Post by gallito on Sept 23, 2015 16:08:43 GMT -5
The journey starts in Medellin; easily reached by land, national and international flights. We flew BOG - MDE on Viva Airline or less fondly referred to as Vivo; the Medellin based budget airline modeled after its big brother, no frills airline, Ryanair!
The taxi ride or the combination of shuttle bus and taxi from MDE into the bustling Medellin metropolis is a scenic tour into itself. We were put up in the Hotel Díez; a thematic hotel, every floor is styled after a particular Colombian department. The Diez is well appointed, good views and rooftop breakfast buffet too boot. Room tip the rooms on the hotel’s backside tend to be a little quieter. Check the booking sites for deals.
The next day we embarked on our trip to Jardín; after a short taxi ride we took a bus from Medellin’s south terminal. We selected Rápido Ochoa; 6 trips daily; 4.5 hrs; 18000 cop. Departing from Medellín take Autopista Sur through the towns of Caldas, Amagá, Bolombolo, Hispania and Andes.There are incredible views along the way;rivers, mountains,chiefly the majestic,pyramid shaped Cerro Tusa.
Jardín, a small postcard inspired town located in the southernmost part of the department of Antioquia. Unlike many other hamlets in the country, Jardín has remained largely unchanged since established 140 years ago. Less than 20,000 people inhabit Jardín, in the past most dedicated their lives to grow coffee, plantains, beans and sugarcane. As many may know Paisa are extremely proud of their heritage, organizational skills; Jardín embodies the Paisa spirit.
Weekends, especially long weekends can be busy, Paisa vacate Medellin in search of relaxation and horsey activities. Weekends to me are the best time to visit; evenings see local cowboys ride into town for a cerveza and pretty Paisa princesses in their entire refinery, prance around on caballos de paso. Sitting around the plaza,chugging beers, sipping coffee and people watching is high on my list.
Daytime activities:
.Jardín is located in the Andean mountains and this city pioneered the new wave of Cable Car systems Colombia is living. The 2 Cable cars in town are popular for both commuting and tourist transportation.
.Ride a moto-ratón - a tiny cart pulled by a motorcycle - for fun or for transportation in town and to nearby destinations. These drivers can take you as far as the trout restaurant or to visit the native tribe.
.Visit the first nation people of the Emberá-Chamí tribe just 10 minute away from the town center, or go to their old cemetery in Morro Amarillo.
.The Hospital is also worth seeing. Only one story high and built in blocks of dark stone from rivers closeby. The interior has many patios with flowers. Walk 6 blocks down from the main plaza of town.
.Museum Casa de la Cultura along the main plaza.
'Colonización Antioqueña'. The new towns grew with a characteristic architecture and Jardín is a fine example of such. Balconies and doors are in wood painted in colourful reds, blues and yellows, in sharp contrast with the white walls of the homes.
.Countryside journeys to many creeks, ponds and caves (Cueva esplendor a 3 hour-walk).
.Horseback rides; horses can be rented near the cable car station as well as other locations; tours can be arranged, ask around.
. Visit nearby hills, Alto de las Flores is close by and offers nice views of town. Birding opportunities abound; if you’re lucky, like me, you may spot one of my famous relatives, Gallito de Roca (Cock of the Rock) Ask your hotel to arrange a birding exhibition.
Lodging booking arrangements at Hotel Valdivia Plaza were made in advance; email or call beforehand. Word of warning if you are a light sleeper; the church bell gongs all night and drunken Paisa tend to drink into the wee hours, avoid the hotels bar side. ;)The Valdivia manager is helpful and can make tour and transportation arrangements.There is a swankier hotel up the hill if you need a quieter location.
Food wise; is basic and there are limited dining choices, we ate correntoso in a local lady’s home. Five kilometers (3 miles) away from town you will find a couple of creeks and ponds with rainbow trout. The restaurants nearby offer delicious recipes, you can catch your own trout and they will cook it for you.
