guatape day trip

One Day in Guatapé Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Guatapé, Colombia

An 80km bus or taxi ride east of the Colombian city of Medellín sits the colorful lakeside town of Guatapé. Surrounded by rolling green hills and on the edge of one of the largest lakes in Colombia, it’s an excellent location to escape the city and lose yourself. The cobbled streets of vibrantly painted houses will reward that. Or you can tour Guatapé Lake with its seemingly endless interconnected waterways and islands. Yes, one day in Guatapé is going to be something very special.

Guest post by Daisy Clark

El Peñón de Guatapé overlooks it all, a towering monolith standing 650ft above the ground and offering 360° views of the mesmerizing landscape. Brimming with traditional Colombian charm, distinctive scenery and a range of activities both on and off the water, Guatapé really is a perfectly unique place to visit.

What’s the best time to visit Guatapé?

In Guatapé, the climate is warm and pleasant for most of the year with temperatures averaging 18°c (65°f). As with the rest of Colombia, the high and dry season is December to April with the wettest months being September through November. Even in the high season expect an occasional torrential lighting storm to light up the night sky.

Good to Know About Guatapé

Guatapé Lake is a man-made lake created in the 1970s when the Colombian government allowed the flooding of around 6000 hectares of land to create a hydroelectric dam. Today, this hydroelectric complex has made Guatapé the most important centre for production of energy in the country, and the resulting lake is a totally unique sight to behold.

Guatapé was also once home to one of Colombia’s most infamous cartel bosses, Pablo Escobar . His now graffiti-covered lakeside mansion “La Manuela” was bombed by a rival cartel in 1993 and currently stands in ruins. When visiting, the damage caused by people on the hunt for Escobar’s missing millions is hard to miss. There are many smashed walls and holes dug out in the sprawling grounds.

One Day in Guatapé Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Guatapé.

Paintballing at La Manuela

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll to the lakeside and catch a water taxi through the twisting waterways of Guatapé Lake to La Manuela. This was the lakeside residence of cartel boss Pablo Escobar. On the way, spot the lakeside homes of some of Colombia’s rich and famous and take in the unique geology of the lake from the water.

When you arrive at La Manuela, grab a bottle of water from the bar and set off on a guided tour of the grounds, taking in the sordid but fascinating history of the property. You’ll pass swimming pools, football grounds, tennis courts, stables and even its own night club. When you get a moment, take a peek in the ruined walls for some of Pablo Escobar’s missing millions. They are said to be buried and hidden on the estate.

After the tour, it’s time to grab some overalls and split up into two teams. It’s time to battle it out in a cartel-style paintball war in the grounds of the mansion. For anyone who loves an adrenaline rush and good (but painful) laugh, this is one activity on offer in Guatapé not to be missed. For those who’d prefer to skip the bruises there is the option to take a more in-depth tour of the estate instead.

**Paintballing excursions and La Manuela or Lake Tours can be arranged with local operators at most hotels or hostels in Guatapé.

A Lakeside Lunch

Once you emerge victorious from your cartel battle, it’s time to jump back on the water taxi. Meander back through the waterways to the main town for a lakeside lunch at one of Guatapé’s many restaurants and bars. You could try local dishes and traditional Colombian food served at La Fogata or for a lighter bite there is always a wealth of street vendors on the waterfront to fulfill your snack requirements.

Top of the Rock

After lunch take a stroll down the colourful streets of Guatapé town and flag down a moto taxi to take you to El Peñón de Guatapé. El Peñón de Guatapé stands 650ft above the town and is sometimes referred to as the stitched rock because of the arrangement of stairs built into a crack in the rock. A pass to climb the rock can be bought from the ticket office in the carpark at the bottom and costs around 18,000cop (roughly £4.50).

Then it’s time to tackle the 740 steps to the top of the rock to get the best 360° view of the area you could wish for. When you reach the top, you can visit one of the few cafes and shops and treat yourself to a well-deserved ice cream or beer before you get those insta-worthy pictures of the lake from the uppermost tower. No trip to Guatapé would be complete without a trip to El Peñón.

Siesta before the Fiesta

Now it’s time to head back to your accommodation for a quick siesta after an action-filled day. Then freshen up and go out to catch sunset over the lake and tuck into some Colombian BBQ at t he Charcoal Grill Bar or a not so traditional pizza at Pizzeria De Luigi. Both provide excellent food and service.

For the rest of the night you can take your pick of kicking back and watching the world go by with some people watching at one of the l akeside bars. Alternatively ,  grab some rum and head into town to party the night away with fellow travellers and locals alike.

Where to stay in Guatape?

Hotel Los Recuerdos

Via El peñol , 053840 Guatapé

Hotel Los Recuerdos offers stylish and relaxing stay in a beautiful lush ambient  overlooking El Peñol Reservoir. The hotel features a large outdoor heated swimming pool, gym facilities, a Turkish bath and an on-site night club and bar. The rooms have modern and elegant decor and provide great comfort.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Santa Maria de las Aguas Peñol

Vereda Bonilla, 02 Lote 74 , 053857 Guatapé

Hotel Santa Maria de las Aguas Peñol is another one next to the lake property surrounded with lush tropical nature. The hotel features a garden, a fitness center and a playground. Ski equipment rental and bike rental are available. Some of the rooms offer stunning lake views.

Extra tips for visiting Guatapé

– As in all of Colombia, the main language spoken in Guatapé is Spanish . If you don’t speak Spanish, don’t worry as you will come across locals who speak a little English and everyone is very welcoming and happy to help you should you need it.

– Guatapé can be reached from Medellín by bus and the main bus station is right in the middle of the town. Pre-book bus tickets to avoid an 80km journey to or from Medellín sitting on the floor as most of the time buses will be full and often overcrowded. Taxis are also available to and from Guatapé but this can be quite expensive.

– There are 3 ATMs in Guatapé, and it is always a good idea to carry at least some cash to pay for moto/water taxis as they will not accept cards. All major credit cards will be accepted in most of the hotels and restaurants here.

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Guatapé Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

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Central & South America , Destinations · December 29, 2022

How to see the magic city of Guatape in one day

If you’re ready to experience the magic of a colorful Colombian town and see a quieter side of Colombia , a Guatape day tour from Medellín is perfect for you! In stark contrast to the bustling hip city of Medellín or the Caribbean flair of Cartagena , you can see the adorable farming town framed with famous zocalos while strolling through town. Located just 2 hours from Medellín, Guatape makes the perfect day tour to see a different side of Colombia. You won’t want to miss the gorgeous plaza with its Instagrammable umbrellas and brightly painted buildings or the emerald green waters of the reservoir.

Taking a Guatape day tour from Medellín is rather easy and a must-do when visiting Medellín. In this article, you’ll learn all about why a visit to Guatape is a necessity. Keep reading to find out how to get to Guatape, what to do while you’re there, and if staying longer than a day is worth it. 

Table of Contents

About Guatape 

Guatape is a beautiful town of 6,000 residents situated on the shores of Lago Guatape. The lake is actually a man-made reservoir and dam built in the 1970s. Unfortunately, many small towns and farms on the other side of the reservoir were lost but Guatape thrived and became one of the most important electricity-producing towns in Colombia. 

However, what this colorful town is truly known for are its zocalos . Zocalos are the murals on the bases of the buildings that depict pictures and can be seen on almost every building in Guatape. Zocalos have become an important part of Guatape’s culture and history. Some of the zocalos reflect a family’s personal history while some reflect the business and some are just purely decorative! 

The town’s history is rooted in farming and you’ll still see many farmers and zocalos representing this heritage. But now, Guatape has a huge tourist market as well and you can see that through the many businesses that are flourishing thanks to tourism.

How to get to Guatape from Medellin 

Every day, hundreds of tourists flock to Guatape from Medellín. It’s pretty simple–so even if you’re directionally challenged (guilty), you can find your way to Guatape. 

First things first, let’s talk about timing. Guatape is a bit of a trip–a couple hours by bus. So factor in the trip there and back, you’ll want to get an early start on the day. Wake up early, grab a quick snack, and head over to the bus station at Terminale Norte to catch a 7 am or 8 am bus. Buses leave every hour on the hour. There’s no set “start” time because it depends on the day and time of year… but 7 or 8 am is a reasonable time to assume the buses will be running. 

The location to buy tickets is on the ground floor of the terminal and you’re looking for booth #14. The bus company is called Sotrasanvicente & Guatape La Piedra . You can expect to pay around 16,000 pesos (perhaps a tiny bit more) for a trip to Guatape (at time of writing, December 2022). Hop on the bus and get going!

The bus will stop at both Guatape and La Piedra del Pinon. The first stop is La Piedra and I recommend conquering the rock first while you’re still fresh and wide eyed! After you climb the rock, just head back to the bus stop and make your way to Guatape for the rest of the day. To return, just do the opposite of everything you’ve already done! Voila! 

