Cueva del Esplendor

Cueva del Esplendor is in the La Linda vereda, in the mountains around Jardín, a town in southwestern Antioquia about 134 km from Medellín. Water from a creek falls through a hole in the roof of a rock cave and forms a pool inside; the drop is said to be about 100 meters.

It's on private land and you can only go in with authorized guides. The most common tour leaves Jardín at 9:00 a.m.: one stretch by jeep on a dirt road and the rest on foot through pastures and forest. At the end you go down about 15 minutes on a steep, slippery trail, with ropes in some parts, to the mouth of the cave.

Inside you can get into the pool, but the water is very cold. Before the descent there's a farmhouse that sells drinks and food. Counting transportation and the hike, the whole trip takes 6 to 8 hours from town.

It's a hike for people in reasonable shape: there's mud, rocks and uphill stretches. It often rains in the afternoon in that area, so start early and bring clothes that can get wet.

What to see

• The waterfall pouring through the roof of the cave.
• The pool inside the cave.
• The path through pastures, farms and mountain forest.

Getting there

• From Medellín: bus to Jardín from the Terminal del Sur, 3 to 4 hours.
• From Jardín: a tour with a local agency that leaves at 9:00 a.m. by jeep, followed by a guided hike.

Tips

• Book the tour ahead in Jardín; there's a daily visitor limit.
• Wear shoes with good grip or boots, and bring a rain jacket, a towel and dry clothes.
• Bring cash for the entry fee and anything you buy at the farm.
• Start early: it usually rains in the afternoon.