Guatapé - A rock, a lake and hordes of local tourists

 


Located a couple of hours from Medellín, Guatapé is a very pretty little town and its setting is stunning among rolling green hills on the shore of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. This man-made lake is one of the main attractions, as well as the massive rock nearby known as Piedra del Peñol. From a few places in town you can actually see the rock. Being so close to Medellín, Guatapé is very popular as a holiday and party destination. And since I visited it on the first of January, it was packed with people. I had a great time, regardless.


Beautiful country houses shortly before town.



The lake shore.










The best viewpoint is Mirador de Luis, on the top of a hill on the eastern end of town. First you have to find the colourful building of Hotel La Madriguerra, and from there just follow the road and then the path.



























There is another viewpoint on the western end of Guatapé, known as Mirador Alto de la Virgen, near the entrance of town and Hotel Santorini. The views are not as spectacular as from Mirador de Luis, but it is still worth the visit.











Strolling eastwards from Mirador Alto de la Virgen, there are a couple more points from where you can see Piedra del Peñol.




Most of the buildings in Guatapé are very colourful and pretty.





















Rainy evening in Guatapé.








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