If you do happen to need more in depth directions, no worries! I also love excruciating detail when navigating in a foreign country. I like these two articles on step by step getting from Medellín to Guatape by fellow travel bloggers: We Seek Travel and Half Half Travel .

What to pack for a Guatape day tour

The weather in Guatape is pretty similar to that of Medellín . You can expect mild weather with plenty of humidity and often a chance of rain. Even in the “dry” season, there are random showers throughout the day almost daily in this part of Colombia! Prepare for chilly rain showers with temperatures hovering around the low- to- mid 60s (Fahrenheit) but don’t be surprised if it’s sunny and mid-70s (Fahrenheit)! What I mean to say is, be prepared for any type of weather.

For a day trip to Guatape, you’ll want to pack the essentials. Make sure you grab a rain jacket and some comfortable, waterproof shoes. Pack sunglasses and a water bottle because you’ll be outside most of the day! Throw everything you need into a day pack (we love this one!) so you have plenty of room for your camera, a portable charger, and snacks. Never leave on an adventure without snacks! Especially if you choose to do a day tour, you may get one meal provided but won’t have much opportunity to snack. 

Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat! If the sun is shining, you’re sure to get plenty of it when you’re exploring Guatape.

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What to do in Guatape in one day

Luckily, Guatape is a rather small town so it’s easy to see most of it in one day. Even though it’s small, it packs a big punch! I guarantee you’ll be thinking of the precious zocalos and friendly people for weeks to come. Here’s what to explore on your day tour to Guatape from Medellín.

Plazoleta de Los Zocalos

You can’t visit Guatape without running into the Plazoleta de Los Zocalos, the colorful town square teeming with cafés and shops. There are two stories of shops and restaurants, giving you a view from both the ground and a bird’s eye view of this busy area. Grab a coffee and people watch, eat some ice cream on the steps, or grab a souvenir from the shops. This square is probably the most Instagrammable area in Guatape with the umbrellas overhead and the colorful zocalos on the bases of the buildings!

Take a boat tour on Guatape lake

Situated right on the shore, Guatape is the perfect launching point for touring one of the largest lakes in Colombia. The lake is actually a man-made reservoir formed by a hydroelectric dam that provides 30% of the electricity supply to Colombia. Hop on a cruise boat to explore this giant body of water and learn a bit more about its history and importance to Colombia. Many of the tours also offer alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks to make your trip more enjoyable. In addition to being an important electricity supply, you can also see some amazing hotels and homes… even an old home of Pablo Escobar’s! 

Walk down Calle de Recuerdo 

Calle de Recuerdo, or “memory lane”, is undoubtedly the most beautiful street in Guatape. 

Go shopping 

Just wander along the streets of Guatape and you’ll pass dozens of adorable stores. This is the perfect place to search for artisanal, handmade crafts. No matter what unique gift you’re looking for, there’s an excellent chance you’ll find it somewhere in Guatape! The best part? You’re also supporting the local businesses!

See the cathedral 

Continue along until you find the square with the cathedral… trust me, you’ll know it when you see it! The cathedral, Parroquia Nuestro Senora del Carmen, or the Church of Our Lady Carmen, will be hard to miss. It’s one of the most stunning buildings we saw during our time in Colombia! Take a seat near the fountain and watch people milling in and out of the church or even wander inside to see the beautiful indoor architecture. 

The area around the cathedral is also beautiful with a fountain, plenty of restaurants, and sometimes street performers. Take a seat and enjoy the view (even better with ice cream in hand, in my opinion!).

La Piedra del Pinon 

About 15 minutes from Guatape is the famed La Piedra del Pinon which has also been called Rock of Guatape in the past. This huge mammoth rock sits above the reservoir and has become a huge tourist attraction for visitors from around the world. The rock itself was formed over 70 million years ago and is over 200 meters high!

While I’ll say this isn’t something I’d do over and over again, it is definitely worth the visit on your first trip to Medellín ! It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to climb the 649 steps to the top of the rock to get some pretty outstanding views.

You’ll feel like you’re juuuuuust about to pass out when you finally get to the last set of steps. Once you get to the top, grab a mango michelada and enjoy the beautiful views of the reservoir and area surrounding the rock. The atmosphere at the top is almost like a mini-club with people enjoying drinks and the views. It’s all in the experience! 

To get back to the bottom, you’ll pass through a gimmicky tourist shop and then can make your way down. Take your time–the way down is almost harder than the way up!

To get to and from Piedra del Pinon, you can take a taxi or a quick tuk tuk. You can’t miss the tuk tuks, called chivas, that are brightly decorated and waiting to take you where you need to go. This would be a fun way to get from point A to B!

Guatape waterfall

Have a little bit more time to explore? Head out to the Guatape waterfall. The waterfall’s real name is La Cazuela and it’s just about 30 minutes outside of Guatape. You’ll need to find your own way there, like renting a motorbike. It will also be helpful to have access to some sort of GPS because I’ve heard it can be a little tricky to find. But once you’re there, you get (free!) access to a beautiful waterfall and small swimming hole–perfect for a hot summer day!

Guatape day trip or stay overnight?

Is it worth it to stay in Guatape overnight? Well, it depends. If you’re already short on time in Medellín , you’ll want to make your way back so you can maximize the time you have to see everything in Medellín! However, if you have a slower itinerary and can swing it… you will want to experience this magical town at night! Once the crowds depart, you can get a better (and quieter) feel for Guatape. Enjoy a quiet dinner at La Fogota for an authentic experience and then stroll the sleepy streets.

Where to stay overnight in Guatape

There are a couple different options for hotels. Check out Hotel La Madriguera Guatape for something within walking distance to the Plazoleta. Want a more resort feel? Closer to La Piedra you’ll find Hotel Los Recuerdos which has a pool, a restaurant, and its own nightclub! Looking for a unique and luxurious adventure?! Look no further than Bosko . Bosko is an incredibly luxurious text stay overlooking the reservoir. Count me in!

Another bonus of spending the night? You can get all those Insta-worthy pics before all the day trippers arrive!

Guatape Day Tours from Medellin

Don’t feel like a DIY day tour to Guatape? No problem! This little town is so popular with tourists there are no less than 14 billion tour companies that will take you to Guatape. Okay, I exaggerate a bit, but my point is you can certainly find an amazing tour for the day so you don’t have to deal with the headache of planning it yourself. 

In fact, this is exactly what we did. After planning a full 2 week itinerary all over Colombia I didn’t feel like searching for bus tickets and taking taxis between Guatape and La Piedra del Pinon. So we booked a tour through Guatape Tours and it was fantastic. We got to climb the rock, see the reservoir by boat, and see the beautiful zocalos. The only thing you miss out on is seeing the town at night but we all have to make sacrifices sometimes, right? 

Check out a few of these day tours to Guatape from Medellín.

Final thoughts/recommendations

Guatape is a tiny town located about 2 hours outside of Medellín and makes for the perfect day tour. If you just limit yourself to the big city, you’re missing out on a beautiful piece of Colombia ’s culture! Take a day in your busy Medellín itinerary to head to Guatape and see the zocalos, climb the big rock, and enjoy this magical town. Whether you choose to design your own day trip or take a tour, you’ll be able to see the best of Guatape. I hope this guide has inspired you to book your own trip and explore not only the famous Medellín, but to take a day tour to Guatape, too!

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Guatapé: The Best Day Trip From Medellin

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TLDR? Guatape is a gorgeous lake a few hours away from the city and is the most popular day trip you can take from Medellin .

Guatapé is a colorful town in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. It is located about 84 km east of Medellín, in the Aburrá Valley.

If you’re visiting Medellin , we highly recommend that you add Guatape to your itinerary.

In this article, we will share with you all the information that you need to know in order to plan your trip to Guatape, Colombia.

Visiting Guatapé from Medellin

Medellin is a beautiful city with a lot to do. From museums and parks to nightlife and shopping, there is something for everyone in Medellin. However, if you are looking for a day trip or an overnight excursion, we recommend that you visit Guatape.

Guatapé is a colorful town located in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. It is about 84 km east of Medellin, in the Aburrá Valley. The town is best known for its large rock formations and brightly colored houses.

A lot of visitors check out El Peñon de Guatapé , which is a monolithic rock that stands 200 meters tall. You can hike to the top of the rock for an amazing view of the surrounding area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Guatape is also known for its vibrant culture and friendly locals. The town has a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

When to Visit Guatapé

The best time to visit Guatapé is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little rainfall.

If you visit during the wet season (April to November), bring rain gear. The rains can be heavy at times, and the roads can be slippery.

