| Guatapé | |||
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| — Municipality and town — | |||
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| Location of the municipality and town of Guatapé in the Antioquia Department of Colombia | |||
| Country | Colombia | ||
| Department | Antioquia Department | ||
| Time zone | Colombia Standard Time (UTC-5) | ||
Guatapé is a town and municipality in Antioquia Department, Colombia.[1] Part of the subregion of Eastern Antioquia. Guatapé is located in the outskirts of Medellín, bordering a reservoir created by the Colombian government for a hydro-electric dam, built in the late 1960s. This quaint town is the gathering place for "Las Vegas", or the small farms of the area. It is also a growing area of recreation for citizens of Medellín, and aims to be a tourist destination for foreign travellers.
Guatapé was founded in 1811, by the spaniard Don Francisco Giraldo y Jimenez. The name "Guatapé", comes from the Quechua language, related to "stones and water". The area was visited by the conquistadors circa 1551.[2]
On the late 20th century, Guatapé became one of the most important electric production centers in the country, the guerrilla later initiated operations, trying to black mail the local power company, and farm owners, later, the paramilitaries began operations. The Antioquian and national government sent security forces into the area in force to crush the paramilitary that once controlled the area. By 2006, the remaining military and police presence has diminished drastically. With no paramilitary activity remaining in the area, the national police presence is now only necessary to ensure that they do not return.
New resorts, several restaurants, and rental homes along the lake are available for visitors. Each building has tiles along the facade's lower walls in bright colors and dimensioned images. Many of the tiles are tied to the products sold by the shops, or the beliefs of the residents. Others are cultural images of the farming heritage of the community.
The "Guatape Rock" (Peñón de Guatapé) that borders the lake is a rock formation, that formed along the Antioquia Rock Base (batolito de antioquia), 70 million years ago. With 2/3 of its height below ground, the exposed vertical face is over 200 meters high and visible from throughout the surrounding countryside. Visitors can scale the rock via a staircase built into one side, a path that includes more than 644 steps to the top.[3] On the flat top of the rock, a restaurant offers outdoor tables overlooking vistas that stretch to the horizon in every direction. Above the restaurants are two gift shops, and an open-air viewing area to see the spectacular scenery.
Also you can visit two monasteries, that belong to the "Benedictinos" Communities. The monks are devoted to receive and share with visitors.
There are many Ferries available, to take tours around the dam, a visit islands as "The Fantasy Island Hotel", located at 3 NM, north of Guatape shore. There are many water extreme and tradicional sports available.
Currently there is a project of constructing an ultralight airport.[4]
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