{"id":216686,"date":"2023-07-21T23:38:48","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T21:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.visit-latin-america.com\/?p=216686"},"modified":"2024-12-17T18:47:56","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T16:47:56","slug":"guatape-and-el-penol-a-colourful-escape-in-colombia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/guatape-and-el-penol-a-colourful-escape-in-colombia\/","title":{"rendered":"Guatap\u00e9 and El Pe\u00f1ol: A colourful escape in Colombia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Guatap\u00e9, a picturesque village of a thousand colours, and El Pe\u00f1ol<\/a>, famous for its monumental rock, are must-see destinations for any traveller exploring the province of Antioquia, whose capital is Medell\u00edn. These two sites are considered classics of Colombian tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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El Pe\u00f1ol (Credit: Antioquia es m\u00e1gica)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Just two hours from Medellin, the journey to Guatap\u00e9 is an experience in itself, as the road passes through lush green landscapes, majestic mountains and offers the chance to interact with the locals. The locals, as everywhere in Colombia, are always delighted to share their love of their country and encourage visitors to discover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On arrival in Guatap\u00e9, the first stop is usually the Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol. This enormous rounded rock formation stands in the middle of a surreal landscape, dominated by a turquoise lake. The site is popular with tourists, who can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing and a host of water sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climbing Pe\u00f1ol is a challenge, with around 650 steps to the summit and almost 740 to the observation platform built at the top. However, the effort is amply rewarded by spectacular views of the surrounding region, the mountains and above all the man-made lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The village of Guatap\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Zocalos
Zocalos de Guatape (Credit: Antioquia es m\u00e1gica)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After visiting the Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol, Guatap\u00e9 is a must-see. It is one of the most colourful villages in Colombia, known for its “Zocalos”, decorations on the facades of houses that tell the story of the village or depict scenes from traditional daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history of Guatap\u00e9’s Zocalos dates back to the 1920s, when local artist Jos\u00e9 Maria Parra began decorating his house. His neighbours were so taken with his work that they asked him to do the same for their homes. Today, these decorations have become an emblematic feature of the village, attracting many travellers from all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Nuestra Se\u00f1ora del Carmen church, with its colonial architecture and colourful fa\u00e7ade, is another point of interest not to be missed. And for a well-deserved break, head to the Malec\u00f3n, a waterside promenade where you can hire kayaks or simply enjoy the view of the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guatape also offers a variety of activities for nature and adventure lovers. You can explore Quebrada Encantada, a charming gorge of quartz rock, or visit Fantasy Island, an eco-tourism project located in the middle of the dam. For a more tranquil experience, the La Culebra leisure park offers beautiful trails and a variety of flora and fauna, including a wide variety of hummingbirds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Guatap\u00e9 and El Pe\u00f1ol are not-to-be-missed destinations on a trip to Colombia<\/a>. Whether it’s climbing the monumental rock or discovering the fabulous village, these sites offer travellers a unique and unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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