Abejorral is a traditional town in Antioquia, Colombia, located 86 km from Medellín. Declared an asset of national cultural interest in 2002, Abejorral offers its visitors the experience of an authentic Antioquia town, along with a variety of nature and adventure plans.
In the historic center, Abejorral retains much of its village tradition. With colonial architecture, peasants, chivas and lots of coffee, this town preserves its essence without pretensions. Outside the town, there are numerous natural attractions and adventure plans.
However, the future of Abejorral as an asset of cultural interest is uncertain, given the state of deterioration of its colonial architecture. Of the more than 500 houses declared heritage, many of them are in an advanced state of deterioration, without a clear plan on how to recover them.
This makes Abejorral a place to visit for people seeking adventure, nature, and new towns to discover in Antioquia, in addition to the most popular ones such as Jardín, Jericó, Santa Fe de Antioquia, and Guatapé.
Things to do in Abejorral, Antioquia?
1. Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen.
Colorful church of neo-gothic design with imposing frontal towers. The original design, by the Belgian Agustín Goovaerts, did not include frontal towers. These were added between 1925 and 1930, a century after its construction in 1825.
On November 23, 1979, the dome and the towers collapsed due to a strong earthquake of magnitude 7.2. A year and a half later, the church finished its reconstruction.
2. Museo Casa de la Cultura Miguel María Calle.
Colonial house with different cultural rooms. The room of the hundred lords pays homage to notable figures in the history of Abejorral and Colombia. In this room there are also archaeological artifacts and the history of the town. In another room, the works of the outstanding bejorraleño painter Jesús María Cardona are shown.
3. Centro Histórico
The historic center of Abejorral was declared a Site of Cultural Interest of the Nation in 2002, thanks to its Antioquia colonial architecture from the 1800s. This architecture stands out for its construction in structures of guadua, wall and bahareque, clay tiles and details of wood made by hand in gates, doors and windows.
Among the main attractions of the historic center are the main square and the Nuestra Señora del Carmen church. In the main square you can see the traditional Chivas with their colorful designs. Another place to visit is the cemetery, at the entrance to the town, and Calle del Comercio, on the right side of the church, restored in 2018.
4. Casa en el Aire
Phone: (+57) 311 395 02 69
Popular hostel built in the middle of a rocky slope, suspending the structure in the air. It is located 15 km (50 minutes by car) from Abejorral on the road to Vereda Santa Bárbara. The road to the hostel is poor condition. It is advisable to go in a tall vehicle or be accompanied by a person who knows the road.
The hostel, in addition to having accommodation, has various adventure activities, with prices between 20,000 and 50,000 pesos each.
- Cable Flight: Flight of 400 meters with a view of the Buey River canyon and the Cerro de Vicente.
- Pendulum: Jump 40 meters into the void from the balcony of the House in the Air.
- Walks (4 hours): Two walks, the first to the cave of the owls, and the second to the top of Cerro San Vicente.
- Hammocks: Suspended on a cable 35 meters high to enjoy the scenery.
Walks, Trails and Hikes
Abejorral has numerous nature trails. In addition to being outdoors and with a lot of nature, these pass through fields, canyons, panoramic views, impressive ravines and puddles to cool off.
There are trails of all kinds of difficulties and durations. It is advisable to do these walks with the company of guides or people who know the route well. The group of walkers Descubriendo Caminos (+57 311-301-2438, +57 315-655-8331) can help you with more information regarding each Path.
1. Salto del Buey
Difficulty: Low / Route: 6 km / Duration: 4 hours
Reservation required: (+57) 350 736 50 53 — lossaltosecoparque.com
In the Los Saltos Eco-park you can find the spectacular water fall “Salto del Buey”. In addition, the eco-park has different activities such as canopying, camping, hanging hammocks, among others. The cost to walk the path to the ox jump is $15,000 pesos.
