5 must-do tourist activities in Jericho for your vacation
In southwestern Antioquia, you'll find a town with cobblestone paths, houses with colorful balconies, stately architecture, and spectacular nature: Jericó. This beautiful place is the perfect opportunity to experience Antioquia's culture, its cheerful people, and its spectacular homes. The municipalities in this department never cease to amaze and are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in the region. Therefore, here are some activities you can do in Jericó.
General information about Jericho
The town was founded by a group of Antioquian families, including the Santamaría family, who sought to distribute the land to working people to develop the country, its culture, and its countryside. This effort developed a town that, unlike many others in Colombia, was established in a civic, orderly, and nonviolent manner. It is a true paradise of blue skies and colorful mansions.
It is located 264 km from Bogotá and just 25 km from the departmental capital, Medellín. To get there, a new highway is being completed, taking the town two hours from the city. The bus fare is 28,000 COP, departing from the bus terminal. Getting there from Bogotá by car takes about 8 hours, although you can also fly to Medellín and depart from there.
Climate
The town has a warm climate and is located at an average elevation of 1,893 meters above sea level. The climate is blue most of the year, although it occasionally rains or becomes cloudy. The average temperature is 18 degrees Celsius.
Lodging in Jericho
The hotel experience in Jericó is incredible. There are hotels both inside and outside the town, most at good prices, with common areas and breakfast included. However, the best part is the beautiful colonial architecture, colorful balconies, and flowers that characterize the accommodations. These settings are perfect for taking thousands of photos and enjoying the Antioquian culture. After finding your accommodation, you'll be wondering what to do in Jericó and what to do in Cauca Viejo. Here we tell you about places to visit.
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy
In the city center stands an imposing red brick basilica, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy, built in 1969. Facing it is the main square, where you can enjoy various places for entertainment and meeting friends.
The first woman canonized by Pope Francis, Blessed Laura Jesús de Montoya, was born in Jericho. As a result, the town has welcomed many parishioners seeking to visit the beautiful churches and Laura's house.
Jericho Clouds Ecological Park
Feel like you're in Eden walking among the clouds while enjoying a beautiful view of the Jericó headwaters and the Cauca River canyon. The Cerro de las Nubes, just outside the town, is the ideal place for a hike surrounded by nature, deer, butterflies, birds, monkeys, armadillos, and spectacular flowers.
It's the dream trail for biodiversity lovers. You can choose to take the trail alone and visit nearby hills like El Salvador, or go with a tour guide from companies that offer various services while you experience a walk among the clouds.
Coffee Farm Experience
Delicious Colombian coffee is world-renowned and beloved. That's why, when visiting this Colombian town, it's essential to visit one of the many coffee farms that offer tours of their facilities.
This way, you'll be able to enjoy an incomparable afternoon, surrounded by coffee plantations, blue skies, birdsong, and hardworking people willing to teach you. You'll learn the coffee process, from the plant to the cup, and enjoy a fresh cup of the finest coffee.
Cauca River Canyon
One of the most beautiful places in the department, the Cauca River Canyon, is located just a few minutes from Jericó. With a length of over 80 km, blue skies, and green mountains, you'll encounter around 261 species of birds, among other animal and wildlife species.
Here you can hire a tour company, which typically charges between 70,000 and 80,000 COP, for a 5-hour tour through trails, coffee plantations, farmhouses, and inspiring landscapes. It's the perfect place to connect with Mother Earth and marvel at her creations.
Maja Museum
Located within Jericho is a museum that seeks to change the way we've understood traditional museums. Therefore, it not only seeks to conserve, research, document, and exhibit artifacts, but also develops various activities to promote culture, art, and human endeavor.
Among these activities, they contribute to various fields of education, present educational policies in their exhibitions, promote cultural entrepreneurship, hold seminars, conferences, and publish, along with other diverse demonstrations of support for community development in Jericó and the nation.
Schedules
Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Prices
Admission costs 3,000 COP.
Access to parking
It doesn't have its own parking lot, but there are places to leave your car in the area.
