Alejandria

Explore Towns

Antioquia

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Location

Alejandria, Antioquia
2 hr 20 min from Medellin
79.6 km (49 miles)

Weather

Average 27c (81f)

Official Website

guarne-antioquia.gov.co

Alejandria, often overshadowed by its bustling neighboring city, Medellin, is a serene and picturesque haven for those seeking a respite from urban life. Nestled in the mountains of Antioquia, Alejandria is a blend of history, nature, and local charm that offers a unique experience for every traveler.

History of Alejandria Town

The town of Alejandría in the Antioquia department of Colombia has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times. The lands that comprise the modern-day municipality were originally inhabited by indigenous groups, primarily the Tahamí people along with some Carib nations who arrived via the Nare River.

In 1886, Alejandro Osorio, Salvador Córdoba, and Procesa Delgado, natives of the nearby town of Concepción, founded the hamlet of Nudillales – the origins of what is now Alejandría. Delgado established the first school for the children of gold mine workers in the area. As more settlers arrived, the town grew around a central plaza laid out by the founders. Initially part of the municipality of Guatapé in 1889, Alejandría became an independent municipality in 1907 by presidential decree during the administration of Rafael Reyes, an unusual occurrence as most municipalities were created by the departmental assembly.

Points of Interest in Alejandria

Despite the fact that Alejandria is a small town, it doesn’t mean you will find yourself with nothing to do. There are many options to choose from.

El Mirador de Alejandría

No trip to Alejandría would be complete without visiting its most iconic viewpoint. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, the Guatapé reservoir, and distant mountain peaks. This is the place for that perfect Instagram photo. Getting to this gem isn’t an easy task, however if you find a taxi they will take you to the entry of the trailhead. There are many taxis passing by for your return trip to Alejandria, since it is on a main road into town, however if you have a good taxi driver, it is good to get their number and have them pick you back up when you are done.

Las Cascadas de Hato Viejo

A refreshing spot for nature enthusiasts. This waterfall and its natural pool is the perfect place to unwind and cool off on a sunny day. If you visit here, a few things to keep in mind, make sure to not enter the water wearing insect repellent, or too much sunblock that isn’t waterproof. This is bad for the fauna and wildlife that call the river, falls and collecting pool home.

Alejandria Town Square

With its charming church and lush park, the square is the heartbeat of the town. It’s an ideal place to sip coffee, people-watch, or simply soak up the ambiance. There are several street food vendors with offerings ranging from fresh fruit, coffee to typical Antioquian foods. When visiting the town square, you may be conditioned to being a little colder to people that talk to you on the street. Especially if you have spent a fair amount of time in Medellin. In Alejandria the people are genuinely friendly and curious to tourists that visit their small town. It is best to talk to people if you speak Spanish, you can also learn the story of the town from their perspective.

Things To Do in Alejandria

EcoAventuras Alejandria

If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor experience, this should be your first stop. Ecoaventuras functions like a travel agency, but it is truly an adventure agency. They know all of the spots that are hidden, such as hidden trails and water excursions. It’s also a good idea to bring a seasoned guide with you when going on adventures in unknown places. Not knowing the terrain can lead to bad results in the Antioquian mountains. Many times you may be without cellular service and if there is an emergency it’s better to have someone with experience of the area.

Visit the Local Churches

Alejandria has several historical churches, each with its unique architecture and story. The most famous is the iconic Parroquial San Pedro Alejandrino, which is the church located in the town square. This church has a storied past, and has survived all of the turmoil that Colombia has been through since the establishment of the town. Much of the architectural touches that are in place to this day have been in place since the church was built. The church does offer tours, however they are all in Spanish, so if you don’t speak Spanish, you may want to bring a translator, and you will be treated to a story of perseverance. After going on this tour, you will understand the reasons that Alejandria has remained a small town and other towns like Guatape and Penol have grown to be tourist destinations.

Where to Eat in Alejandria

Restaurante Mirador Del Río

A staple of the foodie culture in Alejandria. It has earned a great reputation for its incredible food, friendly staff and a unique open air ambience. Alejandria locals love to eat here, and it has been a local haunt for many years. If you are looking for five star fine dining, this is not the place for you. For that matter, Alejandria is not for you. However, the allure of the town as well as the allure of Restaurante mirador del Río isn’t its sophistication, it’s in the small town charm, and Restaurante mirador del Río has that in spades. The food is nutrient dense and always very fresh. The farm to table concept is very important to the owners of the restaurant, and if they’re there, ask them about the history of the restaurant and you will be amazed at the struggle the owners have been through to keep the restaurant going and thriving. It’s conveniently located on the main thoroughfare and there is ample parking. However it is 3 blocks away from the town center and bus stop, so it’s very walkable as well.

