A girl looks over Guatape and the expansive lake system.

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Around Medellín

Long off-limits to Colombian tourists who remained trapped in their cities by the civil war, the countryside around Medellín is now secure and bustling with crowds. To the east lies the artificial reservoir Embalse Guatapé and the nearby Piedra del Peñol, a 656ft-high (200m) granite monolith you can climb. From the top you'll find great views over the lake.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

Piedra del Peñol
Guatapé
Also known as El Peñon de Guatapé, thanks to the fierce rivalry between the towns it straddles, this 200m-high granite monolith rises from near the edge…
Reserva Natural Cañon de Río Claro
Around Medellín
Within the boundaries of this private nature reserve, the river has carved a stunning canyon from its marble bed. You can visit the spectacular Caverna de…
Cueva del Esplendor
Around Medellín
Located at 2200m amid beautiful landscapes, this spectacular cave has a 10m waterfall gushing through a large hole in the roof and is Jardín's most famous…
Cerro Cristo Rey
Around Medellín
You'll spot this lookout point with its white Christ statue from the center of Jardín. Take the modern cable car (round trip COP$5000) up for fantastic…
Cueva de los Guácharos
Around Medellín
A less visited cave and a great alternative to the Cueva El Esplendor excursion, Cueva de los Guácharos is reachable via a six-hour round trip from Jardín…
Caverna de los Guácharos
Around Medellín
This is a spectacular cave, about 1km long, featuring numerous marble caverns, soaring high and hollow like great cathedrals, connected by a fresh stream…
Reserva Natural Gallito de la Roca
Around Medellín
This small nature reserve right on the edge of town is the scene of one of Jardín's most impressive natural sights. Early each morning and again in the…
Puente de Occidente
Around Medellín
This unusual 291m bridge over the Río Cauca is 5km east of town. When completed in 1895, it was one of the first suspension bridges in the Americas. José…