THINGS TO DO IN JERICO, COLOMBIA
North of Medellín, I ventured into yet another colorful Colombian town, Jericó. This off-the-beaten-path destination had one of the most authentic feels in the country.
There are friendly people, beautiful mountains, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets. What I loved about Jericó is its lovely viewpoints and authenticity. Although I loved Jardin, a more popular town nearby, Jericó was also a perfect getaway from Medellín.
Another distinct feature about Jericó is the number of churches it has. You can see them on every corner. Plus, it has a beautiful plaza and viewpoints.
My friends and I walked around the town admiring the beautiful colorful doors, went up to the viewpoint to see the town, and had the best time hanging out in this adorable and colorful town.
Here are some things to do in Jericó
Things To Do In Jericó, Colombia
Table of Contents
Things to Do In Jericó, Colombia
Cristo Redentor Jerico Viewpoint
At the top of a hill sits a Jesus statue that overlooks the city. It was one of my favorite spots in the town because the views were stunning. Below, you can spot the many churches established in the town. At the top, there are benches so you can sit and relax. If you aren’t in a rush, this is an excellent place to picnic or read a book.
Stroll the Colorful Streets
What attracts visitors to the small towns in Colombia are the colors. Colombia has to be one of the most colorful countries I’ve visited. Jericó is one of them. The doors and windows sills are brightly painted and decorated. I walked around taking pictures of them all because they were so lovely.
Hang Out at the Plaza
The main square in Jericó is the perfect hang-out spot. It is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, ice-cream shops, and bars. And like every other plaza in Colombia, it has a large church in front of it. So my friends and I sat at the square to eat ice cream and people-watch. During the weekends and holidays, the square will be busy and lively.
Check out the Churches
As I mentioned earlier, Jerico has an abundance of churches, and it’s normal to hear the church bells ringing throughout the town. It’s a little religious town. There are approximately 17 of them. However, many people come to Jericó for Madre Laura. She is a prominent leader who made an impact in Colombia and is known as the first saint in Colombia. Her home is in the town center, and there is a museum in her honor.
Take a Tuk Tuk Tour
If you’re not familiar with tuk-tuks, they’re basically small motorcycle taxis. They are pretty common in some countries like Thailand and India. However, they are also common in some small towns in Colombia. For example, in Jericó, you can hire a Tuk Tuk driver as a guide, and they will take you around the town.
Go on a Coffee Tour
Jericó is in a coffee region of Colombia. Therefore it is surrounded by coffee farms. If you’re interested in learning about the coffee process, you can go with Las Cometas Tours. They will teach you how they pick the coffee and then dry it.
Check out a Museum
Despite being a small town, there are a few museums you can check out in Jericó. The most popular one is Casa Museo de Santa Laura. It’s the house of Madre Laura, Colombia’s first saint. Santa Laura Montoya Upegui was the founder of a religious order that spread widely.
She is known for her work and fights to bring social justice for the poor indigenous communities, and she was dedicated to eliminating racial discrimination. For those reasons, she was considered controversial and a rebel by some.
You can also find Museo Antropologico y de Arte. It exhibits local artifacts and modern art. Plus, you can go to Centro de Historia and Museo de Arte Religioso. Some are free, and others charge a small fee of about 3000 COP ($1).
Experience the Artisan Leather Culture
One thing Jericó is known for is its leather production. One signature product found in this town is handcrafted carriels. They are leather bags used throughout the country. In Jericó, you can find workshops to learn more about their production. The carriels are small but thick and have hidden pockets and pouches. They are designed to conceal and have a history with horseback journeys.
Mirador Las Nubes
Mirador de la Flores is a natural reserve with hiking paths where you can find lots of flora and fauna. It’s one of the most popular spots to hike in Jericó because it has lovely views. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to go, but take the time to go if you stay an extra day.
Paragliding
Paragliding is a popular activity found throughout many towns and cities in Colombia. Jericó happens to be one of the places where people do paraglide. The region of Antioquia from above is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen from an airplane. So, I can’t imagine how awesome it must be to paraglide over it. I’m still hoping to do this activity myself.
How to Get to Jericó
Jericó is about 3 hours by bus from Medellín. Although you can visit in one day, you don’t want to spend over 6 hours on the bus. So, I recommend you stay the night in the town. In Medellín, get to Terminal del Sur and catch a bus to Jericó. The cost will be about 25,000 COP.
If you are trying to visit both, Jardin and Jericó, there are daily Chiva buses that transit between the towns. Chivas are these colorful open-air buses found throughout Colombia, especially in this region. It’s a fun Colombian experience to have.
When to Visit Jericó
Jericó has a pleasant climate year-round but more frequent rains from October to November. Nothing too bad, though. The rain will only last a few minutes to a couple of hours, and then you can continue exploring.
Where to Stay
My friends and I stayed at this lovely family-run hotel just on the outskirts of the town. It is called Finca Hotel Palmeras de Isabel. The lady was so kind to us and even sat down to eat dinner with us the night we arrived. She made us feel like family and at home.
If you prefer, you can stay at Las Cometas Hostel, where you can find other solo travelers and a more social environment.
What to Pack For Jericó
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