All and all Jardín is a perfect getaway.
www.hotelvaldiviaplaza.com/
en.diezhotel.com/
The taxi ride or the combination of shuttle bus and taxi from MDE into the bustling Medellin metropolis is a scenic tour into itself. We were put up in the Hotel Díez; a thematic hotel, every floor is styled after a particular Colombian department. The Diez is well appointed, good views and rooftop breakfast buffet too boot. Room tip the rooms on the hotel’s backside tend to be a little quieter. Check the booking sites for deals.
The next day we embarked on our trip to Jardín; after a short taxi ride we took a bus from Medellin’s south terminal. We selected Rápido Ochoa; 6 trips daily; 4.5 hrs; 18000 cop. Departing from Medellín take Autopista Sur through the towns of Caldas, Amagá, Bolombolo, Hispania and Andes.There are incredible views along the way;rivers, mountains,chiefly the majestic,pyramid shaped Cerro Tusa.
Jardín, a small postcard inspired town located in the southernmost part of the department of Antioquia. Unlike many other hamlets in the country, Jardín has remained largely unchanged since established 140 years ago. Less than 20,000 people inhabit Jardín, in the past most dedicated their lives to grow coffee, plantains, beans and sugarcane. As many may know Paisa are extremely proud of their heritage, organizational skills; Jardín embodies the Paisa spirit.
Weekends, especially long weekends can be busy, Paisa vacate Medellin in search of relaxation and horsey activities. Weekends to me are the best time to visit; evenings see local cowboys ride into town for a cerveza and pretty Paisa princesses in their entire refinery, prance around on caballos de paso. Sitting around the plaza,chugging beers, sipping coffee and people watching is high on my list.
Daytime activities:
.Jardín is located in the Andean mountains and this city pioneered the new wave of Cable Car systems Colombia is living. The 2 Cable cars in town are popular for both commuting and tourist transportation.
.Ride a moto-ratón - a tiny cart pulled by a motorcycle - for fun or for transportation in town and to nearby destinations. These drivers can take you as far as the trout restaurant or to visit the native tribe.
.Visit the first nation people of the Emberá-Chamí tribe just 10 minute away from the town center, or go to their old cemetery in Morro Amarillo.
.The Hospital is also worth seeing. Only one story high and built in blocks of dark stone from rivers closeby. The interior has many patios with flowers. Walk 6 blocks down from the main plaza of town.
.Museum Casa de la Cultura along the main plaza.
'Colonización Antioqueña'. The new towns grew with a characteristic architecture and Jardín is a fine example of such. Balconies and doors are in wood painted in colourful reds, blues and yellows, in sharp contrast with the white walls of the homes.
.Countryside journeys to many creeks, ponds and caves (Cueva esplendor a 3 hour-walk).
.Horseback rides; horses can be rented near the cable car station as well as other locations; tours can be arranged, ask around.
. Visit nearby hills, Alto de las Flores is close by and offers nice views of town. Birding opportunities abound; if you’re lucky, like me, you may spot one of my famous relatives, Gallito de Roca (Cock of the Rock) Ask your hotel to arrange a birding exhibition.
Lodging booking arrangements at Hotel Valdivia Plaza were made in advance; email or call beforehand. Word of warning if you are a light sleeper; the church bell gongs all night and drunken Paisa tend to drink into the wee hours, avoid the hotels bar side. ;)The Valdivia manager is helpful and can make tour and transportation arrangements.There is a swankier hotel up the hill if you need a quieter location.
Food wise; is basic and there are limited dining choices, we ate correntoso in a local lady’s home. Five kilometers (3 miles) away from town you will find a couple of creeks and ponds with rainbow trout. The restaurants nearby offer delicious recipes, you can catch your own trout and they will cook it for you.
All and all Jardín is a perfect getaway.
www.hotelvaldiviaplaza.com/
en.diezhotel.com/