Guatape, Colombia

06.02.13

Colourful Guatape is also close to Medellin so definitely worth a bus ride for a day or two. Its basically surrounded by lots of man-made lakes where you can swim, take a boat ride or fish for trout. 

The huge ´Guatape Rock´ (El Penol) is believed to be a meteorite which arrived over 70 million years ago. It stands at over two hundred meters tall and you can climb the 829 steps to the top for amazing views of the countryside. 

Jardin, Colombia

29.01.13

I spent four days in ´Jardin´ a beautiful little town not far from Medellin. Its not in the guide books so not many people know about this place. It was really refreshing to see no other tourists or souvenir shops. My Belgium friend joined me for a few days and with a couple of locals we ventured up-river to a waterfall in a cave. Climbing over rocks and wading waist deep in water, it was certainly a mini adventure. 

We also got a chance to walk through a tunnel which a local guy, Darrio built with his bare hands. It took him three years to build working all through the night and is quite extraordinary to see. There are grand doors to the opening with hand carved stones that Darrio made. There are also two archways inside so you can look out across the river. Why he made the tunnel, I have no idea, the locals think his loco! If your in Jardin and want to take a look, ask for Darrio in town...watch out for the bats.