San Jerónimo, Antioquia: Things to Do in the Golden Gate to the West

Almost everyone comes to San Jerónimo for the same reason: the heat and the pool. It sits about 35 km from Medellín, on the other side of the Túnel de Occidente, at 780 meters above sea level with an average temperature of 25 °C. Turismo Antioquia calls it the "Golden Gate to Western Antioquia", and it is the natural first stop on the way to Santa Fe de Antioquia. But the town has much more than weekend country houses.

The hometown of Atanasio Girardot

You know the name even if you do not realize it: it is the name of Medellín's stadium. Atanasio Girardot, a hero of Colombian independence, was born in San Jerónimo on May 2, 1791, and the national anthem remembers him in the Bárbula verse. Worth knowing before you sit down in the main square.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

It is the exposed-brick church that dominates the main square. It was built over a rammed-earth chapel with a straw roof dating from around 1780, and inside it holds paintings and sculptures of European origin. At night, with the facade lit up, the square becomes the town's meeting point.

Circuito Bocas de Fuego

On the La Guaracú creek, which comes down from high in the mountains through the Las Angosturas area, you will find calm pools, swimming holes and small, powerful rapids. It is the option for those who prefer creek water to a swimming pool. As with any mountain creek, the water can rise quickly with rain: ask about conditions before swimming.

Rural San Jerónimo

Rural tourism is the other side of the municipality, and the one you do not see from the highway:

• Aroma route, in the Poleal rural district: aromatic production, medicinal plants and farming culture.
• Coffee grower for a day: a hands-on experience of the daily routine of an Antioquian coffee farmer.
• Among honey and bees: beekeeping has played an important role in San Jerónimo, and this experience covers pollination, the history of bees and responsible honey production.

These experiences are arranged with local operators and families; confirm availability before you go.

Parque Los Tamarindos, if you travel with kids

At km 32 of the Medellín - San Jerónimo road is Comfenalco's Parque Los Tamarindos, with pools for adults and children, water slides and a lazy river. It opens Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays and on Mondays that are not holidays. Rates depend on your Comfenalco membership category, so check them on Comfenalco's website before going.

Fiestas del Sol y el Agroturismo

The town hall places this festival on the second weekend of November. During the year the town also celebrates its anniversary (February), Holy Week and the San Jerónimo festivities (September). Exact dates change every year: confirm them with the town hall before planning your trip.

How to get there from Medellín

By road, the Medellín - San Jerónimo highway goes through the Túnel de Occidente, which has a toll. By public transport, buses to San Jerónimo and Santa Fe de Antioquia leave from Medellín's Terminal del Norte; if you are going to Los Tamarindos, ask to be dropped off at km 32.

Continuing through the West

San Jerónimo pairs well with Santa Fe de Antioquia, a short drive further along the same road. To understand the region, read our guide to the culture of Western Antioquia (in Spanish), and if you are staying overnight, check our verified hotels in the West.

Cover photo: facade of the church of San Jerónimo, by SajoR, via Wikimedia Commons, license CC BY-SA 4.0.