2. Higuerón Viewpoint
Difficulty: Medium / Route: 9 km / Duration: 3 hours
Phone: (+57) 316 286 89 40
This walk passes through the Quebrada San Antonio and culminates in the Mirador and Truchera El Higuerón. Here you can see the mountains and the canyon of the Aures and Arma rivers. On the way back you can go through the Los Chorritos spa and the Fonda de Balbino.
See a route example here
3. Balneario Los Chorritos
Difficulty: Low / Route: 6 km / Duration: 3 hours
Phone: (+57) 314 729 71 98
Walk to the Balneario Los Chorritos, which has a rest area, restaurant and waterfall. On the way you pass through pine forests and you can stop at the Fonda de Balbino, an old muleteer’s inn.
See a route example here.
4. Mirador alto de la María
Difficulty: Low / Route: 9 km / Duration: 5 hours
Walk that passes through pine forests and Los Dolores ravine to reach Alto de La María, where you can see the Circia canyon and a view of the town.
See a route example here.
5. Pedernales
Difficulty: Medium / Route: 8.5 km / Duration: 4 hours
Walk that passes through pine forests, and with a view of the Circia canyon. If the weather allows it, it is possible to see the Nevado del Ruiz. Access to the Pedernales and Minitas ravines is through a narrow aqueduct channel with a drop between 6-12 meters at points. It is not recommended for people sensitive to motion sickness or with a fear of heights, with vertigo, or with reduced mobility.
See a route example here.
6. Reserva Natural Yeguas Waterfalls
Difficulty: High / Route: 19 km / Duration: 8.5 hours
Trail that ends at the spectacular Yeguas waterfall. On this road you can see the La Soledad bridge, Quebrada las Lomitas, the “La Cascada” micro-hydroelectric plant and pine and native forests.
See a route example here.
7. Salto y Mirador Río Aures
Difficulty: High / Route: 12 km / Duration: 8.5 hours
Trapiche el Salto Tours: https://aurestour.com.co/
On this guided walk you can visit the 420-meter drop of the Aures River. This fall was the inspiration for the Antioquian poet Gregorio Gutiérrez González in his poem “Aures”:
“From rock to rock, cloudy, jumping the waters of the Aures descending are seen; the granite rock undermined with its bombs making shudder. The trembling ferns and reeds on its shore condense the vapor; and in its tremulous swings the drops of water that shine the sun waver”… — Gregorio Gutierrez Gonzalez (1826-1872)
8. Cerro San Vicente
Difficulty: High / Route: 14 km / Duration: 8 hours
On this walk, you can visit Cerro San Vicente, the main hill of Abejorral. Among the attractions of this hike are views of the Río Buey, Farallones Citara, Cerro Bravo and Río Cauca canyons. On your tour you can also visit the Hostal de La Casa en el Aire.
See a route example here.
9. Camino de la Colonización Antioqueña
Difficulty: High / Route: 11 km / Duration: 6 hours
This trail follows in the footsteps of the muleteers of the colonization of Antioquia. In it, you can see the bridge of colonial architecture Arriería, over the Ox River. In addition, on its route it passes through pine forests, native forest.
See a route example here.
Where to eat in Abejorral
1. De Mi Tierra Restaurant
De Mi Tierra is a colorful restaurant on Calle del Comercio, to the right of the main church. In addition to being located in a beautiful colonial house with varied environments, De Mi Tierra offers creative hamburgers such as La Polka, with caramelized cape gooseberry and paprika mayonnaise. It also offers hot dogs, nachos, pizzas and other snacks.
2. Abefrut La tienda del visitante
This small shop, hidden in a corner to the left of the main church, is the ideal place to have a coffee or an ice cream. As for its coffees, Abefrut offers a wide variety of coffees from the Abejorral region, of different heights and with various profiles, depending on taste. Here you can also try avocado ice cream, an unusual flavor recommended by locals. Sit down with your coffee or ice cream at one of the tables in the square and enjoy the passing of people.
