Discover the Beauty of Guatape: A Travel Guide
If you’re looking to travel to one of the most beautiful places in Colombia, check out Guatape! Though it’s only about an hour away from Medellin, the scenic town has the advantage of being much less touristy than other, more famous cities in Colombia such as Cartagena and Cali. Here are some of the most beautiful things to do in Guatape, including a list of places you shouldn’t miss when you visit!
Visiting El Peñol
El Peñol is a massive rock that stands over 200 meters tall and provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding area. The rock is also home to a small church that was built in the early 20th century. If you’re interested in art and architecture, Guatape is definitely worth a visit!
The town is home to numerous murals and paintings that depict scenes from Colombian history. There are also many events throughout the year, including Colombia’s Independence Day on July 20th and Piedra del Peñol festival on December 12th. Visitors can enjoy diverse gastronomy as well, including traditional dishes like guacamole con patacones or arroz con coco
Guatape is an incredible place for nature lovers looking to enjoy the outdoors without any high-stress activity.
One way to experience it all is by renting a kayak at the lake and paddling your way through calm waters. If adventure seekers want more than this, they can take part in one of several tours available throughout the region. Whether you’re seeking out fresh seafood or trying to see how coffee beans are processed, there’s something for everyone here!
Exploring Puerto Pañuelo
Puerto Pañuelo is a small town located in the municipality of Guatape, Antioquia. The town is situated on a reservoir created by the damming of the River Cauca. Puerto Pañuelo is a popular tourist destination because of its culture and natural beauty. The town has a number of small hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists.
Puerto Pañuelo is also home to a number of artisans who sell their wares to visitors. There are many crafts available including woodcarvings, weavings, clothing, and handmade jewelry. Visitors can find many shops around the plaza near the church selling locally made souvenirs.
Some notable attractions include the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and the Guatape Museum which displays an eclectic collection of antique furniture, religious items, maps, and paintings.
Other attractions include views from La Torre del Reloj (The Clock Tower) where you can see the surrounding area or take a boat tour to get a different perspective on Puerto Pañuelo’s reservoir.
Hiking Around La Piedra Del Penol
La Piedra Del Penol is a 200-meter-tall rock that provides one of the most incredible views in all of Colombia. To get to the top, you’ll have to hike 740 steps, but it’s worth it!The surrounding area is also full of beautiful lakes and rivers, making it the perfect place to spend a few days exploring.
The best time to visit is during the fall when the leaves change colors. If you’re looking for something more serene, then head out at sunrise or sunset when the crowds are gone and the light from the sky sets everything aglow. La Piedra Del Penol offers a way to enjoy both summer fun and fall beauty without ever having to leave town! You’ll find yourself surrounded by refreshing waterfalls and lovely swimming holes just waiting to be explored.
All throughout this area there are various paths, trails, swimming spots, and cascades that you can explore on your own or with a guide if you’re feeling unsure about navigating through nature. There’s also plenty of food vendors selling fresh fruit, drinks, snacks and sandwiches for those who want an easy lunch break on their journey back down the mountain. In short: there is so much to do here!
Visiting Barrancas Del Cobre
Barrancas del Cobre, or Copper Canyon, is one of the most beautiful places in Mexico.
You can take a train ride through the canyon, go on a hike, or even go zip-lining. The train takes about four hours and goes from El Fuerte all the way to Creel. There are also shorter trips where you’ll only see parts of the canyon (about 2 hours). The hike takes about 5 hours and will give you more time to enjoy this natural wonder without feeling rushed. ‘
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If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try the 925 meter high zipline! If hiking isn’t your thing, then riding the train may be just what you need. But if you really want to experience the full majesty of these canyons, then walking is best. Plus, it has the added benefit of making it easier to spot some animals like lizards and deer.
For those who don’t want to walk there are plenty of biking trails available as well. So no matter what you’re after there’s a way for you to explore these impressive sites.
Getting Out On The Water
One of the best ways to see Guatape is from the water. You can take a boat tour, go jet skiing, or even just take a dip in the refreshing water. There are plenty of places to rent boats and other equipment, so you can easily find something that suits your needs.
Just be sure to take plenty of sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong here! It’s also important to have good shoes for walking on slippery rocks. Many visitors recommend coming prepared with hiking boots or tennis shoes at the very least. If you’re looking for an adventure, try hiking up the El Penol Mountain. The hike will take about two hours round-trip and offers beautiful views from the top. Be sure to bring lots of water if you plan on going this route because it’s easy to get dehydrated.
Don’t forget to pack snacks too, as there aren’t any food vendors along the way. For those who prefer not to hike, there are also many viewpoints around town where you can stop and admire the sights before moving on. For some spectacular nighttime views, head out towards Laguna de Guatapé after dark.
Additional Tips
- The town is best known for its large rock formations and picturesque scenery.
- Visitors can explore the many hiking trails, swim in the lakes, or simply enjoy the views.
- Guatape is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- For those looking for a less active day trip, there are several hotels with beautiful terraces overlooking the valley.
- In order to get there from Medellin, you’ll need to fly into Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) and then take an hour-long bus ride up the mountain.
- Alternatively, visitors can rent a car and drive two hours on Highway 40, but it’s important to note that this route will be closed at night due to security concerns.
- Once you arrive in Guatape, head to ‘Plaza de los Tres Poderes’ where you’ll find information about the town’s attractions and lodging options as well as public transportation back down the mountain after your visit.
- One of the best ways to explore Guatape is by renting a bike and exploring the numerous paths that branch off from town.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the many climbing routes – some even lead all the way to the top!
