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SantaFeDeAntioquia

TravelGuide > SantaFeDeAntioquia

Santa Fe de Antioquia is a beautiful colonial town next to the Cauca river, at less than 2 hours from MedellinGuide on the road to TurboGuide?. In 2006 a tunnel was opened on this road, increasing the amount of weekend tourists.

The region around it is very pretty too, and the climate is warmer than Medellin itself. In the historic center, streets are cobblestoned, the colonial houses are painted in pretty colors. It's perhaps not as picture-perfect as VillaDeLeyva, but close.

It is the oldest town in the region, founded in 1541. In 1548 it became the capital of Antioquia, in 1826 Medellin took over as capital. Originally a gold mining town, the local economy is now based on agriculture and tourism. In 1960 it was declared a national monument.

Six km east is the Puento de Occidente, one of the first suspension bridges in the world. It's made of metal and wood and cars can only pass it one way at the time. It was built by famous architect Jose Maria Villa, born in 1850, who studied in Hoboken, New Jersey (USA) and helped build the famous Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. He returned to Colombia to build 4 bridges on the Cauca river, and was famous for drinking a lot. There's a camping/hotel at the bridge.

From the bridge, you could continue on the small road towards San Jeronimo, 2 hours in car or a day on a bicycle, which is very beautiful - lots of flowers, trees and great views.

In Santa Fe, you can rent horses to explore the area around it, or just go for walks. There are a bunch of churches and museums to visit too, including the Iglesia de Santa Barbara, the Museo del Corral and the Museo de Arte Religioso. The church on the main square is a cathedral.

Places to Stay

All places to stay charge more in December or around the first weekend of January when there are festivities in town, sometimes much more.

Hostal Plaza Mayor (Parque principal, tel 853 34 48 or 316 281 67 99) is on the main square and a great place to stay. It has a cute patio and friendly service. The rooms are small but clean and have a private bathroom. They are 20,000 pesos (US$ 8) per person. They have a small pool in the back to refresh.

Hospedaje Franco (Carrera 10 No 8A - 14, tel 853 16 54) is 1 block away and similar. Rooms are around a patio and cost 30,000 pesos (US$ 12) for 1 or 2 people. On January 5 to January 8 ("festivo"), rooms are 75000 pesos.

Hotel Espana Colonial (Calle 10 No 7 - 60, tel 311 641 42 63) at 2 blocks from the main square is a decent option too. Rooms are 20,000 pesos per person.

Hostal Guaracu (Calle 10 between Carrera 8 and 9 tel 250 50 07) is one block from the main square. It's "colombian touristy" style. Room are 75000 per person.

Mariscal Robledo (Cr 12 No 9, tel 583 11 11) is a beautiful upscale hotel. It has a big outdoor swimming pool with great views, beautiful rooms. Rooms are 180,000 pesos (US$ 80) per night, including 3 meals and free drinks from 3pm to 7pm. Sometimes they have a special where non-guests can use the pool and facilities (sauna, ...) for a fixed price.

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