Food
Dulces del Jardín and what to eat in town
People leave Jardín with two things in their bags: coffee and jars of sweets. The best known come from the kitchen of Mariela Arango, who turned home recipes into a brand anyone who has been through the Southwest recognizes.
The shop
Dulces del Jardín is at Calle 13 #5-47. Its founder, Mariela Arango Jaramillo, began with family recipes and kept adding products from what the region grows. In January 2026 Comfenalco Antioquia called her "the sweetest woman in Antioquia". The shop sells to the public; the factory does not offer tours, according to Chip Viajero.
What to buy
| Product | Why |
|---|---|
| Arracacha arequipe | The house signature: creamy and less cloying than plain milk caramel |
| Squash arequipe | Sweet and mild, a good gift |
| Rose arequipe | A nod to the Fiestas de la Rosa |
| Isabella grape and kiwi jams | Local fruit |
| Cookies and chocolates | For the bus back |
Arracacha is an Andean root similar to a white carrot, common in Southwest gardens. The arequipe made with it is why so many people look the shop up by name.
What else to eat in Jardín
- Trout: farmed in the municipality and served fried, with garlic or in sauce in almost every restaurant.
- Bandeja paisa: in the eateries around the square.
- Coffee: at the square tables or straight from a coffee farm.
- Mazamorra and parva: at downtown bakeries, for breakfast.
Buy the jars on your last day: the sweets travel well and you avoid carrying weight on hikes.
The shop is near the main square. If you sleep downtown, all of this is walkable: see hotels near the square or budget hotels. The route back to Medellín is in getting there.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dulces del Jardín?
Can you visit the factory?
Which sweet is the most famous?
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.