Top 5 Attractions in Alejandria

  

"Alejandria also known as LA PERLA DEL NARE (The Pearl of the Nare River) is located in Eastern Antioquia off the beaten path one hour past GUATAPE" 

When riding in a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver and good tunes, getting to Alejandria can be a thrilling off-roading experience.  Traveling by bus may take a little longer, but ,may be utilized to catch up on sleep, or simply to practice your Spanish with a local. Bus fare: 16,000 COP/$5 USD one-way.

Photograph: Jorge Mario Molina @Infocus 

Alejandria is a quaint Antioquian pueblo in Colombia that offers a slow paced way of life, stunning mountain ranges, and plenty of rivers, creeks and waterfalls.

1. Balneario Nudillales

Balneario Nudillales is a short 10-minute walk from Alejandria's central park.  Shortly after the land near Nudillales Creek donated.  It was turned into a set of natural pools for locals and foreigners to enjoy.  Balneario Nudillales is best to visit Monday-Friday, since the clear waters and the soothing sounds of nature make it a tranquil experience.  Weekends attract local tourism, which means large crowds, plenty of noise and murky waters. Admission is free nearby restaurants and parking are available.

Photograph: Jorge Mario Molina @ Infocus

2. Tubing the Nare River

At the border of Alejandria and Concepcion, beginning at the Cirpes Bridge, the Nare River offers another incredible experience. The relaxed current of Rio Nare, where it meets the Concho River, makes for an enjoyable floating experience.  Depending on the amount of stops along the sandy river banks, the duration of your water ride may last between 1.5 to 3 hours. To get there, you can walk from Alejandria's central park along the Babosa/San Vicente road for 30-45 minutes until you reach the Cirpes Bridge. If you are not in the mood to walk, a local moto-taxi (tuk-tuk) will transport you and your floating gear for a low fee. Tube rental available for 10,000-15,000 COP/$3-5 USD at Golden Elephant Hostel. 

 

Photograph: Erin Maleki @ Poblado Pub Department

3. Waterfall Velo de Novia and Termales Alejandria

The luscious Salto Velo de Novia waterfall can be admired from afar, but its beauty will draw you closer until you feel its breeze.  Situated on the Alejandria/Santo Domingo border, across from Termales Alejandria. Depending on your haggling skills, moto-taxis (tuk-tuks) will drop you off and pick you up at a scheduled time for 20,000-30,000 COP/$7-10 USD.  If you feel like stretching your legs, walking is another option.  However the eight-kilometer jaunt can take several hours, depending on your speed and how often you stop.  Several buses also use this route and anyone is free to jump on for a 5,000-6,000 COP/$2-3 USD fee. 

Photograph: Jorge Mario Molina @ Infocus

The Termales Alejandria offers camping, restaurant and a few relaxing pools with warm natural water. The temperature of the pools cannot be compared to the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs (Colombia) or to the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes (Peru). This is a  perfect to decompress after a long walk or bus ride. The cost of entering the natural springs is 2,000 COP/$.75 USD per hour. 

Photograph: Termales Alejandria

4. Waterfall Salto de la Sabina

Heading toward the Santo Domingo border, the Salto de la Sabina waterfall is located along the Nare.  From Alejandria's central park, it may take you about 30-45 minutes walking to reach Salto de la Sabina. After passing two small bridges and a large cement bridge you will see a sign that reads "AGUAS PELIGROSAS."  Take a slight right at this point and head down through coffee plantation.  Roughly 50 meters down, you will see the grandiose waterfall on the right-hand side. This is on of the best place to capture the waterfall's beauty.  

Photograph: Diego Cano @ Golden Elephant Hostel

5. Mano de Sol Permacultura

Mano de Sol Permacultura is an up-and-coming native village formed by several locals. It is place that completely disconnects you from real-world distractions. The house is being built day by day from mud, natural resources and reused goods.  This magical place has easy access to "EL SECRETO" and several other breath taking uninhabited natural pools.  They have multiple volunteers working daily to plant and maintain a wide variety of organic fruit, vegetables and exotic flowers.  Guided tours available for 25,000 COP/$9 USD per person, group rates available.

Photograph: Harold Urrea @ Mano de Sol Permacultura