Stores at the base of Piedra el Penol in Guatape, Colombia

The Rock of Guatapé, Colombia: Everything You Need to Know

The Rock—also called Piedra el Peñol—is definitely the highlight of Guatapé, Colombia. Towering 656 feet over the ground below, this granite monolith has become something of an icon of the colorful town—and for good reason!  Beyond its own striking appearance, you’ll get jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape as you climb up to its summit. So if you want to experience one of the quirkiest features in all of Colombia, here’s everything you need to know about visiting The Rock of Guatapé. 

Couple sitting in front of colorful buildings with zócalos in Guatape, Colombia

10 Incredible Things to Do in Guatapé, Colombia

Guatapé, Colombia is a colorful village in Central Colombia that’s become a popular side trip to the sprawling city of Medellin. Guatapé is largely known for its zócalos, the colorful artwork along the baseboards of the town’s buildings, and Piedra del Peñol, an enormous granite monolith that towers above the surrounding landscape—but it has so much more to offer than that! Here’s 10 incredible things to do in Guatapé, the most colorful town in Colombia. 

Woman hiking up the Cerro Morrogacho trail with wax palms and mountains in the background in the Cocora Valley near Salento, Colombia

Cerro Morrogacho Hike in the Cocora Valley, Colombia

The Cocora Valley and its famed wax palms are one of the most popular places in Colombia—it is, after all, one of the best places to see the tallest palm trees in the world! The Cocora Valley has a number of hikes, including Cerro Morrogacho, a challenging trail that heads through a lush cloud forest to the highest mountain summit in the area. If you want to hike this unique trail for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about the Cerro Morrogacho hike. 

Horses grazing in pastures under wax palms in the Cocora Valley in Salento, Colombia

Cocora Valley Hike in Salento, Colombia: Everything You Need to Know

The Cocora Valley is one of the most popular stops in Colombia—and for good reason! The Valley is known for its lush green hills, low-hanging clouds, and wax palm trees, which are actually the tallest palm trees on the planet. And one of the coolest things about the Cocora Valley is that you can actually explore it on your own two feet, wandering under palm trees towering up to 200 feet overhead. So if you want to experience this magical corner of the planet for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about the Cocora Valley hike.

Couple walking in front of a colorful building in Salento, Colombia

9 Incredible Things to Do in Salento, Colombia

Salento, Colombia, with its towering palm trees, colorful buildings, and misty hills, feels a bit magical—in fact, Disney’s Encanto was based on this charming village! And while the town may be small, with less than 10,000 residents, there’s still plenty to get up to here. Here’s 9 incredible things to do in Salento, Colombia, from drinking some of the best coffee to hiking under the tallest palm trees in the world! 

Woman sitting on a rock looking at Marinka Waterfall in Minca, Colombia

8 Incredible Things to Do in Minca, Colombia

The Pacific coastline of Colombia is one of the most popular areas for travelers to flock to in the country—but one town is often overlooked. The adorable town of Minca, tucked high in the lush Sierra Nevadas, offers incredible wildlife-watching opportunities, stunning waterfalls, and lots of chill vibes. So if you're looking to soak up some of those vibes for yourself, here’s 8 incredible things to do in Minca, Colombia. 

Couple embracing in front of the Prada Marfa art installation in Valentine, Texas

17 Incredible Things to Do in Marfa, Texas

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path getaway, look no further than Marfa, Texas. This teeny town has become quite Instagram-famous, due to its unique mixture of artsy Burning Man-type vibes and its barren desert landscape. So if you’re planning to visit this unique place, here’s 17 incredible things to do in Marfa, Texas. 

Pool surrounded by A-frame cabins and greenery at Greengos Hotel in Lanquin, Guatemala

Greengos Hotel near Semuc Champey: An Honest and Unbiased Review

There are extremely limited accommodations around Semuc Champey, the beautiful turquoise pools hidden in the jungles of Guatemala. Greengos Hotel, however, is one of the most popular choices here, providing a wide variety of lodging options and an excellent location, just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance of Semuc Champey. It also has a ... Read more

Man walking past a saguaro cactus in Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona

7 Best Hikes in Saguaro National Park

Saguaro may not be as famous as some of the other U.S. National Parks in the Southwest (I’m looking at you, Grand Canyon), but is definitely a hidden gem in its own right—for example, it’s actually home to the largest species of cactus in the entire country! Better yet, there’s plenty of hikes—suitable for all levels of hikers—that can help you get out and take in its spectacular desert scenery. So If you want to explore this incredible place for yourself, here’s 6 of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. 

Couple standing at the base of Temple I in the Grand Plaza of Tikal ruins in Guatemala

Visiting Tikal in Guatemala: Everything You Need to Know

The ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal is one of the most popular stops in Guatemala for visitors—and for good reason! Dating all the way back to 1000 BC, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site kind of makes you feel like you’re Indiana Jones—in fact, you can even climb some of the temples here!  While visiting Tikal is definitely bucket list worthy, it also can be a bit confusing at times, from whether you need a guide and where to buy tickets to where to stay while you’re visiting the park and what’s worth exploring. My husband, Justin, and I recently spent almost a month exploring Guatemala, including these beautiful ruins, and have put together this guide with everything you need to know about visiting Tikal.

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