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A trip to Medellín would not be complete without a day trip to Guatapé. Described as the most colorful town in Colombia, Guatapé did not disappoint.
Guatapé is located about two hours from Medellín. I hopped in a van with a few people I met in a Facebook group…as I type that, it sounds dangerous, but it was actually really great and I’ll share more on that later. Prior to meeting these ladies, I considered taking a group tour or a bus. Whatever you choose, getting to Guatapé is pretty simple.
When we arrived, we purchased tickets to climb La Piedra del Peñol, also known as El Peñon de Guatapé. Who pays to climb some steps? Don’t worry, it’s not expensive; for 18,000 COP (~6 USD), tourists can hike to the top of this gigantic rock. Unfortunately, the top was closed the day we visited. We didn’t discover that until we reached step 700 of 740. Talk about being so close and yet so far. The view was amazing, but I’m curious to know what those extra 40 steps have in store.
It took about an hour to reach the top of the rock. That included stopping here and there to take sips of water and catch my breath. Once you reach the top, you’ll be out of breath for a different reason…the view is breathtaking!
Remember, what goes up must come down. So take some time to enjoy the view and purchase snacks and water before making your way back down the rock.
I’m not a fan of strenuous physical activity on vacation, but would I climb the steps of La Piedra del Peñol again? Definitely! Guatapé, Colombia’s must-see attraction was worth the hike. Plus, I have to see the view from the top.
Happy Travels,
Marissa
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wow this trip looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your getaway experience!
It was really great!
Oh wow, 700 steps for that magnificent view, I’d say yes to that too! Too bad the top is closed, but that’s another reason to go back 🙂
Yes, I’ll definitely go back for the view! It was worth the steps
I have never been here. But, your blog post is inspiring me to go.
If you ever find yourself in Colombia, you should definitely visit Guatapé.
this place looks so beautiful and i have never heard of it. colombia does have some beautiful places
I agree, Colombia is full of gems!! I would love to go back and stay for at least a month.
Wow, that’s beautiful. I’d definately be out of breath! And you’re right, hopping in a van full of people you met on facebook does sound sketchy. Haha. Looks like it was a fun adventure. http://www.thedarlingdahlia.com
lol, sketchy but I felt safe the entire time. Such a fun adventure…from start to finish.
Wow this place looks amazing! I need a vacation now lol
Haha, same here!!
what a great view from the top!
The view is amazing!
I’ve never heard of this place but WOW! What an incredible adventure. I’m not sure I’d make it all the way up, but I’m sure the view and the satisfaction of getting to the top makes it all worth it.
Guatapé was new to me; I stumbled upon it after doing some research like the week before I left for Colombia. Looking at it from the bottom, I had doubts about making it to the top. The view was definitely worth it!
Oh wow, that place looks gorgeous!! I’d have trouble with the heights at the top but I could do it for that view.
I’d go back…just for the view!
Oh I bet! It really is stunning,
Absolutely stunning scenes, and so good you were able to get the view from there without being at the top!
If I make it back to Guatape, I really hope I can go all the way to the top.
wow, this looks like such a memorable trip!
It really was!!
What a beautiful view! So worth the steps! thanks for sharing.
Definitely worth the steps!
Such a gorgeous view! I’m sure you were exhausted but well worth it!
Sooo exhausted! But I’m so happy I climbed those steps!
What a stunning view!!! That is perhaps the craziest and coolest staircase I have ever seen! Can’t say I want to climb it, but wow!!
Yea, I’d never seen a staircase like this one. The view was definitely worth the hike!
WOW! Those are some serious stairs. Kudos to you for making it to the top!
I was pretty skeptical around step 300. Glad I didn’t stop!
Those are some serious stairs. Congratulations!
Thank you!!
That’s so pretty! It’s unfortunate that the top was closed, though. But it still looks amazing!!
I still can’t believe the top was closed. In hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t know when I purchased the ticket because I would’ve missed out on this incredible view.
Wow, that’s such a cool destination! I totally am adding this to my list to visit someday!
You should definitely add it to your list! I’m not sure how it ended up on mine, but I’m glad it did.
Girl, as SOON as I read that my mothering kicked in and I thought “People she met in a FB group!? :O” LOL
But honestly that view looks incredible. And those stairs look TERRIFYING.
LOL…the things you do when you travel solo.
The view was amazing!! I think we stayed at the top for at least 45 minutes…perfect way to enjoy the view and avoid the trek to the bottom.