Looking back on my trip, I wish I could have spent more time in Ecuador — three days isn’t nearly enough! — but I was secretly happy to return to Colombia when my friend’s parents (the same parents of the friend’s whose wedding I went to) invited me to stay with them for a few days before I was to travel to Cartagena. So back to Medellín I went.
After a good night’s sleep and a delicious homemade breakfast the next morning, we set out for a town called Guatapé that borders a massive man-made resevoir. There we wandered among the colourful buildings (and churches, can’t forget those South American churches) along the shore before heading over to climb La Piedra Del Peñol, a giant rock formation on the edge of the water.
Now, when I say “climb”, I really mean walk. Up stairs. But there were a lot of them! Close to 700, I think. I lost count around 500 or so. Going up stairs is climbing in a way, no?
Stopping periodically to take pictures is a good idea not only because, uh, hello, 700 stairs is a lot to climb! Also the views were spectacular. I still look back at these photos in wonder that this is man-made. Crazy.
At the top there’s a small bar and restaurant and here we took a break to enjoy a light lunch and some cervesas in the sun before heading back down.
Finally, the exit.
Another 700 stairs later, we made it back home where I went to pack my things for my flight to Cartagena in the morning. We went grocery shopping, made dinner, and spent the rest of the evening talking out on the balcony and admiring the view of the city.
I was so lucky to have someone I knew (and native Columbians at that) to show me this neat little place outside the city. I probably never would have thought to visit it. If you’re ever in Medellín, definitely make the trip out to Guatapé. You won’t regret it.
-C
