JERICÓ (COLOMBIA)TRAVEL GUIDE | THINGS TO DO

Jericó, once the capital of the Antioquia region, remains one of the most culturally diverse pueblos in Antioquia. However, it remains off the beaten path for most travelers today. In this comprehensive travel guide, I will share with you all of the amazing activities Jericó offers and what to do.

Many consider it a religious pilgrimage as it was the birthplace of the first saint in Colombia, Santa Laura Montoya, who was born in Jericó in 1874. Santa Laura worked with the Indigenous peoples in the area and fought to change the racial discrimination they faced. However, you do not have to be religious to visit; there is plenty to do that does not involve religion.

Jerico is located in Southwestern Antioquia, 64 miles (104km) from the capital of Medellín. Jerico is one of Colombia’s 17 Heritage (also known as the Pueblos Patrimonios) towns.

The town has an approximate population of 15k and is known for its churches, nature, and coffee. Since Jerico was also once the region’s capital, it is more culturally diverse than many other small pueblos, with a theater and three museums.

Although present-day Jerico was officially founded on September 28, 1850, by Don Santiago Santamaria and Bermudez de Castro, occupation of this region began much earlier. The Quimbaya inhabited the Colombian Andes from 1,000 BC to 1200 AD. They were predominantly agricultural and believed humans were meant to care for the earth.

Jericó Known For Cardamom and Carriels

The Carriel Bag (or Guarniel) is a leather man’s bag made only in Jericó. It is a traditional Paisa (people of Antioquia) made of rawhide, black Patton, and fur. It was originally used for the Arrieros (mule drivers) between the 19th and 20th centuries. 

The bag has many pockets, and almost all locals carry one around, along with a machete, a poncho, and a sombrero. However, the bag has gained popularity all over Colombia and is now also made for women.

What does Jerico cultivate?

Jericó is known for its cultivation and production of cardamom. You can find it all over Jericó, including in candies. Jericó is also home to many coffee producers and avocado, banana, and plantain farms.

How to get to Jericó

From Bogotá

Fly or take a bus to Medellín (see instructions below).

From Medellín

You must go to the Terminal del Sur (South Terminal). From there, you can buy a ticket from Transportes Jericó, and it is recommended that you purchase a ticket that passes through Bolombolo.

The ride is shorter, but you can also purchase any others to Jericó, knowing that they may take a bit longer. The average bus ride is 3 hours, but it can take up to 3.5–4, depending on how many times the bus driver stops.

Buses leave Medellín every hour, starting at 5 am until 6 pm, daily.

You can also book a shared taxi through Transportes Jericó, and the ride is approximately 2 hours long. 

From Jardin

If you are coming from Jardin, you must take the bus (Transportes Suroeste) to Andes. The trip is approximately 30 minutes, and then you can take the Chiva to Jericó. However, the Chiva only goes twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

Confirm with your hotel before departure. It is approximately 2.5 hours from Andes to Jericó. The Chiva can be a bumpy ride, as it is an open-air bus full of locals and their supplies. Wear a jacket as they climb the mountain, as the temperatures drop, and occasionally, you will be caught in the rain. 

How to get around Jericó

Once you have arrived in Jericó, you can take one of the many forms of transportation available: a tuk-tuk (also known as moto carro by the locals), moto taxi, taxi, or walking. There are also jeeps in the main square if you want to go to one of the nearby waterfalls. 

What to do in Jericó

Since Jericó used to be the capital of the region, there is more to do than most small pueblos in the area. You can immerse yourself in the culture while drinking some of the best coffee you have ever had. Whatever you choose to do, I guarantee it will be colorful!

Visit the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful places in Jericó. Once you cross over the bridge, you are transported to a serene space of lush tranquility. A koi pond and the tall Guadua trees of the area will surround you. 

The easiest way to the Botanical Garden is by foot. If you are coming from the central plaza, walk to the Los Ochenta Escalas (the 80 stairs). You will recognize them by the bike that is always parked outside. Walk to the top of the stairs and turn right. Walk until you see a courtyard with a door that is the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. 

Entrance-Free

Christo Redentor

The giant statue of Christ is looking over Jericó, the best viewpoint in Jericó. 

The best way to the top is to walk through the botanical gardens and continue up the hill. It will take approximately 20 minutes, and you will have a bird’ s-eye view of Jericó. 

Entrance -Free

For all hikes, I recommend downloading Wikiloc or Maps.me

Hike to Las Nubes 

It is one of the most popular hikes in Jericó. It offers the most beautiful viewpoint over the entire Cauca Valley, including the Cauca River. The hike takes approximately 1–2 hours and is mostly uphill, but the views are worth it!

To get to the hike, walk up the Los Ochenta Escalas (the 80 stairs) and go straight. You will run right into the start of the hike. From the top of the stairs to the start of the hike, it will take you approximately 10 minutes to walk. 