Heladería La Plaza

Located one block from the town square, Heladeria La Plaza is the one place to stop to cure your sweet tooth. Indulge in the numerous local ice creams and fresh traditional desserts. Their flavors, inspired by local tropical fruits, are both refreshing and authentic. All sweets including their flagship pastel maracuya are all made fresh daily, and if you go on a busy day, you may be able to get one freshly made. This is a must stop for travelers with a sweet tooth.

Miramonte Hotel And Restaurant

Located in the heart of Alejandria, Miramonte Hotel and Res is a quaint rural coffee shop. Perfect for digital nomads, this restaurant not only has the best hotel in town, but also serves fresh homemade food and artisanal coffees from the local coffee farms but also boasts high-speed Wi-Fi. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can connect to the wi-fi and get some work done, upload all of the pictures from your adventures, people watch from the open patio or curl up with a good book and relax. It is also the best hotel in town, so if you are staying at the hotel you can also have your food or drinks delivered, but you will be missing out on a major part of the experience which is experiencing the ambiance of the town square.

Where to Stay In Alejandria

Because of the small town nature of Alejandria, there are few lodging options. The two best options depend on the experience you’re looking for. There is one well appointed hotel and one quirky and eclectic hostel.

Golden Elephant Hostel

You can rent a rustic private room for up to 4 people. Golden Elephant Hostel is close to rivers and mountains. In an oddity for a hostel, the room has a private bathroom and has well stocked common entertainment areas, surprisingly fast Wi Fi, fire pit, free parking and connection with different tourist attractions in the area. They even have ATVs for rent and guided hiking experiences with local guides. Food is not included, and there is a fee to use the kitchen. However with the food options in Alejandria, this is not necessary.

Miramonte Hotel And Restaurant

The location of the Hotel Miramonte is simply impressive. Situated amid the mountains and green landscapes of Alexandria, it offers breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of connection to nature that rejuvenates the spirit. The rooms in this hotel are very clean and well maintained. Not terribly modern, but again if you’re coming to Alejandria, you’re not coming for a five star experience. The Miramonte hotel is the embodiment of the reason to visit Alejandria; a safe, comfortable and rustic escape from big city life. The rooms all have comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, and many even have bathtubs, an oddity for Colombia. Another small detail which makes the stay incredible is that the rooms have blackout curtains, another oddity for a Colombian hotel. It is recommended to contact the hotel directly for reservations.

How To Get To Alejandria

There are several transport options to get from Medellin to Alejandria. Alejandria is located around 2 hours away from Medellin and is easily reachable by road. Let’s discuss some of the most common travel options and their pros and cons:

Bus: Buses are the most common mode of transportation between Medellin and Alejandria. There are regular bus services that operate between the two towns, and the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the route and the bus company. Buses typically depart from Medellin’s South Terminal (Terminal del Sur) and arrive at Jardin’s main bus station. The buses are comfortable, and you can enjoy scenic views of the countryside during the journey.

Private Car or Taxi: Another option is to hire a private car or take a taxi from Medellin to Alejandria. This is a more expensive option but offers the convenience of a direct and flexible mode of transportation. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. It’s a good option if you prefer a more personalized and private experience, or if you are traveling with a group. You can also stop at small towns on the way to take photos or eat at local restaurants.

Shared Shuttle: Some tour operators or travel agencies offer shared shuttle services between Medellin and Alejandria. This is a convenient option if you prefer a more organized and hassle-free mode of transportation. Shared shuttles usually operate in small groups and provide door-to-door service, picking you up from your hotel in Medellin and dropping you off at your destination in Alejandria.

Motorcycle: For adventure seekers and motorcycle enthusiasts, renting a motorcycle or riding your own bike from Medellin to Alejandria can be a thrilling option. The journey takes you through scenic mountain roads and offers a unique experience of exploring the countryside on two wheels. However, this option requires a valid motorcycle license and experience in riding in challenging terrain.

Once you reach Alejandria, getting around the town is easy as it is a small town with most of the attractions within walking distance. You can also rent bicycles or take local taxis to explore the surrounding areas or visit nearby attractions.