After 3 days in Cali, honestly we couldn’t wait to be out and back to a little rest and relaxation. It wasn’t Cali, it was the place we stayed. Getting on the plane to Medellin was a crazy experience.
We checked in without any problem, the check in staff advised us we were scheduled to depart on gate 12 and we were in group 4 for boarding.
We handed the gate staff member our boarding pass, she tore off half the ticket and allowed us to board….. so far thats normal procedure for any aircraft.
What the gate staff DID NOT DO WAS CHECK THE DESTINATION.
As Viva Colombia had switched the gate of our departing flight to GATE 9.
THE PLANE WE HAD BEEN ALOWED TO BOARD WAS BOUND FOR BOGOTA!
Had we not got off the plane quickly we can only imagine the problems.
It’s not the first time we’ve has issues with Viva Colombia, our advice… DON’T USE THEM!
Grabbing a taxi to Guatape is and easy as walking out to the front of the Airport and handing over the address. However we were a little surprised as the taxi driver entered a multi level carpark in the middle of town. He stopped next to another taxi and instructed us to get out. It’s sounded a little strange but once we understood that he wasn’t going all the way to Guatape and this taxi covered the area we breathed again…. I had all sorts of crazy thoughts in my head..
It a good 75km drive from Medilln to Guatape. A great road if your’e an avid motorbike rider. Our poor driver spoke no English and we had another couple that we’d be dropping off in El Penol, a small 15km before Guatape. Getting into Guatape we had no idea where our hostel was and our poor taxi driver had to stop a few times to ask for directions, but he was determined to make sure we would arrive safe and sound. Not only did he eventually find our hostel, he only charged us half the fare as he split the cost with the other couple travelling with us, how decent was that!
Guatape, what an absolutely gorgeous place! Flanked by a beautiful lake that was created in 1979 when a dam was built this place has totally impressed us and inspired us. We decide to take a walk down to the town square and just absorb this beautiful town. In 2012 a local initiative to decorate the town was implemented and can be seen adorning the buildings around the town.
Tourism is on the increase and the towns businesses are welcoming and friendly, sure there are a few touts down by the lake and outside the restaurants, but they seem more, friendly and just want to say hello and welcome to Guatape.
Walking past and artist gallery we were taken by the style, next thing wandering form up the street comes the gallery owner. “Europe” he says, guessing where we’re from. We tell him Australia and Russia. He introduces himself as Oscar and explains he’s escaped from Venezuela only 65 days ago as the government and economic policies are not favourable. He introduces us to his wife and son and asks us to come back some time and enjoy a coffee… no pressure selling of paintings, just a genuine guy. This is the real Colombian hospitality we missed in Cali.
Our hotel room wasn’t going to be ready until 12 noon, but in this town who wants to be in their hotel room, there is so much to see. Guatape isn’t in too many tourists radars yet. Most tourists got to Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. But given the beautification of the town and housing developments, things are moving in a positive direction that will see growth in this hidden gem. We are so inspired we stop by a real estate housing development office to see whats on offer.
I’m really glad we discovered Guatape, and have 4 more days to explore the area.
There are some must do’s if your’e coming to visit Guatape.
La Piedra del Penol – One massive rock, make sure you climb the 740 stair to the top.
Motorbike Ride to San Carlos – Take in the scenery of this spectacular landscape. Get your hire bike through our great friends at Guatape Motors