While it does rain almost every afternoon during the wet season, the rains usually don’t last long. Plus, there is a lower amount of tourists during this time, so you’ll be able to enjoy the town without the crowds.

Since there are several Instagram-worthy spots in Guatape, we recommend that you visit on a weekday if possible.

In addition, go early in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds. Many of the best photo spots are located in the center of town, so you can easily walk from one spot to another.

How to Get to Guatapé

You have a few options for getting to Guatapé from Medellin.

The easiest way is to take a bus from the Terminal del Norte , which is located in the north of the city. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around COP$ 18,000 COP (subject to change).

Usually, there is a bus every 30 minutes, and the first bus leaves at 6:00 am.

You can also take a private shuttle or rent a car, but this is more expensive. The benefit is that it is faster than a bus, and you can make stops along the way.

Lastly, you can do a day tour from Medellin . This is a good option if you want someone else to take care of the logistics.

Eat Local Food in Guatapé

When you’re visiting a new town or city, one of the best things to do is eat local food. Guatape is no exception. The town has a number of traditional restaurants that serve delicious Colombian cuisine .

Like other popular tourist towns, there are higher price tags for food and drinks in Guatape if you follow the crowd. However, the key is to get off the beaten path and eat where the locals eat.

You can get a beer for as little as $1 USD at some of the local bars, and a meal will cost you around $5 USD.

We highly recommend going to a local place and getting arepas . The ones in Guatape are some of the best that we’ve ever had.

They are topped with so many delicious toppings, including cheese, avocado, and chorizo. Plus, they are cheap and filling.

Also, you have to grab a palitos de queso (cheese sticks) from one of the street vendors. The cheese is fried and served with a spicy dipping sauce. You can also opt for a sweet version, which is served with chocolate or fruit salsas.

Lastly, grab a cocktail or two at one of the local bars . If you like the taste of black licorice, try a shot of aguardiente. It’s the national drink of Colombia, and it definitely packs a punch.

Things to Do in Guatapé

In addition to eating delicious food, there are plenty of other things to do in Guatapé. Here are some of our favorite activities:

Hike El Peñón de Guatapé

As we mentioned before, El Peñol is a 200-meter tall monolithic rock that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Guatape.

The hike to the top is relatively easy and takes about 15-30 minutes. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding area.

If you’re visiting on a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way to Medellin.

Insider tip: Go to Guatapé first, stay the night, and then hike El Peñon early in the morning before all the tour groups arrive. This way, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the views in peace.

Check Out the Pueblo de Zócalos

Part of the color and charm of Guatape comes from the pueblo de zócalos. These are beautifully made moldings that line the bottom of the buildings in the town center.

Each zócalo is unique and tells a different story. You can learn about the history and meaning of each one by taking a walking tour with a local guide.

Or, you can simply admire them as you wander around town. Either way, they are definitely worth checking out.

Take a Boat Tour

You can take a boat tour of Guatapé Lake, which is absolutely beautiful. The tour will take you around the lake and to some of the small islands in the middle.

The boat tours typically last about 1-2 hours, and you’ll get to see some amazing scenery. You can either do a solo trip or include one with a tour of El Peñon.

Shop for Handicrafts

Guatapé is known for its handicrafts, so be sure to browse the shops and pick up a souvenir or two. You’ll find a variety of items, including paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.

Barter with the shopkeepers to get the best price, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t like their offer.

Rent Jet Skis

This might be better to do during the dry season when rainstorms are less likely.

You can rent jet skis at a few different places in town, and it’s a great way to enjoy the lake. Just be sure to follow all the safety rules and regulations.

Scenic Helicopter Flight

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take a scenic helicopter flight over Guatape and the surrounding area.

You’ll get stunning views of El Peñon, Guatapé Lake, and the town. It’s an incredible experience that you won’t soon forget.

Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak

If you want to get out on the water but don’t want to do a boat tour, you can always rent a paddleboard or kayak.

It’s a great way to explore Guatapé Lake at your own pace, and you can even bring food and drinks with you to enjoy while you paddle around.

Hangout on the Floating Bar

There is a floating bar on the edge of the lake, and it’s a great place to relax with a drink in hand.

You can hang there for a few hours, listen to music, and take in the stunning views.

Do a Nature Hike

There are also hikes to waterfalls and other natural attractions near Guatapé.

So, if you’re looking for something a little different to do, head out on one of the trails and explore the Colombian countryside. You might also get to see some wildlife along the way.

Visit a Coffee Plantation

You can’t visit Colombia without learning about its coffee.

Guatapé is located in the Zona Cafetera, which is one of the most important coffee-growing regions in the country. So, it’s the perfect place to learn about the coffee-making process and taste some of the best coffee in Colombia .

There are a few different plantations that offer tours, and you’ll get to see how the coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted.

You can even buy some to take home with you.

Have a Picnic by the Lake

Guatapé is the perfect place for a picnic. There are plenty of spots around the lake where you can set up your blanket and enjoy a meal with a view.

Insider tip: Stop by one of the bakeries in town and get a few freshly-baked empanadas to enjoy. They’re delicious!

Where to Stay in Guatape

There are a few different places to stay in Guatape, and you’ll find something to suit all budgets. You can either stay in a lake view hotel, a cozy bed, and breakfast, or a budget hotel.

You can also find Airbnbs in town, which is a great option if you’re traveling with a group.

If you have the budget, then check out a lake view hotel. These are for people looking to relax and enjoy the views.

However, if you want to indulge in the local culture and save some money, then getting a room in town is the way to go.

Guatapé Is A Must Visit

Overall, you won’t be disappointed with a getaway visit to Guatapé. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique places in Colombia, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

If you like this blog, you might like the Casacol Instagram page to keep up with all the new articles. Anything we need to update or correct? Care to contribute?  Email us at [email protected].

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How to visit Guatape from Medellin – [2024 Guide]

A visit to Guatapé is an easy day trip from Medellin and it’s one of the most popular day trips in Colombia.   The gloriously colorful pueblo of Guatape is just 90 minutes from Medellin.  In Guatape you’ll find fabulous architecture, whimsically painted houses, and stunning views.  Known as the most colorful Colombian town is delightfully situated on the edge of a lake, surrounded by glorious scenery.  The town is located close to the famous landmark known as El Peñón del Peñol and is one of the primary reasons to take a day trip to Guatape. We’ll cover the easiest way to take a day trip to Guatape, and the cheapest way too.

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Easiest Way to Take a Day Trip to Guatape from Medellin

Our complete travel guide for Guatape Colombia takes you through how to get to Guatape, what you must go to in Guatape, and when the best times to visit are. The easiest way to take a day trip to Guatape is to do it from a base of Medellin. While you can take public transport (and we’ve covered this all further down in this article), a guided tour will maximize your time, help you skip the lines, AND get the most out of a day in Guatape.

#1 WAY TO VISIT

Visit Guatape on a Day Trip

This FIVE Star rated day trip from Medellin to Guatape is stunning. It’s the best way to visit Guatape, including a boat trip, a visit to El Penon + an English-speaking guide.

3 Ways to Visit Guatape from Medellin

There are several ways to visit Guatape.  The best way to get to Guatape depends on your confidence in negotiating public transport and the amount of time you have available.  You should also consider which of the activities in Guatape you’d like to take part in.  How to get from Medellin to Guatape depends on how you prefer to travel.  Getting to Guatape from Medellin can be as easy as calling a taxi or booking an Uber.  How to go to Guatape from Medellin also depends on your budget – getting from Medellin to Guatape is the cheapest by bus, but we’ll start with the easiest way to visit Guatape.

1. Take a Guided Tour to Guatapé from Medellin

If you prefer to maximize your time in Guatape, then select a guided tour from Medellin – here are the best options for day trips to Guatape. Tours to Guatape from Medellin are easy to arrange.  These Medellin Guatape tours are generally day trips including visits to El Peñón, usually lunch in Guatape, and can also include trips on the lake and other activities.  There are a variety of options when it comes to Medellin to Guatape day trips – some include lunch, some include cruises and some dinners.

• Day Trip to Guatape from Medellin – visit Guatape and El Penon too
• Guatape Day Trip from Medellin – including El Penon and a Boat Trip on the Lake
• Private Day Trip from Medellin to Guatape – check prices and book NOW!

2. Go to Guatape from Medellin on Public Transport

It is easy to get from Medellin to Guatape independently.    First of all, take the Medellin Metro Line A (blue) and get to the Caribe Station.  If you haven’t already read it, we’ve put together a guide on the Medellin Metro for tourists. 

The bus from Medellin to Guatape goes from the Medellin north bus terminal, so if you are planning to take the bus to Guatape from Medellin you will need to get to this terminal.  The easiest way to get to the Caribe Station in Medellin is via the Medellin metro.