3. Café Asomedea
Café Asomedea is another place on the right side of the church to enjoy a coffee or dessert with a beautiful view of the square. One of the most ideal places in town to sit down and work on the computer, if need be.
4. Asados Arango
Asados Arango is a restaurant inside a beautiful colonial house, specializing in meats and recommended by locals.
5. Café de Abejorral
Abejorral is a strong exponent of coffee in Antioquia. Therefore, it is not surprising that all kinds of origin coffee varieties can be found in the town, all with different flavor profiles and harvested at different altitudes.
Among the original coffee brands are: Celimo, Abesar, Raudal, La Arboleda, Andres Duque, Bella Ilusión, La Corola, Los Saltos, Reserva la Montaña, Purimac, Aprendiz, Las Tres Tolfas, Media Cuesta, Hábitat, Altamira, Casa en el Aire, Juan Jose, Mesina
Other places to eat and drink
- El Mirador
- Restaurante San Fernando
- Restaurante Las Abejas
- Café Abesar (open only on weekends)
Where to stay in Abejorral
1. La Ramada Bed & Breakfast
Reservations: booking.com / +57 317-733-8875
La Ramada is a new lodge near the main park of Abejorral. The lodging has a room with private bathroom and breakfast. The patio with a sunroof is very nice and quiet.
Previously, La Ramada was located in another beautiful house in the town and functioned as a hostel.
2. Casa en el aire
Reservations: (+57) 311 395 02 69 / https://aerohostal.wordpress.com/
La Casa en el Aire is a popular lodging destination in Abejorral. Suspended in the middle of a rocky slope, it seems as if it is floating in midair. This hostel inevitably offers a unique experience.
Located on the outskirts of Abejorral, this hostel has capacity for 10 people, who share the house. Although there are no private rooms in this hostel, it is possible to reserve the entire house exclusively for the night.
The hostel is located on the outskirts of Abejorral, 15 km (50 minutes by car) from Abejorral on the road to the Santa Bárbara village. The road to the hostel is not in very good condition, so it is advisable to go in a tall vehicle or be accompanied by a person who knows the road.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the House in the Air does not offer food, so you must bring your own food and water.
3. Casa de Roro
Reservations: +57 313-570-0484 / roroshouse.com / @lacasaderoro
La Casa de Roro is a small lodging with 7 cabins located in 11 hectares of nature and forest, on the outskirts of Abejorral. Focused on natural spaces, peace and rest, this natural refuge has trails, viewpoints, aerial picnic, hammocks and an environment of rest and meditation. La Casa de Roro is located 1 km from Abejorral, 15 minutes by car, or 30 minutes walking along a path full of nature. The lodging is Pet Friendly, but you must advise to receive some recommendations from the staff.
4. Hostal La Peña
Reservations: +57 314-577-5670 / lapenaabejorral.com / @lapenaabejorral
La Peña is an adventure hostel focused on climbing and hiking activities in Cerro San Vicente. The lodging has cabins in the forest and spaces for camping.
5. Hacienda Cafetera Vista Hermosa
Reservations: +57 319-659-1705 / booking.com / Mapa
Hacienda Cafetera Vista Hermosa is a lodging that is part of a 240-block lot with 150,000 original coffee sticks. This lodging offers a beautiful view of the Arma River canyon and the mountain range of southeast Antioquia, as well as coffee tours, ecological walks, hammocks, bonfires and a swimming pool.
The hacienda is located 21 km from Abejorral, on the Abejorral — El Oro road.
Other accommodations
- Los Peñoles Cabins: Cabins with Jacuzzi, hanging mesh and a beautiful view of southwest Antioquia. Located in Vereda la Peña on the Abejorral — El Cairo road. (+57) 319 781 25 00 / @los_penoles_cabana__
- Mundo Colgante: Lodging with hanging rooms and beds, beautiful views, 20 m high swing, hiking and other activities. Located on the sidewalk the Volcano @elmundocolgante 3193292701
Festivities in Abejorral, Antioquia
- Aniversario de fundación (January 15): Commemoration of the foundation of Abejorral with music, parades and a cultural and artistic program.
