Lookout and cable
La Garrucha and Cristo Rey in Jardín: price, hours and the walk
A wooden box hanging from a cable, moved by a small engine and the gearbox of an old Ford. La Garrucha was built to haul coffee out of the hills and is now the must-have photo. Up top, a trail leads to Cristo Rey and back to town.
- 1954year of the Ford gearbox
- ~30 yearsin operation
- COP 12,000round trip (2025)
- 45-60 minclimb to Cristo Rey
What La Garrucha is
It is a cable of about one kilometer that crosses the Volcanes creek canyon to the Filo de Oro lookout in the Serranías area. Blu Radio reported in 2025 that it runs on a 10-horsepower engine and the transmission of a 1954 Ford 600, and has operated for about 30 years. It was built to move people and cargo; tourists came later.
Do not confuse it with the modern cable car that left from town: that one has been stopped since 2017, according to Safe Transfers Colombia. La Garrucha does run.
Price and hours
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Round trip | COP 12,000 | Blu Radio, January 2025 |
| Monday to Friday | 9:30 am to 6:00 pm | Jardín tourism portal |
| Saturday and Sunday | 9:30 am to 7:00 pm | Jardín tourism portal |
| Frequency | About every 30 minutes | Jardín tourism portal |
Other 2022 sources gave COP 10,000. Bring cash.
The lower station is in town itself. At the top there is a small stand selling drinks and snacks, and the town portal notes that La Garrucha also carries coffee, plantain and supplies for the Serranías farms.
Cristo Rey, on foot
From Filo de Oro a trail leads to Cristo Rey, the lookout with the whole town in view and the Farallones del Citará behind. Visit Jardín estimates 45 to 60 minutes up if you start from town and 30 to 40 down, on a steep path that gets muddy when it rains.
- Ride La Garrucha up and grab a drink at the stand.
- Walk along the ridge to Cristo Rey.
- Walk down to town: this way the cable saves you the hardest part.
At sunset the light falls straight on the basilica. If you go then, bring a flashlight for the way down.
The town's other short hike starts nearby: Cascada del Amor and Charco Corazón. The rest of the plans are in things to do in Jardín, and the church you will see from above in the basilica.
If you want to sleep with that view, the Jardín hotels list marks which ones sit on the hillside.
Frequently asked questions
How much is La Garrucha?
Is it safe?
Can you climb to Cristo Rey without La Garrucha?
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.