Take the Metro to Caribe Station

Caribe Metro station is connected to the Medellin Northern bus terminal (Terminal Norte) by way of several pedestrian bridges over the highway below.

Take a bus from Medellin Terminal Norte to Guatape

Several companies run this route. All the ticket booths at the north bus terminal Medellin are downstairs.  You will companies running the Guatape-Medellin route at ticket booths 9, 12, and 14.  The companies that operate the Medellin to Guatape bus are Sotrapenol, Sootransvincente, and Transporte Guatape la Piedra.

Buses run from 0530 until 1830 and they run as regularly as every 15 minutes.    The bus to Guatape from Medellin timetable is displayed at each counter.  They may also display the times for the Guatape Medellin bus, but it is more likely that the return details are displayed in Guatape.

The cost of a one-way bus ticket to Guatape from Medellin is 15,000 COP.  Tickets from each bus company are the same price.  The journey from Medellin Bus Terminal Norte to Guatape takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

If you are taking a day trip we recommend getting off at El Peñol.  The driver will ask and stop here at the gas station at the base of El Peñol.  This is about 10 minutes outside of Guatape on the bus.

You then have a choice of walking up the steps from the bus stop to the actual base of El Peñol, or you can take a tuk-tuk.

3. Medellin to Guatape Taxi

An Uber or taxi from Medellin to Guatape will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes to travel to Guatape from Medellin.  The cost is around USD$35.

7 Things to Do in Guatape

Now that you’ve got to Guatape – hopefully early in the day, and hopefully not at a weekend or on a holiday – this is what you’ve been waiting for – all the best things to do in Guatape. We’ll start with visiting El Peñol, as it’s logical to visit here first en route from Medellin.

1. Climb El Peñón

Climbing El Peñón is the number one reason to come to Guatape.   If you’ve walked up from where the Medellin-Guatape bus dropped you off you will have made it to the actual base of the rock.  Here you’ll find a car park (If you take a guided tour, then this is where you’ll start your exploration of El Peñón), cafes, and souvenir stalls.

The ticket booth for El Peñón is also here.  The ticket for El Peñón is 18,000 COP.

There is also a café and more souvenir stalls at the top of El Peñón, but everything is more expensive at the top!

Facts about El Peñón

El Peñón weighs approximately 66 million tons and is the 3 rd largest monolithic rock in the world.  El Peñón is composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica.

El Peñón is 385 meters long and has an elevation of 2,135 meters above sea level.  At the top El Peñón has an average temperature of 18 °C. Please make sure that your travel insurance covers you at this altitude. You can read our guide to Colombia Travel Insurance here.

There are 740 concrete steps from the bottom of El Peñón to the very top, although the final few steps will cost you an extra 2,000 COP to climb there if that section is actually open.

You can track your progress, as the steps are numbered, with every 25 th step noting your progress.  Apart from a small section at the top, the up and down steps are separate.

The steps to return to the base are closer to the rock and do not have viewpoints.  There are also small resting areas on the way up.

And you’ll want to use these rest stops, the views from El Peñón just keep getting better as you get higher.  Be sure to take photos on the way up – the downward steps are located on the inside of the upward steps, so you don’t have a clear view.

The view from the top is spectacular, just be sure to visit on a clear day!

Visiting El Peñón from Guatape

If you took the bus from Medellin to Guatape, then getting to El Peñón is easy and you have 3 options.

•  Take the road out of town back towards Medellin.  It will take about an hour.
• Take a tuk-tuk or a taxi. This will cost 30,000 COP but will take you directly to the ticket booth.
• Take the Medellin Bus. You’ll find this at the corner of Carrera 30 and Calle 32 on the waterfront.  This bus from Guatape to El Peñón costs 2,000 COP.  From where the bus drops you, you can walk either up the road or the steps or take a tuk-tuk for 10,000 COP.

When you have finished marveling at the views and got your breath back, it’s time to head from El Peñón to Guatape – here’s how to do that.

How to get from El Piedra to Guatape

After you’ve taken in all the views you can from the top of El Piedra, then you’ll want to head from El Peñón to Guatape.  There are several ways of getting there.

• Take a taxi or a tuk-tuk – costs around 5,000 COP Per person from the ticket booth
• Walk, simply follow the road down and turn right when you join the main road. Walking from El Peñón to Guatape will take about an hour, but is along the side of the main road.
• Walk back down to where you got off the bus and take the next bus for 1,500 COP.

Once you’ve arrived in Guatape it’s time to take a look at the other great things to do in this colorful Colombian pueblo.

2. Now buy your bus ticket from Guatape to Medellin

If you are taking a day trip from Medellin to Guatape then the first thing you must do when you arrive in Guatape is to buy your ticket for your bus from Guatape to Medellin.  The Guatape to Medellin bus fills up quickly.  If you’ve taken a taxi or tuk-tuk to Guatape from Medellin, then they will drop you at the bus ticket office.  The Medellin bus is located at Calle 32 – right opposite the waterfront as you enter Guatape.

Here is a map to show you where to buy tickets to get back to Medellin.

Buses from Guatape to Medellin return at set times, especially in the offseason, which is why you want to book your return bus to Medellin as soon as you arrive.

3. Visit Guatape’s Main Square

The Parque Principal is Guatape’s main square. Here you’ll find tree-shaded spots to while away the time, while people watching.  The square is surrounded by cafés and bars and is the center of the town.  You’ll find Guatape’s church here too, Parroquia Nuestra Señora Del Carmen Guatape

4. Discover the Zócalos of Guatape

A zócalo is the term for a coat of cement that creates a façade along the lower 80 centimeters of the houses in Guatape.  Many of the houses in Guatape have these facades painted with vibrant colors and decorated with patterns.  Zócalos usually celebrate the cultural heritage of the family living there.

The custom was likely brought from Spain and was originally used to protect the house from erosion.

5. Hang out in La Plazoleta de los Zocalos

This pretty small square is the place to admire painted steps, yet more colorful buildings and a great place to enjoy coffee.  There are also plenty of souvenir shops around here!

6. Drink Coffee from Fine China in Guatape

Order a coffee from any of Guatape’s cafes or coffee shops and you’ll get a great cup of Colombian dark, rich coffee.  What’s unique about coffee in Guatape is that it’s served in a gorgeous china cup perched on a saucer.  Order two cups of coffee and you’ll likely get an even more original cup and saucer option.

7. Take a Trip on the Lake in Guatape

If you’d like to explore the lake at Guatape, you have the option of taking an organized boat trip or renting kayaks.   If you’ve elected to take a guided tour to Guatape, then an option will have been to take a boat trip.  If you are traveling independently, then you’ll find the boat operators on Calle 32.   If you are traveling to Guatape at the weekend or over the Colombian holidays we recommend that you pre-book.  Guatape is very popular at these times.

Looking for another awesome trip from Medellin?  Explore Comuna 13 – here’s how.

Boat trips on the lake will visit several islands and, so long, as the lake levels aren’t too high, you’ll get to see evidence of the old town of El Peñól that was submerged with the building of the reservoir in the 1970s.

A Brief Guatape History

Guatape was originally inhabited by indigenous ethnic groups, the chief of whom was named Guatape.  The town of Guatape was founded in October 1811, by the Spanish conquistador, Don Francisco Giraldo y Jimenez.  To honor the old chiefs, the pueblo was named Guatape.

Guatape was primarily a farming town – the economy of the region was agriculture and a little mining.  It was declared a municipality in September 1867.  In the 1970s an enormous hydroelectric project created a man-made reservoir and today’s landscape.  The Gautape reservoir and dam not only creates more than 30% of Colombia’s energy but supports the tourism industry of Guatape.

In the creation of the reservoir, the old town of El Peñol was submerged and has lain under the water since.  The new town of El Peñol is now en route to Guatape from Medellin.

Where is Guatape?

Guatape is located in the Antioquia province of Colombia.  It is about 2 hours east of Medellin on a public bus.  How far is Guatape from Medellin?  It’s an easy trip from Medellin.  You will find Guatape 85 kilometers from Medellin.  Guatape is perfect to visit as a day trip from Medellin.  If you have more time, once the day trips from Medellin have gone home, Guatape is fabulous for an overnight stay.  Here are our recommendations for staying longer in Guatape!

Hotel Bosko – Amazing location on the lake, this is adult-only Guatape accommodation with incredible views.  Breakfast is included, wifi is amazing and the luxury is just superb!  Reserve your room now!

Balcones de la Casona – a little further out this is a quiet location, with great value and fabulous terraces (plus there’s also a bar.  All rooms have wifi, and you can also rent bikes from here too – check prices and book your room now!

