jerico features many trails that start from the village. Various hikes are available, ranging in difficulty, such as an exploration of the Las Nubes Nature Reserve and a strenuous hike along the Rio Cauca Canyon.
If you’re a fan of paragliding, you can soar over breathtaking landscapes by contacting one of the two paragliding centers near Jerico.
Horses are a common mode of transportation in Jerico, often seen patiently waiting outside a café. The most popular route will take you to a stunning viewpoint over the Rio Cauca Canyon. You can also combine a horseback ride with a visit to a coffee farm.
This beautiful private vereda is located on the banks of the Cauca River, 45 minutes from Jerico. Access is only possible if you have a reservation at one of the hotels—some are spectacular, like Casa Jacaranda.
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WHERE TO STAY IN JERICO
In the village or the countryside?
If you stay in the village, you’ll find it easier to soak up the authentic vibe of Jerico (and taste all its cozy cafés!). My top hotel choices are El Despertar, El Quijote or JUHALU.
Ideal if you’re coming here to enjoy the fresh air and the surrounding countryside. Tuktuks are available to reach Jerico. My favorite hotels are La Nohelia and SantaMaria.
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GOING OUT
Jerico is a peaceful village, but I have a few great recommendations.
Located in the heart of Jerico, Bomarzo is a cultural hub with a spacious interior patio featuring bars and restaurants. It also serves as an artist residency, where artists showcase and sell their works on-site.
Ideal if you’re a rock fan. With trendy decor, excellent service, great music, and drinks at very reasonable prices, it will make you want to dance.
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eating
My favorite restaurants and cafes in Jerico.
Don Rafa is a well-known spot in Jerico. The arcades of this charming colonial-style café face the village’s main square. Here, you can enjoy great breakfasts in a vibrant local ambiance or sip on a good coffee or hot chocolate.
Situated on the second floor of a colorful house in Jerico, La Gruta offers excellent traditional meals, notably their famous and hearty “menu del día”, at a very affordable price. The ambiance is lively, with lovely painted wood decor.
La Nutria welcomes you into a serene, colorful, and tastefully decorated small patio. You can savor a delightful pastry with coffee or fruit juice or have a delicious meal in one of the cozy gallery rooms. The café also features a lovely bookstore.
Located in an old traditional house, Isabel Parrilla Arte Café is Jerico’s stylish restaurant. It features an exquisite menu focused on meats. The atmosphere is inviting, with a stunning and abundant decor of paintings and objects. It’s an excellent choice for a romantic meal.
Situated on the main square of Jerico, Golem Burger serves tasty and filling burgers to suit every palate.
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HOW TO GET TO JERICO
And getting around.
- A bus connects the Southern Terminal of Medellin to Jerico in about 3 hours.
- If you’re coming from Jardin, take a bus to the village of Andes (0.5 hours) and then continue your journey in a Chiva (traditional bus) that will take you to Jerico on dusty roads in 2.5 hours.
- If you’re coming from Tamesis, take a bus or the Chiva (direct route – 2 departures daily).
- In Jerico, you can get around on foot, or if you’re wary of the hilly streets, you can take one of the many tuk-tuks that navigate the village.
- And if you want to venture further into the countryside, old jeeps depart from the village square, offering a unique travel experience.
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Is JERICO SAFE?
Jerico is a safe destination where you can walk everywhere without worry.
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ITINERARIES
How to include Jerico in your trip to Colombia.
A Chiva (2-hour ride) and a bus (1-hour ride) connect Jerico to Tamesis. From there, you can return to Medellin in less than 4 hours.
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Visit Jerico
I love Jerico so much that Aleja and I spent nearly two months there. I had plenty of time to learn how to make the most of this charming destination.
Let’s start by exploring the best things to do in and around the lovely town of Jerico.
things to do in jerico, colombia
Jerico offers a great mix of cultural activities and hiking.
EXPLORE THE TOWN OF JERICÓ
I love getting lost in the streets of Jerico. Well, “getting lost” might be a bit of an overstatement. The village covers a large area (with small groups of houses called “vereda” in Colombia), but the village itself is only 9 carreras by 7 calles.
With these uphill and downhill streets, it’s a good exercise to roam among the lovely colonial streets, working off the many desserts Aleja makes me eat—okay, “makes” might be a tiny exaggeration.
More than 17 religious buildings
It’s surprising for such a small village. Also, it’s been a diocese since 1915. Here, being a devout Catholic is crucial.
The towering Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes Cathedral on the central square is unmissable, with its concrete build and simple interior. Also noteworthy is the Santuario de Santa Laura, Corazón de María, named after Laura Montoya, a missionary born in Jerico and the only Colombian saint, canonized in 2013. I’d never seen a church with such vibrant blue and pink colors before.
