Jardin is one of the most idyllic spots in Colombia and easily one of my favorite places in the world. Its remote location keeps it from becoming a major tourist hotspot, but that should not deter you from visiting! Much of the drive through the Andes is incredibly scenic, and the journey is part of the adventure. My trip to Jardin was unforgettable, so keep reading to learn how to get there from Medellin and how to avoid the mistakes I made.
How to Get to Jardin from Medellin
Just about every traveler will get to Jardin from Medellin, the nearest big city. The journey takes a little more than three hours, though construction, traffic, and even road blockages from landslides can lead to longer times.
Bus from Medellin to Jardin
Buses to Jardin depart from the Terminal del Sur (South Terminal) in Medellin roughly every two hours. Look for buses labeled “Rapido Ochoa” and check exact schedules on their website. One-way tickets cost around $46,000 COP (about $12 USD). If traveling on a weekend, it is wise to book your seat online in advance because Jardin is a popular getaway for Medellin locals. On weekdays, there are usually seats available for same-day purchase at the station.
Bus from Riosucio to Jardin
The other option to reach Jardin is via a gravel road to the south that connects the town to the small city of Riosucio. Only one bus departs daily from Riosucio’s Terminal de Transporte at 3:00 p.m. Although the distance is just 30 miles, the poorly maintained and winding road makes the journey take about two and a half hours. Travelers are rewarded with stunning mountain views, but those with a fear of heights may find some sections nerve-wracking.
My Experience Getting to Jardin
I had quite the memorable experience getting to Jardin. Not only was I not aware that the “road” from Riosucio to Jardin was more of a gravel path and not an actual paved road, but we missed our bus in Riosucio by about 30 seconds due to a late-arriving connection from Manizales. Since Riosucio doesn’t have much to see, we were determined to find a way to get to Jardin that night. Eventually, we were able to find a local willing to take us in his jeep after negotiating a price.
The journey was intense. Having no idea how poor the road conditions would be, it was also nighttime for most of the drive. Pitch black conditions, pouring rain, and no sign of humanity for miles and miles of mountain road was… exhilarating! I definitely had COVID as well, making it even more miserable. Thankfully, the kind man got us there in one piece and our host picked us up in the town square.
Getting to Medellin from Jardin after our memorable 2-day stay was far more seamless. There was one landslide and a stranded motorist blocking the road on separate occasions, which led to the journey taking closer to four hours than three. However, it was nothing compared to what we’d experienced a few days prior. Buses in Colombia were generally quite reliable (and felt safe).
In-Summary: Getting to Jardin
Visiting Jardin is worth every bit of the journey, whether you take the main bus from Medellin or the, let’s say, scenic route from Riosucio. Don’t be in a hurry, as factors like construction and traffic can make for a longer trip than expected. The stunning landscapes and charm of Jardin will make it an rewarding experience regardless.
Planning ahead, knowing what to expect, and not missing your bus like me will make your trip stress-free.
