Guatapé from Medellín: The Rock, Colorful Town & Pablo's Mansion 🇨🇴

For the ultimate escape from Medellín, head to Guatapé—where a giant rock, rainbow streets, and Pablo Escobar's mansion await! On New Year's Day 2025, we landed at 9 AM, rented a car 🚗💨, and zoomed straight there (just 1.5 hrs from the airport vs. 2 from downtown—smart move!). 1️⃣ La Piedra del Peñol 🪨 This 200m granite monster looks like Earth’s giant stitch! Climbing 700+ stairs (~20 mins) rewards you with: Panoramic lake views 🌊 (unlike anything I’ve seen, even in Panama!) Pro tip: Snap pics on the way up—the descent’s inner stairs are viewless! 2️⃣ Lakeside Lunch 🍽️ A ¥100 buffet at a cliffside hotel, starring fresh trucha (trout) with million-dollar views 😍. 3️⃣ Boat Tour to Pablo’s Mansion 🚤 A ¥50 water taxi (promised 1 hr, took 2 😅) floated us past: Escobar’s abandoned mansion (water-view only 🏚️) Overexplained luxury island hotels (thanks, captain 🗣️) 4️⃣ Guatapé Town 🌈 Colombia’s most colorful town! Its 3D murals and candy-hued houses make wandering pure joy ✨. Why This Trip Slays: ✅ Efficient: Airport → Guatapé → Medellín in a day ✅ Diverse: Hike, feast, cruise, explore ✅ Local Vibes: Trucha, Pablo lore, and Insta-perfect streets #MedellinDayTrips #Guatape #PabloEscobar #Colombia