CHILL OUT IN JARDIN

With its international airport, Medellin serves as a jumping off point for outdoor experiences. While hard-core adventurers head to Los Nevados and other snow-capped volcano destinations a full day’s drive away, I chose the small town of Jardin, which is less than four hours from Medellin via public bus. Life revolves around the Parque Principal in this gorgeous town of about 15,000. With its shade trees, flowers, comfy benches and full complement of food stands, it’s a great place to chill after a day’s hiking. Horses wander the streets and most buildings are brightly painted. Visitors wander blissfully in and out of town drinking in the gorgeous coffee country scenery. In two directions there are funky little gondolas to get one over ravines. Then you’re free to wander up and down windy roads and former mule paths up hillsides, surrounded by endless greenery. More organized treks on foot or horseback are available to Caverna El Esplendor, a lovely cave and waterfall destination. Rappelling down the waterfall can be arranged. The Salto de Angel waterfall is also nearby. Bird watchers have many options, including Reserva Natural de las Loro Orejiamarillo, where yellow ear parrots may be spotted. Tours of coffee plantations are easily arranged for about $30. Here, one can be guided throughout the process, from picking the ripe beans, grinding them and brewing up a cup. Aside from the sweet views and tranquil ambience, a delicious lunch of grilled chicken, stuffed tomatoes and cup after cup of fresh coffee nurtures one’s inner Juan Valdez spirit. With hotel and restaurant prices about half of Medellin’s, Jardin is a great place to adopt a muy tranquillo attitude and experience the rural Colombian lifestyle.