About an hour from Medellin, lies El Retiro, a town that specializes in wood work.

My first impressions of El Retiro were mixed, but having taking a closer look, I discovered it's charm and the beautiful details of the buildings along its' side streets.

It is a town specializing in wood work, so if you wonder away from the main square, you can find a number of workshops that double up as stores where you can either find something that might interest you or order a piece of furniture to be custom built.

Stroll the streets, check out the church, take in the details, colors and charm of this village set in the beautiful and lush nature of Antiquia.

If you do take a trip here, I highly recommend having lunch at Quareparaenamorarte which is simply the best Colombian restaurant in the area. Trust me on this one.

Alternatively, perhaps you want to save some money, as you approach El Retiro from Medellin, you will see a picnic site next to a small river to the right of the road where I once had a fantastic and relaxing lunch with my in-laws.