Another Lost Gringo?

Note: There’s still time to donate to Fundación Poder Joven where I’m volunteering. See my previous two posts for more details. Thank you to those who have already sent donations!

I was determined to go on the “Seven Waterfalls Hike,” but my tuktuk driver said it was the “Four Waterfalls Hike.” In the end, I don’t remember how many waterfalls I saw, but each one was spectacular, along with the scenery passing through a valley with green pastures, a jungle full of mud and strange insects, and forests of eucalyptus, bamboo and even pine.

Due to the Holy Week schedule, I have two four-day weekends from my volunteering job at Fundación Poder Joven. Last weekend, I went to Jardín, a beautiful mountain town about four hours from Medellín. There are a few things to do in Jardín: drink delicious coffee, sit in the plaza and people watch, and hike. I did it all, especially hiking.

After saying goodbye to the friendly dog at my hotel next to a rushing river outside of town, the tuk-tuk picked me up to bring me to the start of the hike. Luis Miguel, who is from Jardín and can’t be more than about 20, dropped me off at the entrance to the first waterfall. When I told him my plan, he looked a bit shocked. “You have to walk very far.” I assured him that I knew it would take at least five hours. He gave me his card with his number and told me to call if I needed anything.

Just like my hike in the Valle de Cocora, I was in awe at almost every turn. Colorful birds and butterflies, insects that looked like they were from another planet, gorgeous landscapes, thick jungle – it was all amazing. Some parts had ropes to hold onto to help with the steep hills. Other parts required crossing the river several times – my waterproof boots did not fail me! I barely saw another soul – just few couples and one tour group, all walking the other way. It was hot at times, but the trees provided cover and each waterfall produced a cool breeze and refreshing spray.

Nearly seven hours later, as I descended a steep rocky road, I was reminded of the arduous descent from Mt. Fuji that I climbed last year. It was not fun. Every step was uncomfortable and the road seemed endless. When I got to a paved road, I sent a message to Luis Miguel asking if he could pick me up (I was not anywhere near where I started) and bring me back to my room, on the other side of town. I didn’t think I could walk another step.

“I’m coming,” was his reply. Somehow, I knew I could count on him! We had a nice chat on the way back and then he told me why he looked so worried that morning when he dropped me off. “A gringa got lost on that same hike yesterday. The firemen didn’t find her until 10 pm.” I cannot imagine being in that jungle after dark!

Luckily, the two blogs I was following which gave detailed descriptions of the hike and the maps.me app did not let me down; otherwise the firemen might have had to look for another foreigner that night.