Discover the thrill of exploring Colombia on two wheels with Colombia Moto Adventure Tours.
Jardin, Antioquia
2-Day Cultural & Scenic Ride: Medellin – Jericó – Jardín
Colombia Adventure Moto Tours invites you on an immersive 2-day motorcycle journey from the bustling city of Medellin to the charming “Pueblo Patrimonio” of Jericó, and then to the picturesque Jardín, utilizing a mix of paved and potentially some unpaved sections for an authentic experience. This itinerary is designed for intermediate riders, as the route to Jericó is generally paved but often winding, and the road from Jericó to Jardín can involve rougher, unpaved sections that require confident handling.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. Day 1 is moderate, with winding paved roads and elevation changes. Day 2 involves potentially challenging unpaved sections, requiring prior experience with varied road surfaces and confident motorcycle handling.
Preferred Moto Type: Dual-sport motorcycles (e.g., Arizona Victory, Honda XRE, Royal Enfield Himalayan) are strongly recommended for their versatility, robustness, and ability to comfortably handle both paved mountain roads and potentially rougher unpaved sections.
Day 1: Medellin to Jardín via Jericó
Morning (7:30 AM – 8:30 AM): Departure from Medellin HQ
Location: Colombia Adventure Moto Tours HQ in Medellin (Calle 10A #41-11, El Poblado, Medellín).
Elevation: 1,495 m (4,905 ft).
Activity: Comprehensive bike briefing, gear check, and preparation. We’ll head south, exiting the city on paved roads.
Climate (Medellin, July): Mild, “eternal spring” climate, typically around 18-28°C (64-82°F) with high humidity (78-87%). Mornings are pleasant.
Late Morning (8:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Winding Roads to Jericó
Terrain Type: Predominantly paved, winding mountain roads with numerous curves and elevation changes.
Key Point: Cerro Tusa Viewpoint / Early Descents
Elevation: Approximately 1,800 – 2,500 m (5,900 – 8,200 ft), then descending towards the Cauca River canyon.
Views: As we climb out of Medellin, stunning panoramic views of rolling green hills and deep valleys. A common stop offers a fantastic view of Cerro Tusa, a striking natural pyramid.
Climate: Initial climate will be mild and temperate, gradually becoming warmer and more humid as we descend towards the Cauca River.
Vegetation: A mix of urban fringe, agricultural land (e.g., potato, dairy farms), and patches of humid montane forest. As we descend, it may transition to more sub-tropical flora.
Birds: Keep an eye out for Great Kiskadees and various Sparrows in cultivated areas, and perhaps some Tanagers in more forested patches.
Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Center Park Delights in Jericó
Location: Jericó.
Elevation: 1,910 m (6,266 ft).
Activity: Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a charming local restaurant in Jericó.
Views: Jericó is nestled in a lush valley, with views of rolling green hills often shrouded in a light mist, and the colorful colonial architecture of the town itself.
Climate (Jericó, July): Generally pleasant and temperate, with an average temperature around 19-21°C (66-70°F). It can be humid (around 85%), and afternoon showers are common.
Vegetation: Dominated by coffee plantations, banana trees, and dense patches of sub-Andean forest.
Birds: Abundant birdlife; listen for the calls of Rufous-collared Sparrows and look for various hummingbirds.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): The Rustic Route to Jardín
Terrain Type: This leg offers an adventurous experience! We’ll depart Jericó and head towards Jardín via the “Chiva Route,” which often involves unpaved sections (gravel, dirt, potentially rocky or muddy depending on recent rain). This route adds to the “adventure” difficulty.
Key Point: Jericó to Andes / “Chiva Route”
Elevation: Fluctuates, generally between 1,500 – 2,200 m (4,900 – 7,200 ft).
Views: Offers incredible, intimate views of the rural Antioquian landscape, passing through remote hamlets and untouched natural beauty.
Climate: Will vary with elevation but generally remain mild to cool and humid, with a high chance of rain.
Vegetation: Diverse, ranging from small farms and pastures to dense patches of humid montane forest.
Birds: More opportunities to see local birdlife here, including various Tanagers, Flycatchers, and possibly raptors soaring overhead.
Evening: Stay at Villa Juliana Jardín
Location: Jardín.
Elevation: 1,750 – 1,773 m (5,741 – 5,817 ft).
Accommodation: Arrive in Jardín and check into the enchanting Villa Juliana Cabañas (Carrera 6 #12a-02, Jardin). These charming and comfortable cabanas offer a tranquil retreat with beautiful garden views.
Activity: Enjoy dinner in Jardín’s lively main square, soaking in the quintessential Antioquian atmosphere.
Views: The colorful colonial town of Jardín nestled in a verdant valley surrounded by dramatic mountains. Truly picturesque.
Climate (Jardín, July): The quintessential “eternal spring” of the coffee region – mild (average 19°C / 67°F), often humid (85% humidity), with a high chance of afternoon showers (341-357 mm/month).
Vegetation: Incredibly lush and vibrant, dominated by extensive coffee plantations that carpet the steep hillsides, interspersed with remnants of cloud forest.
Birds: Famous for birdwatching, with high chances of spotting the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, various hummingbirds, and the striking Collared Aracari.
Day 2: Jardín to Medellin – Highway Return
Morning (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Breakfast in Jardín
Activity: Savor a relaxed breakfast at Villa Juliana Cabañas.
Late Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Scenic Highway Ride
Terrain Type: Primarily well-maintained paved highways, offering a smooth and efficient return.
Key Point: Leaving Coffee Region to Lowlands
Elevation: Descending from Jardín (1,773 m) towards the warmer lowlands near La Pintada (around 600 m).
Views: Initial stunning panoramic views of the coffee-growing landscapes around Jardín. As we descend, the scenery shifts to broader river valleys and more open agricultural areas.
Climate: Starting cool and humid in Jardín, it will steadily warm up, becoming tropical and humid as we descend to lower elevations.
Vegetation: Shifts from lush coffee and montane forest to drier, more open landscapes, then to mixed agriculture as we approach Medellin.
Birds: Common regional birds such as Crested Caracara might be seen in open areas.
Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Roadside Stop
Activity: Enjoy lunch at a convenient and comfortable restaurant along the route.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Return to Medellin
Terrain Type: Paved highways, becoming busier as we approach the city.
Key Point: Re-entering Aburrá Valley
Elevation: Gradually increasing as we re-enter the Aburrá Valley, back to 1,495 m (4,905 ft) in Medellin.
Views: The familiar urban sprawl of Medellin will reappear, offering a stark contrast to the natural beauty we’ve just traversed.
Climate: Returns to Medellin’s characteristic year-round spring climate (mild, 18-28°C / 64-82°F).
Evening (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Tour Conclusion
Location: Arrive back at Colombia Adventure Moto Tours HQ in Medellin.
Activity: Debrief, return bikes, and conclude your memorable motorcycle adventure!