Hacienda el Paraíso
El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca
With its fragrant rose gardens and water features, Hacienda el Paraíso (Paradise House) lives up to its name. Originally built in 1816 as a base for supervision of the region’s sugarcane plantations, the hacienda became famous in the 19th century when it was used as the setting forMaría, a novel by iconic Colombian writer Jorge Isaacs.
The Basics
The 120-acre (48-hectare) grounds can be explored as part of a guided tour that also makes stops at the nearby town of Buga, home to a revered statue of Christ that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Choose a private tour of Hacienda el Paraíso to receive undivided attention as you visit the highlights of the hacienda grounds. On-site is the Hacienda Paradise House Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Colombia.
Things to Know Before You Go
Hacienda el Paraíso is a must-see for fans of Latin American literature.
Wear comfortable shoes if you want to explore the grounds in full.
The cobbles and uneven terrain mean that Hacienda el Paraíso is not wheelchair accessible.
An adult admission ticket costs just a few dollars.
How to Get There
The Hacienda el Paraíso is located near Amaime, 22 miles (36 kilometers) southeast of Cali. You can take a taxi there, hire a car, or visit as part of guided tour that includes transport and allows you to skip the hassle of navigation and car hire.
When to Get There
Hacienda el Paraíso is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30am to 5pm. The extensive grounds of the hacienda mean that it rarely feels crowded and makes for a relaxing escape from the bustle of Cali city.
Buga Town Caught in the Spiral of Time
No visit to Hacienda el Paraíso is complete without stopping off in Buga, a salsa-infused town famous for its vivid terracotta basilica. Pilgrims from all over Colombia flock here to admire a statue known as the Black Christ of Buga. The statue is famous because, it is said, after years of deterioration the crucifix turned black and began to perspire miracle oil.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!