Todays plan: Travel from Medellin to Guatape by Bus. Because of the 2 hour travel time we decided we would spend the night there to be sure we had plenty of time to do everything .
Guatape is about a 2 hour bus ride from Medellin. To get to the bus station – Terminal del norte – take the Metro A line north and get off at Caribe station. The bus station is a short walk across a pedestrian bridge. Look for booth 14, Sotrasanvicente & Guatape La Piedra. The buses were clean, appeared in good shape and they leave about every hour.
Guatape is sort of the “Gatilinberg” of Colombia. It’s a major tourist destination for Colombians which means plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. There is also Embalse del Penol ( Reservoir) and El Peñón de Guatapé ( The rock of Guatape). Guatape web site.
The bus stops at al Penon and since we were traveling very light we got off there and climbed the rock. The best way to describe this is by the pictures. You climb 740 stairs (after you’ve climbed up a considerable hill) to the top of a huge rock formation for panoramic views of the lake area. This is not a venture for someone who is not in reasonably good health and fitness! The view at the top is unbeatable but the climb is strenuous. We were glad we did this first, as I don’t think I would have had the energy later in the day.
It took us over an hour to go up all those steps. It was exhilarating.
Great views from the top where, of course, there was the usual array of street vendors selling foods and trinkets – I have no idea how they get all that stuff up there as it appears the stairs are the only way up. A popular street food is mangos con sal y limón. (un ripe mango with lemon chili salt). Un ripe mango itself is very sour but the addition of lemon salt gives it a great flavor profile. Its quite refreshing after climbing all those steps.
From the rock, the town of Guatape is a quick Tuk -Tuk ride away. These auto rickshaws are everywhere and the best way to travel around Guatape. Just wave your arms when you see an empty one.
Once in town we went to Tiki Taka, one of many restaurants around. The Maitre d’ was a nice Colombia man who said he had lived in Rhode Island for several years. He recommended the local fried fish, we also ordered BBQ ribs. The fish we really didn’t care for but the ribs were good.
Street view of Tiki Taka
Street view of bar
A few drinks after dinner in a small bar.
Some sites walking around after dinner and a few drinks. Parroquia Nuestra Señora Del Carmen Guatape (Catholic Church). Dogs welcome
Guatape at night. Lots of shops and colorful buildings.
A quick Tuk – Tuk ride and we are at the hotel Los Recuerdos. It’s reported to be the finest hotel in Guatape and it was very nice, but it’s a little ways out of town but close to the rock and is on the lake..
Ariel view of hotel. Pan around to see the rock