Hotel Real  – great location near the central square of Guatape – you’re right in the middle of things, but don’t worry it’s quiet once the day-trippers go home!  A great simple hotel, with very friendly people.  Private rooms are very spacious!  Reserve your room now!

Map of Guatape

Here’s our map of Guatape.  This map shows where you can find Guatape, El Peñol, and Medellin.

Understanding Guatape, El Peñón, El Peñol and El Piedra de Penol

You will often read (and hear) El Penon de Guatape, El Peñol, El Piedra, Piedra de Penol and Guatape used interchangeably.  It’s confusing.

Guatape is the name of the town of 5,000 residents, 90 minutes from Medellin. ( read our post on what to do in Medellin too !)

El Penon de Guatape, Colombia, or the Rock of Guatape is the monolithic landmark located in the municipality of Guatape.  The rock is also claimed by the nearby town of El Peñol, residents of which call it El Peñón de El Peñol.  The rock is also called El Piedra (the stone).  For the purposes of this article, we’ll call it El Peñón.

To add further to the confusion the original town of El Peñól lies under the waters of the lake, submerged since the hydroelectric project of the 1970s, which flooded thousands of hectares and created the Guatape  reservoir.

If you’re staying longer then it’s also possible to book dinner cruises on Laguna Guatape – ask at your hotel or hostel for more information.

To explore the lake under your own power, then rent a kayak.  You can rent kayaks at the Lakeview Hostel and the Hostel Galeria for an hour or longer.  If you decide to rent for the day kayak rental on Guatape Lake will cost around 20,000 COP.

If you’re reading this on public WiFi and plan to book a trip, a walking tour, or accommodation, then check out my guide to the best VPNs for Colombia and why (and how you should protect your personal login details).

Guatape One Day Itinerary

If you’re looking to spend just one day in Guatape, follow our 1-day Guatape itinerary to maximize your time here.

• Take an early bus (0730-0800) from Medellin to arrive at El Peñon by 1000
• Climb the 740 steps to the top of El Peñon and treat yourself to the views and a michelada at the top of El Piedra
• Take a tuk-tuk from El Peñon to Guatape
• Book your return bus trip as soon as you arrive in Guatape
• Get lunch from one of the myriad restaurants in the Parque Principal, people-watching as you enjoy the weather.
• Take a self-guided walking tour of the famous Guatape zocalos
• Head to the lakeside and take a tour of the lake to explore the area you’ve seen from the top of El Peñon
• Grab a cup of coffee in fine china cups at the square before heading to the bus station to return back to Medellin.

What is the Best Time to Visit Guatape?

Your visit to Guatape should be dictated, though, by when other people are likely to go to Guatape.

Guatape is a great weekend escape for those living in Medellin.  So try and avoid Guatape at weekends and holidays to have a more peaceful time.

You’ll also find that it is quieter if you arrive in Guatape earlier in the day, especially if you want to visit El Peñon.

What’s the Weather like in Guatape?

Guatape weather is similar to that of Medellin.  It’s warm during the day and the climate is pleasant.  Then the high temperature in Guatape is usually no more than 23 degrees Celsius.   Guatape, however, does get a lot of rain, so check the weather forecast for when you plan to visit.

You’ll really want to visit one of the most spectacular views in Colombia when there is good weather!  The driest months to visit Guatape are December, January and February.

How much time do you need to visit Guatape

You can see the highlights of Guatape in one day.  Follow our suggested one day in Guatape itinerary to get the most out your day trip.   If you have more time, then spending at least one night in Guatape will allow you to see the town when all the day trippers have returned to Medellin.

Travel Tips for Exploring Colombia

• Read our guide to travel insurance for Colombia
• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Our Colombia Travel check list is here
• Get online immediately in Colombia with an eSIM
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Colombia > discount coupon here
• Arriving by air? Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
• Make sure you have the right travel adapter for Colombia
• Book the best Colombia tours and guides on GetYourGuide and Civitatis
• Read about ATM fees in Colombia
• Save money in Colombia with a Wise debit card
• Book Buses in Colombia with Bookaway
• Book accommodation in Colombia with Booking.com

Final Words on Visiting Guatape from Medellin

A day trip to Guatape is an essential trip from Medellin. Guatape is close to the city, easy to get to and you’ll get amazing views from the top of El Piedra.   Visiting Guatape from Medellin is one of the best Medellin day trips that you can take.  Put this on your Colombia bucket list, no matter how you choose to visit! How will you choose to visit Guatape?  Are you an independent traveler or do you prefer to take a tour?  Let us know what works best for you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

ASocialNomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, and amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

Sarah Carter

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A Guide to Visiting Guatapé, Colombia

When planning a trip to Colombia, one of the first places I wanted to visit was Guatapé in Antioquia. This colorful pueblo outside of Medellín is famous for the surrounding turquoise lake and beautiful scenery.

Since it is such an easy day trip from Medellín, I had the chance to spend a full day exploring.

After spending a day taking in the beautiful views, I only wished I had another day to soak it all in.

It’s very peaceful in the small towns in the countryside (especially after the city chaos). I will share about the day tour we took as well as other options for being able to go on your own.

Visiting South America, I learned there is such a diversity of experiences available. Guatapé is one of those postcard-perfect places you can’t miss when visiting Colombia.

Taking a Guatapé Tour

If you’re short on time and would love a guided trip, a day tour is the best way to see Guatapé.

I opted to book this tour on Viator  for $30 USD a person and it came with both breakfast and lunch (both amazing!), a stop in a small town before Guatapé, time to climb El Peñol, and free time in the town of Guatapé. The transportation was on a bus with air conditioning and we had a driver who took us everywhere. Along the way, our guide shared insight into the area and history. I’m not a huge fan of guided group tour however this was a good option for what we could do. Check tour rates and availability here .

If I had more time, I would have opted to go on my own but I really needed a night or so to do it all properly.

Getting to Guatapé from Medellín

Getting to Guatape from Medellín is quite easy. If you plan to spend the night and not do a tour, you can easily hop on public transportation. It is highly recommended to travel only during light hours (not at night).

Simply head to Terminal del Norte which connects to the Caribe Metro Station, line blue A. You can take a bus from Medellín to Guatapé, which averages from 1.5 to 2 hours pending traffic.

When purchasing your ticket be sure to clarify your stop as there are two, one in the town of Guatapé or at El Peñol (for visiting the rock).

If you’re staying overnight, you’ll want to drop your bags off first at your accommodations.

Transportation within Guatapé without a car is easy as there are local tuk-tuks who can take you around as well as taxis to the sights. Within the small town of Guatapé, everything is available within walking distance.

Guatapé Weather

The weather in Guatapé can change quickly, similar to Medellín, Colombia.

Even in the beginning months of the year, the afternoon was rather hot but it cools down quickly at night.

When visiting, I highly recommend a strong sunscreen and hat — it may not feel like the sun is on you when it’s cloudy out, but it finds a way! I definitely had a good sunburn afterward even though I “never burn.”

Guatapé Hotels

Based on research and recommendations from other trusted travelers, here are a few of the local hotels and hostels to consider (Note: I did not stay overnight due to timing):

• Luxe by the Charlee
• Hotel Bosko
• Lake View Hostel

What To Do in Guatapé

If you’re taking a guided day tour , then you will have the chance to do most of these things. The amount of time will be limited so if you enjoy a bit more flexibility, then going on your own is best.

Explore the Colorful Zocalos in Guatapé

The small town is famous for the zocalos or the painted panels on the houses that portray their trade or history. I spent a couple of hours just walking around, snapping away photos, and soaking in the cheer of the town.

Head Out on Laguna Guatapé

If you have an afternoon to explore, heading out on the lake is an awesome opportunity to relax. You can rent kayaks locally at different vendors on the lake, go explore and soak in the views.

Climb El Peńol

The best lake view is certainly at the top of the rock and is worth the 740 steep steps. You’ll need to pay about $6 USD to enter and climb (bring cash).

At the top the views are beautiful, and there are vendors selling drinks and some small bites as well. It can feel a little touristy but the views were pretty amazing.

Try the Food in Guatapé Town

This place is packed with a ton of restaurants and street food. Arepas were my favorite bite along the way, especially with the fresh cheese.

Day Trip to San Rafael

If you’re looking for another nearby town to visit, San Rafael came as the second most recommended place to visit in the area.

About El Peñol

Meaning “the stone”, El Peńol has a bit of story behind it.

Essentially the area around it had massive flooding after the building of the hydroelectric dam in the 1970s. From it came the lake or laguna you see today, which now has become a tourist destination.

The rock of Guatapé has become an iconic landmark for the area, however, the nearby townships of Guatapé and El Peñol have both claimed ownership of the rock.

There is a “G” and a partly written “U” on the rock that was attempted to spell out the town of Guatapé to take ownership. They did not get far after a local mob saw the attempt and put an end to it.

