Quickie Report: South West Antioquia, Colombia
How many times did I say coffee?
I’m back from a magical trip to the mostly unknown mountains of the South West Antioquia region in Colombia. Only three hours away by car from the always-great and vibrant city of Medellin, you’ll find a peaceful, breathtaking paradise that will blow your socks off.
📝 The Itinerary
Day one: Medellin to Tamesis
3 hours by car - I rented a car
Exploring the town by foot. The main plaza is breathtaking
Buying goodies at a wonderful farmer’s market - Excellent coffee from the region, chocolate bars that are Europe level quality, and delicious quinoa cookies
Coffee break at a charming coffeehouse with an A+ view
Lunch at a really good informal steakhouse by the road. We had a FEAST of grass fed steak that I’m still thinking about - total price for two? Less than $20
Ended the day at a cute nature themed townhouse hotel with an outdoor hot-tub/ jacuzzi
Day Two: Tamesis to Salgar
Early morning bunuelos and coffee - what else?- at the Tamesis main plaza
Arriving to a dreamy coffee reserve hotel in Salgar after 2 hour car trip
Lunch waiting for us at the hotel: ribs with a delicious coffee sauce and a passion fruit mousse as dessert
Horse back riding to the top of the world
Spent the afternoon reading and resting with a view
Day Three: Salgar to Medellin
A superb local breakfast with more outstanding coffee
Coffee degustation - I was jittery by this point but I wasn’t going to stop
Chilling in the hammocks of the hotel admiring the view
Back to Medellin by car - 2 hours aprox
🏠 Where did I stay
Tamesis: Hotel Cetro. Get the townhouses with the outdoor jacuzzi. It’s a basic hotel that is clean with unrestricted mountain views. Paid $50 per night. A total steal. Beers at the minibar were $1, my husband was over the moon!
Salgar: Finca La Manchuria Must do! This is a one-of-a-kind incredible hotel with excellent service, food, and activities. We had stayed here before for some days and we are happy to report that the hotel still remains one of our favorite hidden gems in the region. The packaged coffee is out of this world, so make sure to get some back home. I paid $200 for one night including food and a horseback experience, An insane value! If you really want to unwind, stay for a couple of days more. I promise you won’t regret it.
💡 This Trip is Best For
Although tourism is not fully developed in the area, this trip can be for everyone (families included) - you can relax or engage in many activities; it works for both types of travelers.
Usually, tourists are taken to more developed towns from Medellin that are also outstanding (such as Jardin and Guatape), but if you can spare a few days to visit these, you’ll fall in love. I promise.
📷 Highlights
I’m sorry, but who wouldn’t want to stay here forever?
This place looks beautiful, and it sounds like you really made the most of it. I have to ask though, did you not find anywhere to have coffee while you were there? I couldn't find any mentions of coffee? ;)
(In case my sense of humour isn't coming across well, that's a playful ribbing for how many times you mentioned coffee, not a serious attack, please and thank you)