El Encanto

Espresso lovers will feel right at home in Jardín, part of Colombia's biggest coffee growing district, Antioquia. Of course this charming little town has much more to offer than its tintos (a very sweet black coffee, loved by locals). From colourful houses lining the winding streets of the old town to the towering basilica, here history blends seamlessly with local life. Take Jardín at your own pace with a trek up one of the surrounding mountains or relax in the plaza.

Make the most of the scenery by staying at a Jardín hostel that has a terrace overlooking the mountains. Or sip a cold beer in a hostel bar that looks out onto the region's coffee farms. Want to see them up close? There's a place that arranges trips and tours for you. Keep an eye out for Jardin hostels that include a free breakfast, or one with free Wi-Fi – handy for planning the next leg of your journey.

Jardín is a small town, so wherever you are you'll always be in the middle of the action. The plaza is central and a peaceful spot for grabbing a bite to eat. If you're interested in exploring Colombia's rich natural landscape, go south to La Garrucha, a cable car that takes you over the mountains. Further north, you'll find Cueva del Esplendor, a waterfall and pool that flows into a dark cave where you can go for a dip. 

Explore the heart of Jardín on foot with a tour of the colonial streets. In the centre, there's a square with tables and chairs where you can grab a refreshing drink between sightseeing. Marvel at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a catholic Neo-Gothic church made from hand-carved stone. If you want to get closer to nature, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Reserve is an observatory where you can see the area's vibrant birds. For a hike, opt for Cascada La Escalera – you can abseil down its seven cascading falls. 

Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín is the nearest to Jardín. It's about 3 hours away by bus. Getting around town is easy (and fun) thanks to the moto-ratóns, tiny carts pulled by motorbikes that locals also call tuk-tuks. Jardín is so compact you can walk to wherever you need to be while enjoying your surroundings, or hail a taxi if you're in a hurry.