Since that day, no one has tried to finish the word.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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By: Melanie Gordon (Contributor) · Last Updated: January 30, 2024

10 Unmissable Things to Do in Guatapé, Colombia

Ready to discover the best things to do in Guatape, Colombia? Let this Guatapé travel guide take you on a journey along (and beyond) the dazzling streets of South America’s most colorful town.

When you visit Guatape, you can summit the second-largest rock in South America (Piedra del Penol), buy one-of-a-kind Colombian jewelry and art, and kayak the stunning lake surrounding Guatapé. Plus, savor delicious local and worldly cuisine and explore nearby nature reserves with waterfalls.

Guatapé’s colorful streets, ceramic fountains, and iconic zócalos (painted façades) create a photographer’s paradise, so snap away!

Whether you’re visiting Guatapé on a day trip from Medellín or staying at a beautiful hotel on Lake Guatapé, there’s no shortage of adventurous things to do in Guatapé, Colombia!

In this Guatape travel guide, you’ll discover the best things to see and do in Guatape. Plus, how to get to Guatape from Medellin, where to eat, and where to stay overnight. Vamos!

Table of Contents

1. Uncover Culture Through Guatape’s Vibrant Zocalos

2. take a specialized guided tour of guatapé town, 3. climb el peñol (la piedra del peñol) for the best view in guatape, 4. adventure on guatape lake (laguna de guatapé), 5. try traditional colombian flavors and worldly cuisine, 6. people watch in plazoleta de los zócalos, 7. day trip to san rafael for nature adventures, 8. walk the boardwalk (malecón), 9. get a bird’s-eye view of guatapé, peñol rock & guatapé reservoir, 10. buy colorful handmade goods, how long should you stay in guatapé, where to stay in guatape, colombia, best guided day trips to guatape, self-guided day trip to guatapé, guatape packing list, 10 best things to do in guatape, colombia, guatape, colombia travel faqs, did you know….

10 Best Things to Do in Guatapé Colombia

Okay, let’s get into the best things to do in Guatape – whether you take a Guatape day trip from Medellin, or choose to stay a little longer.

Buildings adorned with colorful zócalos pop against the rolling green hills surrounding Guatape.

Parque Principal de Guatapé (Guatape main square) has a beautiful red and white colonial church, many local shops and restaurants, and cobblestone side-streets to meander off on. Start wandering!

Almost all of the buildings in tiny-yet-mighty Guatape feature the zócalos, houses and shops that are painted with symbols of Colombian heritage, cultural traditions, historic moments, and nature. The majority of zócalos can be found on Calle del Recuerdo.

Some of my favorite zócalos feature a sheep looking over its shoulder. This is the symbol of Guatape, and represents the town’s motto: “Caminando hacia adelante, mirando hacia el pasado.” In English, “Walking forward, looking back.”

Keep your eye out for zócalos that depict the services of the building they adorn, like a sewing machine on a clothing store, or sweet pastries on a bakery.

P.S. If your feet need a break, hop in a tuk tuk for a ride around Guatapé town!

Guided tours are the best way to get to know a new city, and in Guatapé you can choose between two free walking tours (one on the Zócalos Route and another on the Malecon (Boardwalk) Route ), as well as guided tuk tuk tours.

Tuk tuk drivers are often certified tour guides for Guatapé – so why not flag one down and take a ride through the winding and rolling colorful streets in the back of the most colorful tuk tuk you can find? A sk them to turn the music up!

Taking a Guatapé day trip from Medellin? This organized day trip to Guatapé from Medellin is an all-encompassing Guatapé tour where you can explore the colorful pueblo and do a boat ride through the Guatapé Lake! Coming in at just $30, the price is unbeatable… So are the reviews! Click here to book your Guided Guatapé Day Trip.

As for the most popular things to do in Guatape? Climbing La Piedra del Peñol takes the lead. Don’t forget, an essential item on your Guatape packing list is walking shoes!

Often considered the second-largest rock in South America, climbing the stairs of El Peñol is not for the faint of heart (or heights). The Piedra del Peñol is within walking distance from Guatapé’s town square, but if you want to save energy for the big climb (I did!), you can take an artfully painted tuk tuk for around $3 USD.

Piedra del Peñol (also called Guatape Rock or el Peñol Rock) sits at 66 million tons and 656 feet tall. Each of the 740 stairs will provide a fabulous leg workout, and even better, a big incentive to eat your way around Guatapé after!

There are a few restaurants at the summit of Piedra del Peñol where you can grab water or a celebratory drink to treat yourself.

And of course, there’s an amazing view that sweeps over the man-made lake of Guatapé, where you’ll feel like you’re on one of the largest rocks in the world. (You are!)

Been traveling Colombian urban jungles like Medellín or Cartagena? A stint in nature might be exactly what you need!

In the 1970s, a dam was built around Guatapé as part of a project to provide electricity for Medellín. The dam resulted in the formation of a stunning landscape of red clay hills and a deep, blue-water lake around this small town.

This area was so beautiful, Colombia’s rich and famous (and wanted), like Pablo Escobar, built their vacation homes around Guatape Dam. To visit this Colombian drug-lord-turned-politician’s house, book this Full-Day Private Pablo Escobar Tour including Guatapé . In my personal opinion, it’s best not to glamorize a criminal, but nevertheless, this is one of the top things to do in Guatape…

Anyway, back to the main event! There are plenty of vessels you can hop aboard to explore this fresh-water paradise playground. Try a Sailboat Tour of Guatapé ; go jet skiing , paddle boarding (SUP), or kayaking; or rent your very own boat! For rentals, pop into one of the many shops around town.

Click here to book your top-rated sailing tour of Guatapé!

Breakfast in Guatape

Take all the comfort in a golden donut made before your eyes at La Golosa , a local panadería on the edge of Guatapé.

Prefer to stick to the town center? Head to Mitos Casa de Café for some of the best Colombian coffee in town.

P.S. If you love coffee, book this Full-Day Guatapé & Coffee Farm Tour , which departs from Medellín.  Click here to book it!

Lunch in Guatape

Lunch is the largest meal for Colombians, so go big or go home! Just kidding, don’t go home yet. Near the Malecón de Guatapé (the boardwalk) is Casa de Ciclistas , one of the best restaurants in Guatapé for sandwiches on freshly baked sourdough (and more) bread.

For a traditional Colombian lunch – like my kryptonite Ajiaco (a hearty Bogotano soup of potatoes and chicken), or the meaty Colombian national dish, Bandeja Paisa – grab a table on the third floor of La Fogata for unreal eats and views of the lake.

If you just want a light bite, try an artisan crepe at one of two crepe restaurants in Guatapé! Guatacrep and El Bretón . Both have tons of veg-friendly menu options.

Dinner in Guatape

Dinner in Guatapé is fun . Really, doing anything in Guatapé at night is going to be fun. But especially eating and drinking. Casa Cuba does it right with flavorful Cuban cuisine, playful ambiance, and mixology. You can’t go wrong with ordering the ceviche or their Chicken Mango.

More of Guatapé’s best dining experiences include: Oregano Restaurant , Luigi’s Pizzeria , The Modest Duckling , Thai Terrace , and Bacchanal Restaurant & Bar (order a burger!).

Let the pitch of a horn and the rhythm of guitar lead you to Plazoleta de Los Zócalos (Zocalos Square), the perfect square in Guatape for people-watching and boogying down!

There’s something about an umbrella street that makes me want candy. Don’t ignore your sweet tooth! Pick up a puffed-to-perfection cinnamon roll at ZOCAROLLS as you walk under the colorful umbrellas on Calle de Las Sombrillas on your way to the famous Plaza del Zocalos.

There, soak up the energy of an intimate square, buzzing with flow of locals and tourists mingling as one. Find a rad painted vespa sitting pretty for a photo-op, and spend an hour or two watching street performers move to the melody of live Colombian cumbia.

P.S. There are some cute cafes here to sit at while you chill. Sip a coffee or sangria at KAFFA with a view overlooking the square.

Hiking is great, but hiking to a waterfall is *chef’s kiss*. How about swimming holes in postcard-perfect places? If you’re blessed with a few days in Guatapé, consider a nature immersion in San Rafael, Antioquia.

About 17 miles from Guatapé, the tiny town of San Rafael is surrounded by pristine nature. Take a forest hike to the Cascada La Samaria waterfall, check out La Cazuela natural pool, and tour Finca El Toche ’s cacao farm.

Not enough adrenaline for you? Try tubing down the Guatape river, or canyoning down it (rope-rappelling) on this adrenaline-high adventure ! 

Click here to book your Canyoning Tour of Guatape River!

When you visit Guatapé, why not check out one of the town’s newest features? The long, easily accessible waterfront boardwalk, El Malecón!