Entrance- Free

Visit Museums

Jericó also has museums, all located in the center of town. (each museum costs 5,000 COP or 10k for all 3)

Museo de Antropología y Arte de Jerico– here, you will learn the history of Jericó before the Spanish Colonization. As well as there is an art gallery with Colombian artists. I highly recommend this museum; it is my favorite in Jericó. 

Casa Museo José Tomas Uribe Abad– Once the house of José Tomas Uribe Abad, an essential and rich figure in Jericó, and the house’s architect. The house is full of European treasures he brought back from his trips to Europe. 

Casa de la Música– A collection of musical instruments from all over the world. 

Other Museums 

Museo de Arte Religioso de Jericó, Located below the Catedral Virgen de las Mercedes, tells the story of Religion in Jericó.

Casa Natal de Santa Laura Montoya Upegui (Birthplace of Saint Laura)—Here, you can see where she was born and her things, such as the baptismal font and family photos. 

Entrance Fee 10k COP

Visit any of the 17 Churches

Jericó may be a small pueblo, but it has an impressive number of churches. Along with the churches, there is also a diocese that has been here since 1915. The most notable churches that I recommend are the following:

Catedral Virgen de las Mercedes– located in the central plaza. 

Santuario de Santa Laura, Corazón de María—also known as the pink church—is named after Laura Montoya. 

Templo Católico La Visitación

San Fransisco (also known as La Pollita)

There are others, but these are the ones close to the main square. 

Walking around the town square

However, Jericó is extra special, as all the houses are colorful and decorated in traditional Paisa fashion. 

Things to do around Jericó

Paragliding

I have not gone paragliding and recommend you check out Parapente Nube Extrema Jericó.

Go on a coffee tour

I have drank some of the best coffee in my life at some of the cafes in Jericó, so why not go on a tour? You can find large-scale tours from Cafe Don Rafá or smaller tours (which is what I recommend!)

I recommend a smaller tour at Finca Sagrado, as it is more personal and uses no pesticides on its coffee trees. 

Waterfalls

There are two waterfalls near Jericó that I recommend visiting.

Chorros de la Quebradona is approximately 7km from Jericó. I recommend taking a Jeep from the town square and having them drop you off and pick you up. They will drop you off at the start of the hike, which is approximately 15 minutes from the waterfall. However, be aware that it is a steep hike, and if it is rainy season, it can be dangerous. 

When you Google Cascada Qubradona for directions, it will say it is permanently closed, but it is not. You can still hike down to the waterfall. 

El Salto de los Monos is a bit further out, as it is 18km from Jericó. You can get there by taxi, and it will take about 40 minutes. 

Learn Spanish

Jericó has an immersion Spanish school, Spanglish Colombia. The school is 1.6km outside Jericó—one of the best places to learn Spanish, as many locals in town do not speak English. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, your Spanish will improve. 

If you stay at the Spanish school, you can also explore the rivers surrounding the area. 

Horseback riding in Jericó 

 I recommend Paseos A Caballos. You can contact them through Instagram. 

Where to Stay

Jericó has become a hotspot for tourists on the weekends, which has led to many adorable places to stay. From hostels to glamping, you will have plenty of places to relax in this beautiful pueblo.

However, here are a few highly recommended places, but most of the places in Jericó are nice.

Hostal El Fin del Afán

150m from the center of town. It is a good place to meet other travelers.

Santa Laura Hotel

250m from the center of town. It is a nice hotel with big rooms, some of which have a jacuzzi tub. I stayed here, and it was magical.

Where to eat

Jericó has some of the best food I have eaten in Colombia, which says a lot since I have traveled here since 2018. I have also encountered some fantastic coffee shops.

La Comedia -great coffee and sandwiches. 

Bendito Café-great food, not your traditional Colombian food. They serve a variety of delicious food, including a plate of french fries covered in meat and cheese!

El Guadual -great pizza!

El Balcón de Juana-great Colombian food, and menu del día

La Ceiba-Amazing pastries

Best cafés

El Saturia Café is my favorite coffee shop in Jericó. It is a high-quality cafe that serves a variety of coffees from the region. 

La Danta & la Nutria Librería-Café– fantastic coffee as well, but it is probably the prettiest cafe in Jericó. It’s a perfect Instagram spot, plus my favorite thing to drink at Librería is the hot chocolate. Best I have had in Jericó and Medellín. 

There are tons of other restaurants to choose from, but these just happen to be the ones I prefer to eat at if I have a choice! You can also find empanadas and other Colombian foods in the plaza in the evenings. I recommend trying everything. Like weird food combinations, check out this post!

I recommend you spend a few days wandering the streets of Jericó. The people are friendly and welcoming. You can also come to stay a while and learn some Spanish. 

I have lived in Jericó for 8 months, so if you have any questions, drop them below:)

XOXO

S