Things To Do
in Jardín

Fresh mountain trout, often grilled or fried and served with patacones or rice—widely available in local restaurants and fincas.

Must-Try!

Iconic Antioquia platter with beans, rice, carne, chicharrón, plantain and more; heavy but a cultural must-try—ask for a reduced portion if you want to sample.

Thick corn arepa, sometimes grilled and filled or served alongside meals; ubiquitous and great for a quick snack.

Fried or baked snacks sold at stalls and cafés—perfect with hot chocolate or coffee.

Small markets and stalls near the main square sell fresh fruit, arepas, empanadas and juices—try local fruit like lulo or feijoa and quick fried snacks.

On the routes to surrounding fincas you’ll find roadside stands selling fresh-brewed coffee, homemade snacks and occasional farm-to-table lunches.

A warm handshake and direct eye contact are standard; among friends a single kiss on the cheek is common. Always greet shopkeepers and hosts with buenos días or buenas tardes.

Jardín is culturally traditional—dress modestly in churches and be respectful during religious events and local ceremonies.

Schedule times can be flexible—expect a relaxed pace, though organized tours will usually run on time.

Politeness and brief small talk are valued—basic Spanish greetings and phrases go a long way in building rapport with locals.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; many restaurants add a 10% service charge (revisa la cuenta). If service charge isn’t included, leaving 5–10% for good service is common. Small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are welcomed.

Cash in Colombian pesos (COP) is the most commonly used payment method in Jardín—smaller vendors may be cash-only. Credit/debit cards are accepted in many cafés and hotels, but connectivity and card terminals can be unreliable. There are a few ATMs in town, but services may be limited—carry enough cash for rural trips.

A dramatic hike leading to a waterfall that pours into a cavern—one of the area’s signature natural attractions; guided hikes are recommended for safety and route knowledge.

Several cascades within short drives or hikes of Jardín offer scenic walking routes and swimming holes (season-dependent).

Short, easy trails around hummingbird feeders and gardens that are great for birdwatching and close-up wildlife photography.

Gentle to moderate paths around coffee estates that show the agricultural landscape and provide cultural context for the region’s coffee production.

The main international airport serving Medellín, located near Rionegro; about 2.5–4 hours drive to Jardín depending on traffic. From here you can rent a car, take a private transfer or travel to Medellín and continue by bus/coach.

Smaller domestic airport inside Medellín city limits with regional flights; from Medellín you’ll travel by road (3–4 hours) to Jardín by bus, shuttle or car.

Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in big cities; look for dishes centered on beans, rice, salads, arepas and egg-based plates. Many cafés and tourist restaurants will accommodate requests if asked.

Vegan choices can be scarce in traditional eateries; bring snacks and communicate clearly (vegetariano/vegano) — larger cafés or some guesthouses can prepare vegan meals with advance notice.

Corn-based foods like arepas are usually gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible; communicate your needs and stick to simpler dishes such as grilled trout and plain rice.

Carry allergy cards in Spanish for serious allergies (e.g., 'Soy, nueces, mariscos — alergia severa') and inform restaurants; small kitchens may lack extensive ingredient lists.