Marinilla, El Peñol, Guatapé

Location:
Oriente Antioqueño
Medellín, Colombia

Eco-Tour

By Richard McColl

Marinilla, El Peñol and Guatapé are small municipalities roughly 50 kilometers from Medellin, making them easily reachable from the Terminal del Norte.

Marinilla is of great importance in the department of Antioquia as a site of historical and artistic interest. Founded in 1690, it bears all the hallmarks of a religiously motivated town with ornate and austere churches that one can visit. It is said that despite the introduction of black slaves into the community and the existence of indigenous communities, the colonial settlers never intermarried and, to this day, the descendants of this era are still fair haired.

El Peñol was founded in 1714, but in contemporary times has risen to prominence as a tourist haven. When a nearby damn was built, a massive artificial lake was formed, making it a great place to practice water sports.

Guatapé, which neighbors El Peñol, is also is a major destination for people from Medellin looking to enjoy the lake. Visitors to the area can join the fray, participating in everything from ecotourism, exploring the religious sites, boaring or trekking.

Getting There
From the Northern bus terminal in Medellin buses leave every 15 minutes and take anything from 30 minutes to an hour.

Price Description: Prices vary as to activity

Relative price: Mid-Range

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.

To See and Do: There are three municipalities here and so plenty of activities to keep you occupied.