Day 10: Guatape was Perfect

Day 10: Guatape

Yesterday was an amazing day. Opposite than what I generally do (plan and pay for excursions 3 weeks ahead), I took a flyer from a guy next to a breakfast spot and signed up the night before the trip. To go to Guatape with a boat ride and 7 snacks of Colombia, it was $125.00! I couldn't resist, BUT was leary as it was so cheap.

Let me tell you- that was the most extensive excursion I've had! There were snacks everytime we turned around. I couldn't eat the fruit ones, but was never hungry during the trip. We stopped at random different areas around, such as Chocho and Manilla.

Took a boat ride around Guatape where they gave us an authentic food dish - consisted of ground meat with peppers, squash, rice, broccoli and couple of other things wrapped in plantain leaves. Delicious.

Then we walked the town which I'd skip any other time - it's built specifically for tourists. So, with the exception of the umbrellas (which is so much better in Barcelona) and if you want to eat, especially ice cream or gelato, take maybe 5 mins to see 1 street and you've seen them all.

Guatape is a marvel to be seen. The ascent was amazing, but not as much as just the formation of the natural rock! There are stores and restaurants lined up there (please drive up, you'll regret it if you don't) BUT do NOT eat or drink!!! You'll see that extreme height and change in atmospheric pressure will cause everyone to see what you ate come out - there were a few vomit explosions going up. From what I heard, it takes 20 mins to climb these very steep stairs (and don't drop your phone, it's gone once you step on the first one). The stairs are numbered to help (or hurt). The first 100 are the hardest. The last 100 are the easiest.

I dedicated myself to finishing in 10 mins - not because I'm fit - hell no! I have strong legs, strong arms and weak lungs. That shit took me out! But I saw some young guys about my age and I used them to pass by - strong and sturdy with nothing but determination - that's them not me lol.

That was hell.

But coming down was hell too. The descent is within the rock - very steep and slippery but some amazing photo ops.

I took photos every 100 steps going up. And the top was amazing. But in the face of social media, lot of people taking up space to take photos with ass here or looking over there or selfie here - hey, I'm not judging, obviously I'm doing the same - but I moved for others! They should have a better viewing area at the top. The best viewing area is 100 stairs down from the absolute top through a tower; there are a couple of restaurants, beer and helipad with bathrooms. Nice to sit for an hour or so.

Up and down! I made it in 11 mins 48 seconds - Can you believe that? And that's with the photo taking. Also, the pictures were an excuse to breathe a little!!

When I got down, I held the title crown for..... about 6 mins, then a blonde (who btw does do cardio) came and said she made it in 8 mins. I'll give it to her. Can't do that! Would never. I know my limits.

Anyways, we made one last stop for food (a jelly wrapped in cheese but I bought a sausage with arepa) before the 3 hour drive back. It was to be 8:30am to 6:30pm but one group was late (Sunday traffic blocks) so we left closer to right after 9am - and then we didn't get back from Guatape until about 8pm. I'm not complaining with this one. But I do think the rock climb should be before the town so you have more energy. Walking around town after sitting in the sun on a boat takes a little bit from you.

Anyways, back and ready for classes. I feel like I lost more English AND Spanish now. Smh.

Guatape Tour Group: Aeroturex on Cl9 #42-27

https://aeroturex.com/