Sunday, June 5, 2022
I head back to Brunch de Salento one last time, even though it’s getting embarrassing. The food here is good, predictable, fairly priced, and they even have great WiFi, so I can’t help it. There’s also enough on the menu that I can keep trying something new each visit.
Next, I head to the bus station to catch the bus to Jardín. There’s a bus to Riosucio at 9:40 am each day. It stops in Pereira and leaves at 11 am. It’s 36k pesos. Then you can catch a bus from Riosucio to Jardín at 3 pm (there could be a 2 pm bus but we would have just missed it). It’s a VERY rocky ride. With 40 minutes left, we were told we couldn’t continue and hopped on Willys (which were magically provided to us). I think this is because landslides are frequent during the rainy season. We paid 25k pesos to the second bus and thought we would have to pay the Willy driver, but they drove away so we didn’t. Then, I had to get a tuk tuk (my first time!) to my hostel which was 10k pesos.
Finally, I made it to Charco Corazón Hostel. I didn’t book a hostel in town because there wasn’t a decent one with rooms available for tonight. If you have baggage and/or it’s night, you pretty much need to get a taxi here. There’s no lockers or hot water, but otherwise it’s a nice place. It’s also a bit cold, but they gave me an extra blanket which was nice. They have a restaurant which was pretty good. It was vegan and I think all of the food is grown locally. I’m not sure what they made me on the first night, but it tasted good. There’s a pond out back which is really nice to look at and listen to.
Monday, June 6, 2022
I did some work since I had the room to myself and haven’t met anyone here, besides the English guys I met on the bus. Then I walked into town in search of some anti-bacterial ointment for my blisters (In Salento they told me I would need to go to a bigger town for this, and for BandAids as well. They did have rubbing alcohol, however. Luckily I had a supply of bandages, but with two blisters and moist conditions, I was quickly running out.). I also tried to find someone to clean my AF1s which are starting to smell pretty bad because I simply can’t get them to dry out, but was unsuccessful. It might be time to say goodbye to them, but I’ll hold out a bit longer.
I went to a coffee shop named Dulces de Jardín and got water, a milkshake, and a ham and cheese pastry for 16k pesos. They had lots of jams and things that could make good souvenirs. Then I explored the Parque Principal, which is really beautiful.
For dinner I went to Bella Italia for pizza and then Trigo y Centeno Creperie for dessert. Both were pretty good, but not amazing.
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
This morning I went to Cafe Macanas Parque Principal, which has great vibes. They have basic pastry options, and a nice coffee selection as well (meaning more than just black coffee and cafe con leche).
I took the cable car to La Garrucha to see a view of the surrounding area. Between this and the Parque Principal, it’s clear why this place is named Jardín. The cable car is funny (in a somewhat concerning way). I feel like I could have built it myself out of steel from Home Depot, and they just threw two benches inside. It fits at most 4 people, and there’s not a line, yet they give me little tokens to use as tickets, which they immediately take back. There’s a restaurant at the top where I just bought a water because I’m trying to take a break from drinking and relax so my blisters will heal ASAP, while I have the chance.
For dinner, I go to Bon Appetit, which is a bit more on the expensive side (but still not expensive). It’s supposed to be the best restaurant in town. My food was good but not spectacular. I would recommend coming here if you’re in town and looking for something besides traditional food.
Check Out My Guide to Jardín ⧉
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