Jericó

Where to stay

The town is compact and everything clusters within a few blocks of the main plaza, where the cathedral and the MAJA museum complex sit. Most budget beds are in converted colonial houses on the streets radiating from the square, keeping you walking distance from the carriel workshops and the few local eateries without needing a mototaxi.

Getting around

• Buses from Medellin's Terminal del Sur take roughly three hours and are the most straightforward way in. Coming from the coffee axis, you often have to change in La Pintada or Andes, so allow extra time for connections.
• The hike to Cerro Las Nubes is a short two-to-three-hour round-trip that rewards you with views over the valley. Start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon clouds that frequently obscure the vista.
• Jericó is a heritage town with a strong artisan tradition. Visit the local workshops to see carriel bags being made by hand, and check out the MAJA museums for a deeper look at the region's anthropology and music history.

When to go

Rates are generally lower during the rainy months of April-May and October-November, when fewer tourists visit the coffee region. Prices climb during Semana Santa and the December-January holiday break, when domestic travelers flock to the heritage towns of Antioquia.