Guatape colors and El Penol Rock views: Day trip from Medellin

Guatape was founded as a small agricultural community in the 19th century, but after a hydroelectric dam flooded the area, much of the farmland was submerged. Fortunately for the people of Guatape, they had a tradition attractive to tourists: they painted their buildings in bright colors, with ceramics on the lower walls. Often times these are related to the products sold within, or the residents. This makes the town a great place to simply walk around, and livens up sipping on a coffee at the main square. The other big attraction here is the giant rock behind the town. Known as La Piedra del Peñol, 720 stairs lead to the top of the 200-meter-tall granite boulder, where you’re treated to some great views of the manmade lake.