For more on Saint Laura Montoya, the Casa Natal Madre Laura Museum offers insights and even displays a relic—a piece of her rib.
Two other notable churches are the Templo Católico La Visitación and San Francisco (also known as La Pollita).
ADRIEN’S TIP
Due to its religious significance, many Colombian tourists visit Jerico during Easter week.
Some pleasant little museums
Jericó, the land of poets, artists, and philosophers, is known as the Atenas del Suroeste. I discovered a few small museums that briefly narrate the village’s history and the people who contributed to its development—Jerico even had its own currency in the early 1900s.
Visiting these splendid colonial buildings is quite enjoyable even if museums aren’t your thing.
- In a beautiful colonial building, the Museo de Antropología y Arte de Jerico (MAJA) offers a permanent exhibition about Jerico’s history and a temporary exhibition featuring works by Colombian artists (1 hour).
- The Casa Museo José Tomas Uribe Abad honors an important town figure. I adored the wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere of this house, filled with furniture and objects, childhood and travel mementos, and its serene patio (30 minutes).
- The Casa de la Música showcases a lovely collection of musical instruments from around the world (30 minutes).
TOM’S TIP
You don’t need a guide to enjoy Jerico. But with a local guide, you’ll get all the juicy anecdotes.
Discover the carriel
While walking through Jerico, you’ll surely notice the bag most men in the village carry. The Carriel (or Guarniel) was an indispensable accessory for the “Arrieros” (mule drivers) between the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Carriel has numerous compartments, allowing mule drivers to carry essential items during long and difficult journeys across the Andean mountains. These items included religious objects, a knife, a harmonica, playing cards, a lock of hair from their wife or lover, and money.
This craft has been handed down from generation to generation. Today, Mr. Dario Agudelo is a key figure in this tradition, passing his skills on to his son-in-law. You can observe him at work in his workshop, listening to the hum of the sewing machine. Of course, I bought one.
ADRIEN’S TIP
Carriel or Guarniel Antioqueño was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2021.
Find the best panoramic views
You don’t need to go far from town to find spots to sit, gaze at the horizon, and think, “wow, this is beautiful.”
I recommend three places:
- Cristo Redentor: This is a large statue of Christ watching over Jerico. I love getting there by first passing through the small botanical garden, whose flower-lined entrance and wooden bridge create a magical atmosphere.
- Paragliding centers: They face the impressive Cauca Canyon and are only a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride away. You can grab a bite to eat, drink a coffee or a beer, and watch people run towards the void to take flight.
- La Gruta la Virgen de la Peña: You’ll need to take the path to Las Nubes Park, then turn right after 500 meters. It’s here.
Things to do around jerico
Ideal if you decide to spend a few days in Jerico.
visit an incredible coffee farm
There’s no need to travel to the Zona Cafetera to visit a coffee farm and discover a world that supports over 500,000 Colombian families.
My top choice in Jerico is Ariel’s Finca (1 hour by jeep). It stands alone atop a cliff, providing breathtaking views of the Cauca Canyon.
Ariel and his parents greeted me warmly at their farm, painted in bright orange and yellow and decorated with an impressive number of flowering geranium pots.
They served me a traditional lunch in banana leaves on a covered terrace overlooking the coffee plants, surrounded by lush vegetation and hummingbirds.
After a short nap in a hammock under the pergola above the finca, Ariel took me around his farm and showed me stunning viewpoints where I admired a beautiful waterfall cascading down a red rock cliff.
The visit ended at the workshop, where Ariel explained all the stages of coffee production, from harvesting to bagging the beans.
hiking in nature
In a mountainous setting, Jerico offers beautiful panoramas accessible via multiple trails that start from the village. However, at an altitude of 1950 m, physical activity is more demanding than in lower regions.
I recommend hiking to the Las Nubes Nature Reserve at 2400 m altitude. This is the most famous hike in Jerico (2 hours), where you can see stunning viewpoints—if the clouds part. I was incredibly lucky, and the view of the Cauca Canyon was spectacular.
The trail starts here, and the path is well-marked. If you wish to explore further, you should be accompanied by a local guide.
You can also head to the Chorros de la Quebradona (10 km from the village). These are two waterfalls. The first one is very impressive, but the path to it is quite steep. The second one is smaller but offers a pleasant spot for swimming.
TOM’S TIP
My ideal day involves hiking to La Quebradona and catching a jeep to visit Ariel’s Finca.
Paragliding and horseback riding
The Cauca Canyon is a wonderful playground for paragliding enthusiasts. Jerico has two paragliding centers (Ecoland and Nube Extrema). The most common flights last 10 or 20 minutes. The longest option takes you over Punta Iglesias and lands you on the riverbank. A jeep will bring you back to the center (a 40-minute drive).
