How to Get to Jerico from Medellin

TLDR? You can get to Jerico by bus, rental car, or taxi.

Medellin remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. And, while many people focus on just staying in the city, there are actually some fantastic little surrounding towns you should visit.

One of those is Jerico. Jerico is a historical colonial village packed with churches. It’s a famous destination during religious holidays and Holy Week for Colombians. 

If you want to visit this hillside destination, keep reading. Here’s a guide on everything you need to know about getting to this small village.

What’s the Best Way to Get to Jerico From Medellin?

The best way to get to Jerico when you’re from Medellin depends. There are four possible modes of transportation to choose from. Let’s check out what to know about each route. 

Traveling by Bus from Medellin to Jerico

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reach Jerico from Medellin is by bus. Just make sure you know that to get to the station, you need to take a taxi or Uber and reach Terminal del Sur. 

Once you reach the south terminal, go to booth number 18 and buy your bus tickets there. You can check the prices and departure times online to ensure bus availability. 

You should also remember that there are a few factors that can affect how long your travel time will be. A few things include:

• Bus stops
• Traffic
• Weather conditions

In general, however, it’ll take you a couple of hours to get to Jerico. The trip is actually super comfortable because most buses are air-conditioned with reclining seats. Also, if you’re fortunate, you might catch a bus with free WiFi.

For the best views of Cerro Tusa as you head out of the city, sit on the left side of the bus when heading to Jerico. 

Pro Tip: buy tickets that go through Bolombolo. It’s faster than the standard Fredonia bus route. Just be prepared for a long ride because it’ll typically take around 2.5 to three hours to reach Jerico. 

Subway and Taxi from Medellin to Jerico

If you’re not in much of a hurry and are willing to switch from one type of transportation to another, you might want to take a mix of the metro and a taxi. Even with the transfer time, you can reach Jerico faster than when taking a bus. 

To start, ride the subway at Parque Berrio and get off at La Estrella. The entire ride will last about 28 minutes.

Once you get off at La Estrella, hail a taxi and ask the driver to drop you off at Jerico. The travel time usually takes an hour and 30 minutes, although it depends on traffic. This might sound like a pricey taxi ride, but it’ll usually cost you around the same as going out to the airport in a taxi.

Taking a Taxi From Medellin to Jerico 

If you have the extra cash and don’t want the hassle of bus and subway stops, take a taxi. It’s one of the fastest ways to get to Jerico from Medellin. 

The trip should take less than 2 hours, and you’ll get the perks of comfortable seats and air conditioning. You can usually ask the reception team at your rental to help you get your ride organized!

Getting from Medellin to Jerico by Car

I’ll be honest. When staying in Medellin, the best way to get the most out of your trip is to rent your own car. 

A car ride all the way to Jerico takes less than two hours. Just make sure to factor in the traffic and weather conditions. Don’t forget that you might want to stop for breaks for snacks, bathrooms, and just to stretch your legs. 

You should also remember that there are tolls on the roads leading out of Medellin. Have enough cash in the car to pay for these.

What to Expect When You Get To Jerico

Expect to see beautiful, scenic views of the mountains when you reach Jerico. It’s a peaceful town where you can take a breather and escape from the city. 

There are a few things you can do here, including heading out to the Cristo Redentor Viewpoint.  It’s not too strenuous to climb the hill, and it should only take you about 10 minutes. In other words, even if you’re not a hiking fantastic, it’s a good place to check out.

The best part is that while you’re going up the hill, you’ll actually e making your way through Jerico’s botanical gardens. Even if you don’t make it to the viewpoint, the gardens themselves are stunning.

Aside from Cristo Redentor, another fantastic attraction offering beautiful Jerico views is Parque Cerro Les Nubes. There are different trails you can hike to reach this place. The hike takes 45 minutes to an hour, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. 

Basically, Jericho is famous for its hiking trails, beautiful viewpoints, and breathtaking mountain views. It’s definitely an outdoor oasis!

Where to Stay

Another great reason why you should visit Jerico is its affordable accommodations. You can find various hostels and apartments for rent in this place. Also, even when it’s cheap, the services are almost always top-tier.

Apartments and Airbnbs are also available in Jerico. Apartments are perfect when you want to save money on food. Kitchen spaces are available where you can cook savory dishes. 

On the other hand, and what I personally recommend, Jerico is close enough to Medellín that you can go there for a day. That way, you don’t have to check out of your Medellín Airbnb or vacation rental!

Where to Eat

If you’re looking for restaurants to try in Jerico, this town has several artisan restaurants you should check out. And, don’t forget to try out the coffee shops! Jerico is known for its unique-tasting coffee you won’t find elsewhere. 

Jerico has a long list of must-try cafes and restaurants, but here are a few top picks.

El Saturia Cafe 

El Saturia Cafe is a beautiful coffee shop with an outside patio. It features 32 different coffee brands, but we highly recommend Granizado de Cafe or frozen coffee and Cafe Jericano. El Saturia Cafe also has a wide range of light, medium, and dark roast coffee to suit your taste.

New Cafe Don Rafa  

Another must-try cafe is New Cafe Don Rafa on the main street near the church. This cafe’s bestsellers are cold brew and cappuccinos. Also, you’ll love the cookies and pastries it offers, especially the homemade Oreos! 

Tomotitos Pizza and Parrilla

Tomotitos Pizza and Parrilla is a famous restaurant for its thin-crust pizzas. And, if you’re on a vegetarian diet, this restaurant also has a wide range of options! 

Experience The Vibe in Jerico, Medellin

Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend vacation, Jerico is indeed worth visiting. Appreciate the beauty of nature, and enjoy a unique coffee-tasting experience in this quaint Antioquian town.

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