We got stuck in a traffic jam on the way to Guatapé. And, for a second, we regretted our choice. Don't make the same mistake. Here's why you should give the town and its giant rock the time of day and how to make the most of your time there.

1. It's the Most Colorful Town You'll ever See

Nearly every house in Guatapé is outfitted with its own personal mural. Zócalos are essentially friezes of repeating patterns glossed with brightly colored paint. No house is the same and because no one seems too concerned with color coordinating, it gives you the impression that a rainbow exploded on a gingerbread house. The town is so pretty that it's quite popular with domestic tourists. We spent hours wondering the streets, taking photos, and chatting with people about their own personal zócalos. A perfectly lovely and perfectly free way to spend the evening.

2. There's (Actually) Some Good Food

You'd think, being a touristy town, that Guatapé would subscribe to the normal high prices/low quality mentality. Sure, you can find this dreaded combination, especially close to the water. But there are a surprising number of options. We kept going back to Restaurante Kennedy. It's on a big square, which is unusual for an affordable restaurant (15,000 peso plates), and you can get hearty portions of quite decent food. We also checked out Hecho con Amor which has sort of vaguely healthy deli style food and baked goods (10,000 peso lunches). The owner's kids were playing in the front yard when we got there and enjoyed their lunch with us, so we were kind of sold by the cuteness factor.

3. El Peñon is One Cool Rock

On the horizon approaching Guatapé, you'll see one lone rock sticking up sort of like a beached Moby Dick. It's El Peñon, indeed a huge rock that gives you a great view over the landscape. Rumor has it, you can ask the bus to stop at the attraction on the way into town. This has its pit falls. Mostly, if you have any sort of bags, you really don't want to have to lug them to the top of the endless spiral staircase that winds itself up the side of El Peñon (people hype up this climb like it's insane - it's not bad really, just more sets of steps than the normal human is used to). It's not a hard walk from Guatapé itself, though you'll have to walk on the side of the road. We didn't mind too much, especially cause it meant we could avoid the ridiculous tourist price the tuktuks quote you. Bring water! That's a rip off at the rock too. Definitely worth the 17,000 pesos for the stunning view over the water. The little viewing platform even has its own zócalos.

4. It Doesn't Have to Be a Day Trip

Here's the kicker. Most people come to Guatapé for the day (a 13,000 peso bus ride from Terminal Norte in Medellín - go in the morning to ensure a departure and book your return as soon as you get into Guatapé to make sure you get a spot back), but this leaves you rushed for time, sitting on a bus for most of the day, and it means you only experience the town at peak tourist. It cools down at night and the streets aren't so jam packed. If you wonder around when you first get in, you will undoubtedly be approached by people trying to sell you their rooms. If you're a bit adventurous, take them up on the offer: you'll get a cheap, cheap room (25,000 pesos for a double) in a local person's house and what could be better than that? There are hostels in the town too if you're not feeling the forge your own road kind of vibe.

5. It Has the Coolest Pool Bar Ever

You get to go here too if you stay the night! On the alley right next to Restaurante Kennedy is a pool bar that absolutely bustles in the evening time. It has a name, but I cannot say that we know what it is. There are a bunch of locals there, mostly old men, who will be tickled pink by your interest and certainly offer to teach you a thing or two about the game. There are both pool and billards tables (a first for us) and you have access to them as long as you want if you buy a coffee or a 3,000 peso beer. These bars were our favorite evening past time in Colombia - the perfect way to escape the gringo trail.

6. It's on a Goddamn Lake

We've been hinting at this, but let it sink in: Guatapé is on a huge lake! This means a few things for you practically. First, it makes the town even more beautiful. Second, it means you can rent kayaks for about 15,000 pesos and explore for yourself.

Are you going to visit Guatapé? Comment below!