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Published: October 5th 2007
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Group Photo
Photo with our Colombian and French Friends we met the other night. The following day we took a bus to a small town outside of Medellin called Guatape. It was about 1.5 hour ride long. Guatape is a lake community with beautiful homes, small farms and big rock call El Penol, which is a 200 feet and it stands out. Guatape was once a home for Pablo Escobar and his whole Medellin Cartel. After Pablo Escobars death, the FARC spread their operations into this area. Later on the Colombian government sent troops to drive the FARC and the rest guerrilla forces back to the dense forest. There are soldiers around to keep the area safe for the people and tourists.
We rode on horses, hiked up the El Penol. It was about 650 stairs. As you can see from my photos, the view was very beautiful. We had lunch at the top as well. Afterwards we walked around Guatape and took a boat ride around the lake. We saw many luxury homes while riding on the boat. Some of the luxury homes belonged to Pablo Escobar and his associates during the Medellin Cartel heydays. One of Pablo Escobars bombed out home is an easily viewed landmark. After Escboars death and the FARC's
retreat, many of these homes were purchased by affluent Colombians and real estate investors. If you are coming out to Medellin, make sure to trip to Guatape and hike up the El Penol for a breathtaking view!
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camilo
non-member comment
que bien
vivo en Medellín y no conosco este pueblo. pronto lo estaré visitando. que bueno que no te haya dado miedo ir.