This picturesque town in South America is a colourful pocket bursting with life, and perfect for your next trip. Guatapé, Colombia is a cultural hotspot, where travellers can enjoy all the nirvanic elements of the country, without the heaving crowds.
Guatapé is two hours east of Medellín, with vibrant views you can spot from a mile away. The Andean resort town is rife with personality, with the hand painted homes bursting in the streets, like a Latin ‘Balamory’ tribute.
The town is more than just a pretty face however, there are things to do for all the family. The vast artificial lake nearby is the perfect place to cool off in the hot sun, and for the more adventurous, you can partake in some water sports.
Looking over the village is the Piedra de Peñol, an incredible 220 metre rock, which was scaled on foot for the first time in 1954. Nowadays, it is a lot more accessible, and tourists can hop up the hundreds of steps to the top, to take in the panoramic views around.
Dubbed as “the most colourful town in Colombia” by locals, you will want to see everything. Most of the town can be accessed on foot, however a lot of the stairs are steep, and there is a lot of walking.
For those who want a more relaxing trip without missing out on the sights, you can take a tuk tuk around the town, for less than £2 a trip. Another must on your visit is the local food.
The street food is incredible – and incredibly cheap. The quaint town is populated with food stands, and locals are eager to share their homemade recipes with the masses.
Empanadas are a personal favourite, a baked pastry filled with meat, that kind of resembles a Cornish Pasty. Cheese fillings are also popular among veggies, but for the carnivores out there, shredded beef filling is the best.
For those on a budget, the town has an abundance of hostels for your perusal. However, if you fancy splashing the cash and enjoying your stay a bit more, the hotels with the breathtaking views of the lake are unlike anything you’ve seen before.