- Holy Week (April): Pilgrimages, exhibitions of art and religious music, and visits to altars.
- Fiestas del Arco (October, every 2 years): Feast that originally celebrated Corpus Christi. Since 1985, it went from being a religious celebration to a cultural celebration with dance, music, cultural events and where the most representative agricultural products of the area are exhibited.
- Film Festival (December): Programming of documentaries, feature films, short films and a cultural agenda in different locations in the town.
Other Festivities
- Festivities of San Isidro, Parroquia de Cristo Rey. August.
- Patron Saint Festivities of the Virgen del Carmen. July.
- Coffee Week. October.
- Youth Week: November.
- Festivities of Christ the King. November.
- Monologue festival. December.
- December’s holidays. December.
Architecture in conflict
Abejorral is currently in a difficult situation regarding its historical heritage. In 2002, the Ministry of Culture declared almost 600 houses as Assets of Cultural Interest of the Nation. This change meant strict conservation and restoration rules.
The problem is that the owners were left with the responsibility of complying with these rules, and of paying for the conservation of their properties. But it turns out that complying with all the conservation rules is a high cost that many owners either do not have the resources or are not willing to pay.
The result? More than 150 Properties of Cultural Interest in Abejorral are in danger of collapsing, many of them held up with sticks and other improvised materials.
The situation becomes complex when the different parties involved cannot agree on the responsibility for its conservation. As many houses are in danger of collapsing due to restrictions and the cost of renovation and restoration, the municipality of Abejorral hopes that the Ministry of Culture will intervene to restore these Cultural Heritage properties. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture indicates that the responsibility for maintaining these properties, which remain private, falls on the owners.
While the parties come to an agreement, 150 or more houses of historical and cultural value to Colombia are at risk of collapsing.
How to get to Abejorral, Antioquia?
From Medellín by public transport
To go from Medellín to Abejorral by bus, you can use the services of 3 companies, Transunidos (phone: 604-448-1204, transunidossa.com), Sonar (phone.: 604-864-8319) and Cootrabe (phone. : 604-407-6403). The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours.
The buses of these companies can be taken from the North Terminal and the South Terminal, however, from the North Terminal they depart more frequently. From the North Terminal, leave Transunidos (box office 8) and Sonar (box office 5). From the South Terminal, there are Transunidos (box office 23), Sonar (box office 9), and Cootrabe (box office 14).
In Transunited, to go to Abejorral, the most frequent route leaves from the North Terminal, from Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am, passing every two hours until 2:40 pm. This route passes through La Ceja and Colmenas before reaching Abejorral. The approximate value is $25,000 pesos. To return to Medellín, this same route leaves from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm.
From Medellín, by private vehicle
Medellín to Abejorral — Google Maps
To get to Abejorral from Medellín, you must first reach the town of La Ceja, either via the Las Palmas-El Retiro road (toll of approximately $10,000) or by Túnel de Oriente (toll of approximately 20,000).
Once in La Ceja, you must continue along the La Ceja-Abejorral road, which will pass through Colmenas before ending in Abejorral.
Both routes last approximately 3 hours.
What to take to Abejorral Antioquia?
- Coat for the cold. The average temperature in Abejorral is 17 degrees centigrade.
- Cash. There are several correspondents in the town where you can withdraw money.
- Camera.
For the different natural trails, puddles, rivers and streams that Abejorral has to visit, depending on the duration and difficulty, it is recommended to bring:
- Comfortable clothes
- Change of clothes
- Swimwear and towel if you are going to get into the puddles and rivers.
- Coat
- Comfortable sneakers with good grip
- Sun hat
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen
- Repellent
- Food and hydration for long walks.
Other resources
- Find out more hiking trails in Abejorral here.
