On the drive out we can't help noticing there's hardly any traffic which is very rare for this country. Our driver Rigo explains that there are loads of road closures because the Medellin leg of the Tour Colombia cycle race is on today.
Not only that, but once we escape the city limits we'll be able to park up and watch the cyclists whizz by.
Which is what we do. Result!
Exciting stuff this as lots of household names are competing - Chris Froome et al.
I manage to photograph lots of riders' knees and ankles (they're bloody quick) but fortunately Fran captures the action with her posh camera.
So, onwards to Guatape. A pleasant place with regulation pretty plaza, fountain and twin spired church. Nice, but a tad too twee for mine and Phil's liking.
It's certainly colourful enough but we do wonder if the houses are painted this brightly for the locals benefit or to attract the tourist dollar. We're so cynical sometimes.
What is impressive though, and I mean really impressive, is the nearby El Penon de Guatape a giant granite lump over 200 metres high and the best part of a mile in circumference.
It stands alone, Sugarloaf Mountain style, completely dominating the countryside and providing spectacular views from the summit.
There are 740 steps to the top. That's a lot.
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