Tiny cobblestone streets wind through colorful shops and homes adorned with Zocalos, painted murals depicting traditional scenes. The narrow streets barely wide enough for a car are mostly used by motorcycles or tuk-tuks.
(Click any image above to enlarge)
THE TOWN OF GUATAPE
Guatape is a tourist destination for many Colombians and other South Americans along with not a few gringos and for good reason. Guatape has its own unique mix of colors and small town feel. It is very pleasant to walk around and enjoy vendors by the lakeside. Or meander up the steep cobblestone streets.
Kids can enjoy a ride on small carousels or jump in trampolines. A zip line extends across a portion of the lake to a nearby outcropping peninsula. The shoreline has an array of boating options to give tourist excursions to different areas of the lake.
In the late 1970’s the old town of La Penol was flooded to build a hydroelectric dam creating the lake. The only remains of the old town are a cross that still stands above water and a few artifacts that townsfolk saved.
The well standing in the center of this side street is one of the artifacts saved from old La PenolLA PIEDRA
The area also lays claim to La Piedra, a massive rock that juts up 200M out of the ground. Over 750 steps have been wedged into a crevice of the rock that allows tourist to ascend to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the intricately shaped lake.
The walk from our lodging in downtown Guatape to the rock was pleasant and the views were good. You could pay a tuk-tuk or a taxi but we didn’t find it necessary.
If you take a taxi you will miss this beautiful little bridge on the way to La Piedra del PenolThe entrance fee of COP 18,000 is almost as steep as the stairways but it’s worth it.
RECREATIONAL PARKS
Nearby you can play DEA vs Narcos in a game of paintball right in a mansion formerly owned by Pablo Escobar. We skipped the tour but it would be a bit bizarre to play a war game in the former home of one of the most notorious drug lords.
Nothing says peaceful like healthy dogs contentedly soaking up some sun.Guatape also has a vast recreational facility to keep the kids occupied and stay out of trouble, including a soccer field, a BMX racetrack, a swimming pool and a skating rink. For such a small town we were surprised at the number of playing fields and recreation areas. It was great to see the town investing in its own people.
The town can be visited on a day trip, but if you have the time stay a night or two and enjoy some performances in the Plazoleta de Zocalos.
Or simply hang out in the main square and to watch the activities and constantly changing the color of lights on the nearby cathedral. The bus ride to and from town has excellent views as well.
Nice report. We will be there in December.
Cheers,
John and Susan
A lot of great places to visit in this area. It is beautiful, hope you enjoy it.
So great to hear that there is a town who invests in their young people. Much better then seeing them wander the streets and getting into trouble.
We see a lot of it in this region and it is really great.