One thing we’re quickly learning about Colombians is they love traveling within their own country. As they should. They are blessed with a plethora of phenomenal options, year-round great weather, and a wonderful tourism structure. We’re also realizing because of this, that weekends can be a bit of a madhouse when traveling to the many charming pueblos, particularly on the outskirts of big cities. However, one place that still seems less visited by locals, and virtually untouched by foreigners, is the endearing colonial town of Jerico. Here you will find authentic culture and traditions, like men riding their horses to the bar, the prettiest pink church any little kid has ever laid eyes on, locals listening to live music in the square, and a variety of artisan markets. What you won’t find are any Jerico t-shirts or keychains. Ahhhh, yes. We truly love this place. 

Jerico is located three hours south of Medellin’s South Bust Terminal down a Dramamine-requiring kind of road, tucked gently within the rolling Andes. It’s colorful and bright but doesn’t feel overdone or forced in anyway. It feels…simply genuine. These best things to do in Jerico? Simply walk around soak it all in.

The architecture and woodwork are just extraordinary.

As mentioned, many men ride up to the saloons on their horses, and sometimes even served on their saddles. Guess drinking and trotting are acceptable behaviors. 

We found Barbie’s dream church. The town of Jerico may have less than 20,000 inhabitants, but has more than 15 colonial churches, including the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jerico, which was only recently dyed pink after many years of donning white. I’m sure there were some strong opinions on that decision.

Fundadores Park (founders) is a lovely public gathering space in front the church where the locals probably debated color choices. 

Typical street scenes of Jerico. The perfect amount of color splash.

We know where this guy is heading!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Navidad!

Okay. We’ve learned what the word lencería means in Spanish. And it’s not Christmas decorations.

More street scenes. You can see Jesus peeking out on the hill. He does this a lot here.

The central plaza was an ideal place for people watching and was full of people selling things like street food, produce and little candies.

More scenes and restaurants from the main square.

Loved the grand and vibrant staircases.

Another style.

So many unique windows and doors. We found the one on the bottom right quite interesting as it resembled architecture we’ve seen in the Balkans and colors one would find in Greece.

Oh, and like in Mexico, there are little dogs galore in Colombia.

Looks like a watermelon or bubble gum family might live here.

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Amongst these rainbow dusted homes, tucked at the end of a seemingly dead end block, was the entrance to the free botanical garden. As soon as you went through that little red door on the end…

….you were transported to another world as you crossed this bridge…

…and became immediately immersed in nature as you sauntered your way up an easy path to reach…

JERICO OVERLOOK

Guess who?!

At the top of Jerico rests the Cristo Rey stature overlooking the village. You can see Jesus from far and wide throughout the town. I’m sure many residents greatly appreciate His presence.

And what beautiful views of the town below.

Jerico also happens to be the home of The Annual Kite Festival, which we happened to be in town for. It was a bit busy on that Saturday, and we enjoyed the live music in the square, but funnily we never once saw any kites flying ?

Mandy taking a breather in the “O.”

The grandest cathedral we have seen in Colombia so far is in Jerico’s main square called Catedral Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes de Jericó. This is a view from far uphill.

It’s very unusual for a church in Latin America and seems to be a bit industrial in architecture. 

A view from a shop near the main square. We experienced lots of sunshine while in Jerico.

Drifting into an art gallery near the bus station, which was blanketed in bizarre and surreal Dali-esque images.

Run out of canvas? Why not start a new one? Love this.

HIKE TO THE GROTTO

Drifting up to a grotto overlooking the pueblo.

Just adore this special place.

Loved the textures in the one!

EATING OUT

Our favorite meal in Jerico was at the beautifully eclectic and delectable Isabel cafe, where we found ourselves feeling a bit guilty thanks to a few eyes watching us devour our greasy food. 

Hanging out in the square and enjoying a beer and live music during the Festival de las Cometas featuring now kites. (Kite Festival)

OUR ACCOMMODATION

Finca Hotel La Kolorina

Our stay in Jerico seemed like the ideal place to experience our first finca, which are rural accommodations, sometimes farms, often in the rolling mountains of the country. If (or when?) we buy property in Colombia, it’s the exact kind of place we’re dreaming of. 

The walk from the main plaza took about 25 minutes to get out to our place, Finca Hotel La Kolorina. Can’t say that we minded one bit. Had we wanted a ride, there were plenty of tuk tuks readily available, which seems to be the norm in rural Colombia.

The first glimpse of our new home. 

The delightful view from the finca when we arrived.

We were greeted by the cutest abuelita ever. In fact, every time we left and returned to the finca, she would be there waiting to make sure we were ok. At one point, we separated and Greg came home without Mandy and she was beyond concerned that he had left her behind somewhere. ?

Our adorable room for three nights. ($100k pesos a night or about $25). Found on Booking.com.

Inside the room. It got quite chilly at night so we had to ask for extra blankets. But it was absolutely tranquil and quiet.

The bathroom.

The cute little colorful windows. Loved the speckled paint on the walls. 

The festive and eclectic restaurant in the back where we would have our delicious breakfast cooked by the owner, Luz. Such a treat for it to be included in the price: scrambled eggs, a homemade arepa, queso, toast, orange juice, papaya, hot chocolate and of course, some divine coffee, for which no milk or sugar is needed. Because…we have entered Colombia coffee country ?

Luz and Mandy. In addition to making a helluva breakfast, Luz was incredibly kind, gave big mama bear hugs and did her best to speak slowly so we could understand her. We highly recommend this place. 

We also loved this finca because it had ample places for us to sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery while we worked or relaxed. The view from our favorite sofa.