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Published: November 19th 2012
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That's art...
For only 10,000 Colombian pesos and a bit of effort to go up the steps, I was able to admire this lovely but artificial view, it was worth the effort
Once in Guatapé... Another beautiful destination for a breath of beautiful fresh air within the lovely Eastern Antioquia; El Peñol, in the Guatape's countryside, depicts spectacular views of serpentine alpine lakes sparkling in the bright sun; there you have it, a chance for you to explore the source of 36%!o(MISSING)f Colombia´s electricity as well as its majestic surroundings of emerald green fields.
Although it is near the town, I decided to do a different entry from that of Guatapé so that you learn why El Peñol, that gigantic boulder, is the town's most-visited site.
But what's the fuzz about the Peñol or the Rock? Why a national monument? It consists of a 200 meter massive high rock outcropping that towers over the surrounding area. The formation of this granitic batholith, for some reason, reminds me of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Funny enough, this monolithic was before worshipped by the Tahamies Indians.
People from nearby regions, profiting by a long crack of the stone, were able to build a stone zig-zag staircase and placed a Castle Keep on top.
The townspeople even went so far as to actually engrave the name Guatapé on the stone to show that the stone belonged to the village but for unknown reasons, they actually managed to engrave only the first two letters. GU, which can actually be now read as GI; I was mistaken by this sight as I thought it was the North Americans invading us 😊
The stone rising from the bottom of the hydroelectic dam of Peñol-Guatapé, which provides 30%!o(MISSING)f Colombia’s electricity supply, is very hard to miss and it has become a border landmark between some farms and the two cities
. The base of the stone is quite remarkable as the lake offers stunning views. At the top, artificial lakes give the impression of being in an area of natural verdant islands with its perfect peninsulas, which is definitely a superb view.
Make sure you are in good shape as the zigzag 600 stairs will take you about half an hour, -lucky us, the first people known to have climbed the stone spent 5 days climbing it up- and lots of breathing hard. Take it easy, though, there are moments
when you´ll have to stop to breathe but remember, after a while, you´ll notice that your hard work will pay off the views of the landscape in front of you will be unbeatable. And if the view is not to your liking, then buy an expensive Club Colombia at the top, that will make you forget about the tiredness.
You need to see it for yourself, going up costs only 10,000 pesos and you'll be able to admire a beautiful although artificial view, but believe me, it is worth going up the 659 steps.
Sorry, to enjoy the best view, you´ll have to climb to the top
Later, you will be rewarded by a nice stopping point where you will find a shrine to the Virgin Mary. At first, I was very reluctant to go up but once I knew the stairs allowed safe access to the top, I didn't think it twice. I will never regret it, as the viewpoint offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding areas. Well, although the lakes and islands are artificial, it doesn't hurt to think of them as a natural gift of
our geological treasure. Believe me, you will wonder how much it will cost to live in a tiny house among the lush hilltops and deserted islands that look amazingly beautiful.
How to reach El Peñol The roads to get to El Peñol are excellent. There are taxis taking you there or you can actually take the underground and buses; the latter obviously would take you more time but you can spend the money saved in those delicious "ärequipe and queso"; I highly recommend them as they are the best food you can have under such a killing sun. I actually went the easiest way as I was driven there, beautiful! When getting there, you will notice a parking lot and a large array of vendors selling local handcrafts, which are worth having a look.
The only downside is the amount of people and their smoking there over the weekend and let's hope that in the future tourists come here to do something else that just buying souvenirs and snacks, and that they actually enjoy this enormous geological marvel, if it can be called
so, that is.
So, did I convince you to come and enjoy this beautiful paradise? If yes, how nice, come soon, it is a desirable destination, you won't regret it! the most spectacular landscapes you will see in Colombia are waiting for you
Bye for now, soon you will have more of my beautiful Colombia! Stay tuned!!!
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