This stretch of sidewalk makes for a scenic walk from Guatape town to Piedra del Peñol, or simply a nice stroll between sightseeing!

Artwork and statues line the waterfront walkway and invite you to slow down and relish a moment for yourself.

You’ll encounter a ton of vendors and tour operators trying to get you to book a private tour on Lago Guatape, feel free to bargain for the best deal! 

Want to know some totally unique (and kind of crazy) things to do in Guatapé? Imagine soaring high in the sky, gazing down at the colorful city of Guatape from above. There’s nothing like a bird’s eye vantage point!

When a boat tour isn’t enough, adrenaline junkies can try paragliding with a seasoned guide on this Private Waterfall Paragliding Tour , departing from Medellin or Guatapé. Click here to book your Paragliding Tour!

Ever been in a helicopter? Me neither! (And I probably never will.) But this Private Guatapé, Helicopter, and Guatape Rock, and Boat Tour (which departs from Medellin) is there for you if you want an epic helicopter ride over Guatape. Click here to book your Guatapé and Helicopter Tour!

Both skyborne tours guarantee you see the best angles of Guatape, rolling green hills, and lush surrounding areas. Buckle up for the ride of your life!

This colorful town is filled with equally colorful souvenirs! Colombian accessories add zest to any outfit. My neon-orange, hand-crocheted, and beaded ring upgrades everything I wear (and screams, I’ve been to Colombia! ).

But really, Guatapé’s souvenir shops and artisan boutiques carry wonderful handmade jewelry, clothing, homewares, and decorations. Plus, each purchase supports Colombian artists!

You’re probably wondering if you should stay the night in Guatape, or simply do a day trip to Guatape from Medellin .

The answer depends on how many of the things to do in Guatapé intrigue you!

If you just want to explore Guatapé’s colorful streets, eat some Colombian food, and climb El Piedra del Peñol, then a day trip to Guatape will do.

In my experience, a day trip from Medellín is enough to see the highlights of this colorful town, but when I return, I’ll stay longer to do some waterfall hikes!

If you also wish to do some waterfall hikes, coffee farm tours, or other outdoor adventures, you should definitely stay a couple nights in Guatape!

Plus, you can’t go wrong simply relaxing and soaking up those views for an extra day or two.

Decided to stay the night? Excellent choice. Now you just need to figure out where to lay your head…

Here are the best places to stay in Guatapé!

• Hotel Los Recuerdos : This hotel is a crowd favorite for its extra amenities like multiple pools, private beaches, chilling nooks and nets, Turkish baths, a spa, yacht, and helicopter. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Los Recuerdos!
• La Pausa Hotelbistro : The wonderfully decorated La Pausa boasts private docks, a private restaurant, and amazing views of the Guatapé reservoir. All private suites have outdoor living spaces and a hot tub! Click here to book your stay at La Pausa!
• Bosco : If I could go back in time to Guatapé, and increase my budget, I’d choose to stay at Bosco with no hesitation. Bosco’s views are incredible and the hotel earns five stars all around. From the full-service spa and hot spring bath to high-end cuisine and infinity pool. This is luxury glamping at its best. Click here to book your stay at Bosco!

Still looking? This is the best website to snag amazing deals on Guatapé accommodations – from luxury hotels to glamping to vacation rentals.

How to Get to Guatape from Medellin

Wondering how to get to Guatapé, Colombia from Medellin? You’ve got options! 

For the most hassle-free experience, book a round-trip Guatape day trip from Medellin.

Here are some of the top day trip tours from Medellin to Guatape:

• Day Trip to Guatape (Boat Ride and Lunch Included)
• Private Guatapé, Helicopter, and Guatape Rock, and Boat Tour
• El Peñol and Guatape Private Tour from Medellin

If you’re like me, and you’d rather go for a self-guided experience, take the bus or an Uber instead!

BUS: To bus to Guatape, go to the Terminal del Norte bus station in Medellin. On the ground floor is ticket booth #14, where you’ll purchase a bus ticket for Guatape! The bus ride is about $5-6 and is two hours long.

TAXI/UBER: Surprisingly, a one-way Uber from Medellin to Guatape only set me back about $25 USD! A car is the fastest option (about an hour ride), but the bus is cheaper and more eco-friendly.

Once you’re in Guatape, tuk tuk is the preferred mode of transportation. They’re convenient and cute; totally decked out in murals like those of the zócalos!

• Hiking boots or walking shoes
• Natural sunscreen
• Light scarf for sun protection
• Quick-dry Turkish towel
• Light sweater for nighttime and breeze
• GoPro for capturing your water adventures
• eSIM for your smartphone (so you can stay connected, use Google Maps, etc.)
• Travel insurance ; traveling in Latin America without travel insurance is a huge no-no! Anything can happen, so make sure you’re protected. Click here to purchase your travel insurance policy.

Visiting Guatape is so much fun! Between posing with brighter-than-life painted jungle zócalos in Guatapé, summiting the huge rock Piedra del Peñol, tasting deep-fried-deliciousness, and getting your toes wet at the Guatape Dam, there’s an endless amount of amazing things to do in Guatape, Colombia!

More than just picturesque streets, Guatape’s surrounding area has magnificent nature with endless hiking and water activities for you to enjoy. Visit Guatape for the colorful, adventure-filled Colombian vacation you’ve been dreaming of!

MORE COLOMBIA TRAVEL INSPIRATION

• 14 Epic Things to Do in Salento, Colombia
• 30 Totally EPIC Things to Do in Bogota, Colombia (+ Travel Tips!)
• 17 Lovely Things to Do in Villa de Leyva, Colombia
• Ultimate Guide to Providencia, Colombia: Must-Know Tips & Things to Do

Yes, it is safe to swim in Guatapé, Colombia. Guatape has fresh-water manmade lakes that are safe for swimming and recreational activities like jet skiing, SUP-boarding, kayaking, and boating. It’s best practice to not swim in the waters closest to town as there is a large amount of boat traffic which presents potential dangers.

Yes, Guatape is worth visiting! While you’re in Medellin or another nearby Colombian city, you should visit the colorful town of Guatape. Guatape is worth visiting for its marvelously bright zocalos, the La Piedra del Peñol rock, yummy restaurants and bars, and nearby nature reserves.

Yes, it is worth staying overnight in Guatapé if you have time on your Colombia itinerary. Guatape is Antioquia’s cutest colonial town, and offers amazing nightlife and even better sunrise and sunset views over the Guatape reservoir. Choose between Hotel Los Recuerdos , La Pausa , or Bosco for a fabulous lake-side stay you’ll never forget!

Guatape is famous for its colorful zócalos (architectural ornaments) depicting everything from animals and nature to cultural and elemental symbolism on most of the buildings in town. Guatape is also famous for its gigantic rock, Piedra del Peñol, which you can hike up for an amazing view of the meandering lake. The iconic multicolor zócalos make Guatape the most colorful town in Latin America, while the famous rock stands as a symbol of this small town.

It doesn’t take long to climb the rock in Guatape (Piedra del Peñol). It will take you around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level. If you stop for views along the way, of course, it may take you longer to climb the rock in Guatape!

You really only need one day in Guatape Colombia to see the must-see sights, monuments, climb the Piedra del Peñol, and eat some amazing Colombian food (like Ajiaco ). If you have more than one day, you can do some activities on the lake (like a boat trip) and explore nearby San Rafael.

The bus ride from Medellin to Guatape is just two hours, and costs just $5-6.

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Home » Blog » Survival Guide Medellin

How to visit Guatape from Medellín for a day trip or longer

• March 19, 2020
• Real City Tours

Guatape is easily the most popular day-trip for visitors who are curious to venture out of Medellín. It is a small town located about 2 hours East of Medellín and is known mainly for its colorful houses and large rock “Piedra del Peñol” from the top of which you have great views of the reservoir surrounding the village.

In this post we’ll cover the questions we get asked most about visiting Guatape and very important recommendations for your visit

General Recommendations on Guatape

Guatape gets incredible busy on the weekends, so we strongly recommend you avoid going on a weekend and/or a Colombian holiday. You can spend up to 3 hours just to get there and another 3 just to return to Medellin, so beaware. However, if you can only do it on a weekend, our recommendation is: Sleep one night there. Either you go at night the day before or viceversa. In either case, you can avoid getting stuck in a traffica jam

Also, please keep in mind that on an average weekend, Guatape receives 2x and 3x its population on tourists. It is a small town and it’s collapsing in terms of tab-water usage and waste management. We invite you to bring your trash back to Medellin.

How do I get to Guatape?

