If you’re in Medellin, visiting the region of Guatapé is a real must. Originally Guatapé used to be situated somewhere else, but the city was relocated to higher grounds due to the building of a huge hydroelectric dam. The area was soon flooded and afterwards a cluster of islands popped up that are up to this day surrounded by gorgeous emerald-green waters. It’s a totally different scenery from what I saw so far in Colombia – it actually feels more like you’re hiking in some Sweden islands scenery mixed with some Thai waters. The area is therefore a refreshing breakaway from the chaotic city center of Medellin.
You could go to Guatapé on a day trip, the lakes are only 80 km away from Medellin. But it’s even better to stay the night and relax a little bit in the cute town. Here are some low-budget things to do while spending your day in Guatapé:
Climbing rock Piedra del Penol (2 hours – $18,000 CP per person, that’s about $6,50 USD)
If you come to the area, you just HAVE to visit and climb La Piedra. This massive 220 meter rock made of mica, feldspar and quartz rock is the most iconic place of the area. The climb is indeed strenuous, but it seems more daunting when you stare up at the rock than it really is.
Take a couple of breaks while climbing the 740 narrow and steep steps to the top. Consider it a quick work-out that rewards you once you get there, since the 360 degrees views from above are so amazing that they barely seem real. Thankfully it’s very windy at the top, plus there are some bars with refreshments. Have a michelada with mango for example, you deserve it.
Once down again you walk through a large hotchpotch of shops. This gives you plenty of opportunity to buy some tacky souvenirs for your mates back home. Looking for some more authentic material? Then jump to the next activity:
A walk around the colourful town of Guatapé (free – 1,5 hours)
The town of Guatapé has become famous for its cheerful decoration – the so-called zócalos – painted on the traditional houses. Zócalos usually depict events and traditions of the village life or represent what the building or family that lives behind the walls is all about. They are often beautifully sculpted and if you’re lucky enough (just like us) you might even see an artist working on one of them.
Rumour has it that a couple of families just started painting images along the sides of their homes for fun. The government liked this upbeat decoration and decided to invest in it. Apparently that caught the attention, since tourism has improved the last couple of years in the area.
All you have to do to see it, is walk around. Around ever corner there’s another row of beautifully colour-blocked houses. The tourist boost has attracted a lot of cute shops too, where they sell artisan products and sweets. You want to grab a bite in town perhaps? If you’re a fan of Indian or spicy food, restaurant Don de Sam is an absolute catch! It’s right on the water with an open balcony for seating and while having some mouthwatering Indian dishes for lunch you can even overlook the zipline area over here.
Hike near the lakes (free – an hour or so)
The landscape of Guatapé is not just lovely to behold from above, so why not go for a hike in the area itself? There are several places where you can just drop your car and walk along the lake. We drove a bit up the Guatape-San Rafael road, turned left at the Casadiana Club, crossed the hill and followed the road of Via Presa Santa Rita. Eventually you’ll see a dam, but you can park your car anywhere before or after that point and enjoy the rest of the road by foot. Walk next to the calm lakes for an hour or two and you’ll probably spot a couple of birds and butterflies on the shores of the lake too.
Triviantes
April 15, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Wow! What a fantastic job. You took some very nice pictures of Guatapé. Was the water really that green or is it some sort of filter you applied to the pic? Anyway, love them all.
Thanks for sharing.