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.

1. 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).
2. 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).
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).

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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.