Guatape Colombia

So then, I haven't been around much lately. Well, I haven't been around at all for about 6 months!

Why George? What the hell have you been doing with yourself?

Excellent question :) And a really simple answer...

I have been travelling again!

This time it has been a 6 month trip through Mexico, Central America and Colombia.

Over the coming weeks I will create a series to show you guys all of the Countries I have visited on this trip and catch you up on the sights and experiences I found along the way.

First of all, I present to you.....

Guatape can be reached by bus in two hours from Medellin,Colombia.
We took the Metro Train from El Poblado to the North Bus Terminal, Jumped on the Bus and it took us directly to the Centre of Guatape Town, It couldn't be easier.

Inside Guatape you will find lots of buildings with colourful paintings murals and other artwork.

The preferred mode of transport is tuktuk which can make for a pretty bumpy ride on some of the old cobblestone streets.

It is the perfect place if you are looking for a little break from the hustle and bustle of Medellin City.

The Majority of people that travel to Guatape do so because they want to visit it's biggest (Literally and Figuratively) Tourist Attraction.

El Penon de Guatape (The Guatape Rock) formed over 70 million years ago. It is 200 metres high and absolutely dominates the landscape.

Visitors to The Rock can pay (around $4) To climb the face using the stair case that has been built into the side.

669 steps later and you are at the top, where you are met with a few little Tiendas selling snacks, drinks, souvenirs...And Beers ;)

The main reward however, for deliberately causing your thighs to burn with such intensity, is the breathtaking 360 view of the topography below.

If you are ever in the vicinity of Medellin, trust me, Guatape is a must do!
You may be tempted to take a shuttle tour to get there. I have heard that this isn't such a good idea as firstly, its expensive. Secondly, if the shuttle gets caught in traffic then they have been known to just turn around and come back after giving you a drive by of the Guatape sights.

If you have the time, it is far better to take the Bus from the North Bus Terminal and spend a night in Guatape. You can then just as easily catch the bus back to Medellin from either the centre of town or the attractions when you are ready to return.

We stayed in the Lakeview Hostel because it was cheap and clean. But there are some amazing alternatives for accomodation in that area, such as a Bubble Room where you can lay and watch the stars for around $80 per night.