Day trip to La Piedra del Penol and Guatape

For the second day in Medellin, we decided to get out of town with a day trip to La Piedra del Penol and the town of Guatape, based on recommendations from both tripadvisor and people. We took an early bus from Medellín’s Terminal de Norte and settled in for a few hour trip out to La Piedra. Bus cost C$11,500 one way, also I advice you to sit in the middle on the left side of a bus for the best views.

Before going I googled the place just to see what I’m getting myself into.
La Piedra is…well… from the first glimpse a giant rock sitting all by itself on top of a hill, that has 740 stairs in all! But when I got there, oh boy it does indeed look magnificent! My only question was- where the hell did it landed from?! (also, it looks like a dinosaur egg)

First, I wasn’t convinced I’m gonna make it, since the last time i was trekking Tayrona, it proved to be slow and painful. But since I am here, I kind of have to. The bus from Medellin drops you off at the base of a hill and there are few moto-taxi drivers there angling to sell you a ride to the foot of La Piedra, It’s about 1km up the hill and considering you’re about to climb 10times longer distance, why not to practice a bit before. After paying C$12,000 we started to climb, and stop, climb and stop, until eventually we made it the top! The views were incredible and it was definitely worth the hike.

You cannot see my face for a reason:)

740 steps after

After walking back down, go all the way to the place where the bus dropped you before and get the moto to town of Guatape. Pay no more then C$5,000, and if driver doesn’t go down to that price just take the bus, which passes often and costs C$2,000. The town itself is adorable and very colourful. Grab a good cup of coffee next to colourful stairs or enjoy an ice cream in the main square while admiring the colour palettes. try to catch the 4pm bus back to Medellin (C$12,500), as by the time you come back it will be dark.

Guatape church

Colours

Doors of Guatape

We arrived back to our Medellin home worn off and sore, but having fully enjoyed the day. So morning plan to make that chicken curry for dinner was postponed and instead, plate was filled with freshly picked broccoli and chorizo from the street grill. Yum!