A scenic section of the world’s longest mountain range passes through Colombia and is divided into three distinct areas: the Central, Western, and Eastern Andes. The Colombian Andes is world-renowned for its coffee plantations, lush flower fields, and Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring that’s undergone a radical transformation from one of the world’s most dangerous places. Among other things to do, the range also comprises the picture-perfect pueblos of Villa de Leyva and Barichara—often voted Colombia’s prettiest town—the adventure capital of San Gil and even the metropolis of Bogota. Running adjacent to the Pacific Coast, the western Andes overlook the salsa-dancing city of Cali and encompass the giant palms of Valle de Cocora.
The driest months in the Colombian Andes are from December to March; however, the Andean region is prone to downpours throughout the year, thanks to its high altitude. The higher you go, the cooler the temperatures, so be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing, whatever time of year you’re visiting. April through June and August through October see the heaviest rain, which could scupper plans to hike some remote mountain trails.
The Colombian Andes has a cost-effective and convenient public coach network, with routes covering all of the major towns and cities in the three parts of the mountain range. Popular companies include Bolivariano and Expreso Palmira but do bear in mind that mountain routes are windy and steep, so they aren’t ideal if you suffer from travel sickness. If that’s the case, consider taking a domestic flight.
Though a recent rise in popularity has seen many places in Colombia become firm fixtures of the traveler trail, some quiet towns have remained undiscovered. The Andean town of Jardín is one of them, and its lush natural landscapes and perfectly-preserved colonial architecture will undoubtedly make you fall in love with it. You can also rappel down waterfalls in the nearby jungle and sample coffee grown in the world-famous plantations surrounding the quiet town.