If you prefer horseback riding, you can ride one of Mauricio’s horses to Vereda La Leona for a stunning view of the Cauca River Canyon.
You can easily combine these two activities in one day.
Where to stay in Jerico, Colombia
Here is a full list of my favorite hotels in Jerico.
El Despertar: romantic & colonial
El Despertar boutique hotel is a gem filled with natural light. It features lovely colonial architecture in bright colors, flowers, and large windows. The terrace with a jacuzzi provides a beautiful and restful view of the Antioquia mountains. The spacious rooms around the peaceful patio blend colonial and contemporary styles.
El Despertar is on a quiet street, near the best restaurants and cafés. Only the rooster’s crow might wake you up.
Alternative: If you seek the same quality but slightly outside the village, I recommend Casa Santamaria Hotel.
Cabañas y Flores: peaceful & family-friendly
Cabañas y Flores lives up to its charming name. This hotel, a 20-minute walk from Jerico, offers cute and comfortable colorful cabins for 4 to 6 people scattered throughout a beautifully maintained, large flower garden. Children can run around or play in the pool while their parents relax with a massage or a spa session.
In the morning, everyone will wake up to the birds’ songs and enjoy a traditional breakfast while viewing the surrounding mountains and the village.
El Quijote Apartahotel
El Quijote Apartahotel is a lovely construction that combines stone, brick, wood, and terracotta tastefully. Capable of hosting up to 9 people, this well-equipped 108m² apartment is decorated entirely with the theme of Don Quixote, Miguel Cervantes’ hero. The place is exceptionally welcoming and comfortable, with vibrant colors, beautiful materials, and many aesthetic details.
In addition to its unique style, you’ll likely appreciate the attentiveness of the administrator, Mr. Hugo, who is very responsive to your every request.
El Quijote is ideally located in the center, close to cafés and restaurants.
Alternative: If you’re seeking a more economical apartment, you might want to check out Palmar de Jerico.
La Nohelia: original & coffee
Located less than 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from the village, La Nohelia offers double and family rooms (maximum 4 people) in an original three-story bamboo house built on the property of a coffee-growing family. If possible, book the room on the top floor for a fantastic view. You’ll immediately feel at home with this very warm family who can prepare a delicious lunch upon request.
For your information, the rooms are not soundproof, and the shower is separate from the house.
Alternative: Looking for an economical and friendly hotel closer to Jerico? Check out hotel Juhalu.
ADRIEN’S TIP
I love the atmosphere of Jerico. That’s why I always stay in a hotel near the village (5-10 min max by tuk-tuk).
How to get to Jerico
The easiest way is to get there from Medellín.
from Medellin to Jerico
Take a bus from Transportes Jerico at the Southern Terminal in Medellin.
It’s best to choose the buses that pass through Bolombolo rather than La Pintada or Fredonia—it’s quicker. The journey lasts 3 hours.
You won’t feel the time passing as you’ll be busy admiring the landscapes. Occasionally, the driver will make brief stops for street vendors to get on and off with various snacks.
Alternatively, you can use the company’s WhatsApp number to book a shared taxi. There’s not much room for luggage, but it’s even faster.
FROM Jardin TO Jerico
First, take a Transportes Suroeste bus to Andes. There are numerous departures, and the trip lasts 30 minutes.
Once you reach Andes, board the Chiva, a traditional bus, from the Andes terminal to Jerico. There are two departures daily, typically early in the morning and early afternoon. I suggest confirming the times with your hotel. The journey takes 2.5 hours.
That’s where the adventure really kicks off. The Chiva is an open bus with broad, colorful wooden benches. Passengers cram in with all kinds of bags. The driver starts playing music right away. You’re off on a lively ride with Colombian rhythms, bouncing along the countryside on rugged tracks, sometimes skirting ravines.
Don’t wear your finest clothes—I always end up covered in dust.
from Tamesis to Jerico
Take a bus or the Chiva; there are two departures daily, and the trip is direct. Check the schedule with your hotel. They usually leave around midday.
The journey takes 2 hours by Chiva and 1 hour by bus.
TOM’S TIP
If you take the Chiva on a Sunday, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure you get a seat. It’s the day when many locals visit their families.
getting around Jerico, colombia
Built on a hillside, Jerico has streets that climb and descend—an excellent way to work out your legs.
To get around, don’t hesitate to take one of the numerous tuk-tuks waiting patiently in the streets. These colorful, motorized tricycles can navigate anywhere.
You can also catch a jeep if you need to go out of town. You’ll easily find a driver available in the main square.
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