Guatapé | La Piedra
I've been to Guatapé twice and wouldn't hesitate to go again.
It is hands down one of my favorite little towns in Colombia. When I lived in Medellín, I promised anyone who came to visit me that we would go there. It’s very easy to get to by bus from the North Terminal and takes about two hours. I prefer to travel by public transport because it’s so much cheaper. Colombia has an extensive public transport system and Medellín even has a subway. So easy! Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll be fine on your way to La Piedra. It’s physically impossible to get on the wrong bus, anyone and everyone will make sure you’re on the right one.
The first time I went was with a good friend Alia, and her sister who was visiting from the States. The second time, just over a year later, was with an Italian traveler, Diego, who I met on an unexpected trip I made to Popayán. He said he’d be coming to Medellín soon, so we promised to meet up when he got there. The story of how I ended up in Popayán is coming up, don’t worry. It’s a good one.
There are 740 steps to the top of El Peñol , or La Piedra (The Rock). The first go around I was suited and booted for the hike to the top. I was perfectly glowing by the time I reached the look out point, but the views were oh so pretty and absolutely worth it. I claim to be a reluctant hiker, but I really do enjoy it. I don’t necessarily love the climb to the top, but the views! The views! I do it for the views! I have never not made it to the top. Even on my longest hike to date, 8 hours to a peak in Seoraksan National Park, I never had a doubt that I would make it.
My friends on the other hand, later confessed they weren't sure I was going to make it. Thanks y'all!
With that being said, I consider myself to be relatively fit, and climbing the 200 m (656 ft) to the top of The Rock is totally doable. So much so, that the second time around I decided to wear something a little nicer than hiking clothes to get some snaps. That only meant that I had to doubly pace myself so I’d still look cute by the time we made it to the top. Ha!
After we descended from The Rock, we hopped in a tuk tuk that took us to the cutest, most colorful village there ever was. It’s even more interesting because almost every façade is decked out in zócalos, which are depictions of what life was like in the village way back when. There are plenty of cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants in town. You won’t go hungry or thirsty. Be sure to also visit the artisanal shops. I got the necklace below from a shop there (the name escapes me atm).
We're on a boat!
Welp! We got so carried away we missed the bus, no biggie. Just across from the bus terminal is a dock with boats for rent. We went for a peddle powered one the first time since we only had a short time before the next bus came along. I can’t think of a better way to pass the time. On the next trip, I made sure to schedule it into the day. Diego and I hired a boat driver and did a proper tour of the man-made reservoir. You can still see the steeple of the original church that was at the center of the original town before it was flooded.
Although impressive at eye level, to get the real feel of things, nothing beats the views from above. But of course, the best thing of all was the excellent company. Ahhhhh!