Depending on your budget and your travel style, there are different options. We tend to recommend going by bus because it’s cheap and quite simple:

Mini-buses to Guatape leave every 30 minutes from the North bus terminal (“Terminal del Norte”) next to Caribe metro station, look for booth (“taquilla”) number 14. It’s usually best to go to the rock first before visiting the town as the views tend to be better in the morning, so when you buy the ticket, tell them you are going to “la piedra”. From the rock you can take a tuk-tuk to the town, and then grab a bus back from the town to Medellín. If you’re going on the weekend, it’s wise to buy your return ticket ahead of time, as it can get busy.

• Schedule : From 5:30am to 7pm, every 30 minutes
• Price : COP 17,000 per one-way ticket (Feb 2022). (For updated prices, click here )
• Travel time : The trip by bus takes around 2 hours each way under normal traffic conditions

By car (rental, ride-hailing app, private transport company):

Alternatively, if buses aren’t your thing or there are several of you and you prefer to go by car, that’s of course also possible. The trip will be shortened by around 30 minutes to an approximated travel time of 1.5 hours each way under normal traffic conditions. The price will depend entirely on which option of car transport you choose. Just keep in mind that as the road to Guatape is highly transited by tourists, it is heavily controlled by traffic police who do spot checks to ensure that vehicles have the necessary paperwork required for commercial transport.

What is there to do in Guatape?

For a day trip you’ll have time for three things: Visit the rock, have lunch, and see the town. If you want to know more about our typical food, take a look at this: Top 5 typical dishes

La Piedra del Peñol, as it is officially called, is usually where most visitors stop first. If you haven’t seen a picture of the rock itself in preparation for your trip, you’ve probably seen a picture taken from the top of it. On a clear day, the viewpoints on top of the rock will provide stunningly unique backdrops for your travel selfies. The only thing you have to do to get to the top is pay COP 20,000 (Feb 2020) and walk up 740 steps. Easy, right? The good news is that once you’ve made it, you can reward yourself with a cold beer – if you’re feeling adventurous, order it with mango, lemon and salt (“cerveza michelada de mango”).

The town of Guatape itself is not that big, so it’s very easy to explore by foot. The characteristic colorful houses are famous for their diverse “zócalos”, which are painted panels on the bottom half of the façade depicting different occupations and aspects of village life. If you’re in need of souvenirs for loved ones back home, this is a great place to get them, as there is a variety of little stores selling good quality locally-produced handicrafts, including leather goods, jewelry, traditional ponchos and small household items.

The reservoir

Another popular activity in Guatape is to take a boat tour on the reservoir. No prior booking is required, as the boats usually wait at the dock until they fill up. On the weekends when the town fills up with local visitors, the frequency of the tour departures increases while during the week the frequency is likely to be less. Depending on your budget, there is however always the option of choosing a smaller, private boat. Prices vary, but don’t be afraid to bargain.

What can I do to avoid the crowds in Guatape?

• If you go for one day, try not to leave Medellín after 9am.
• Try to avoid going on the weekend when most locals visit the town as it can get very busy.
• If you have the time, stay overnight. This will help you to avoid the day-trippers as you will be there before they arrive and after they leave.

Can you recommend any tours in Guatape?

There are plenty of providers offering a Guatape Tour. Between a cheap tour and going on your own our recommendation is clear: Go on your own. Cheap tours end up being a big crowd on a small town and you kind of get stuck to their schedule. For those looking for a unique experience, we strongly recommend the full-day tour to Guatape offered by Van por Colombia . Before we go into detail, one very important point: If you’re looking for a typical sight-seeing tour, this is not for you! What you get with Van por Colombia is an authentic experience, where the focus is more on stimulating your senses than on a recital of historical facts. We’re talking back roads, music, swimming, and delicious home-made food (oh, the food!).

Info & contact details: instagram

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16 Exciting Things to do in Guatape: The Most Colorful Town in Colombia

last Updated: May 21, 2023 Colombia guatape

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Colombia and looking for exciting things to do in Guatape? You’re in luck, because besides being one of Colombia’s most colorful towns, there’s a whole bunch of fun activities here, like climbing the giant rock and hanging at the lake!

Guatape feels a world away from Medellin. It’s a maze of colorful, kaleidoscopic streets, known for its small-town feel and exciting lakeside activities. It’s a tranquil pueblo outside of Medellín (and super easy to get to), and I’m urging everyone to visit this lakeside paradise sooner than later.

I think the first time I saw a photo of Guatape, I had no clue where it was. Upon further investigation of this colorful little lakeside town, I finally figured out it was only two hours east of Medellin. It instantly got added to my travel bucket list! 

So as soon as I started planning our recent trip to Colombia, I knew I needed to include Guatape – the colorful little town intrigued me so much!

And once we got there… wow. Just wow! It’s one of those postcard-perfect places in Colombia you really need to see to believe. It’s well-known for Piedra del Peñol (the huge rock you’ll see later on in this post) and its colorful pueblo scattered with zocalos. It really is Colombia’s most colorful town (okay, maybe it’s on par with Cartagena , but who’s counting?!).

So whether you wanna escape the hustle and bustle of big city life in Medellin for a few hours or simply spend a few days relaxing on the lake, add Guatape into your Colombia itinerary. You’re gonna love it here, I promise. I’m aching to go back already!

Pre-Travel Guide to Guatape

Where is guatape.

First things first, Guatape is located in the Department of Antioquia in central Colombia (yes, the country!). It’s about 1.5 -2 hours east of Medellin, and much further away from Cartagena (another of Colombia’s colorful cities).

The tiny town is located right on the edge of Guatape Lake, a large man-made reservoir built with the purpose of hydroelectric power generation in the late 20th century. And what does all this mean? The views are absolutely breathtaking! No joke, I was in awe and my husband had to literally peel me away.

I didn’t realize this at first, but Guatape is actually considered to be within the Central Andean mountain range like other traditional towns, including Salento, Filandia, and Santa Fe de Antioquia. It sits at a pretty high elevation of 6,201′ (about 1k feet lower than Mexico City and 1k feet higher than Denver, Colorado ), but thankfully weren’t affected by the high elevation at all.

How to Get to Guatape from Medellin

Can’t wait to experience all the things to do in Guatape? Thankfully, the town’s pretty easy to get to, especially if you’re already in Colombia. You’ll wanna first get yourself to Medellin (easy flights from both Cartagena and Bogota), then you’ve got a few options. 

• Public Bus 
• Guided Day Trip 

All of them pass by rolling green hills and rural farming communities, so look out the window periodically! 

Option 1: Medellin to Guatape Public Bus

This is the way we went! At first it sounded kinda complicated, but in reality, it was super simple! Non stop buses from Medellin to Guatape depart from Terminal Norte (the city’s busier northern bus terminal) all times of day. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes, every day of the week, from 6am to 7pm.

Step 1: Get yourself to Terminal Norte in Medellin  

There’s essentially two ways to get to Terminal Norte, depending on where you’re coming from. For the sake of ease, I’m assuming you’re staying in El Poblado, where most tourists in Medellin sleep.

• Option 1: Take an Uber or Taxi straight to Terminal Norte from El Poblado. This is by far the easiest option, and should only set you back around 10,000COP ($2.50USD) for a short 20 minute ride. We didn’t feel like riding the metro so early in the morning (having to walk there, wait for a train, etc) so we decided to Uber. Super, super easy!
• Option 2: Use public transit. The Medellin metro system is very efficient, organized, and cheap(!), so if you’re down for a mini morning adventure, walk over to Poblado Station and buy a ticket from the counter. All one-way tickets cost the same, so you don’t even need to say where you’re headed. Grab a train towards Niquía on Line A (blue), and then get off at Caribe Metro Station, which is actually attached to Terminal Norte. 

Step 2: Buy a ticket to Guatape!

Once you make your way to Terminal Norte, buy a nonstop ticket to Guatape! Head to the lower level, and you’ll find the companies serving Guatape at ticket counter 14. 

We were a tad confused about where to go at first, so we approached staff in the terminal. They automatically assumed we were off to Guatape (wonder how they knew… haha, we definitely looked like lost tourists) and directed us downstairs. So if you get lost, just ask anyone where buses to Guatape are, and they’ll point you towards counter 14.

We traveled with Sotrasanvicente & Guatape La Piedra (at counter 14), and although we had already bought a ticket online, we were instructed to exchange that for a regular ticket at the ticket booth. While we somehow ended up on a slightly later bus than the one we had already purchased, it all worked out. Organized chaos at its best! 

I really don’t think there’s a reason to buy in advance, and should we had known that, we probably wouldn’t have. 

Tickets cost 17,000COP per person each way, which comes out to roughly $4.25. Talk about an absolute steal! 

Step 3: Ride the Bus!

The 2-hour bus ride was comfortable enough, although not as spectacular as my bus journey from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende (which had foot rests and charging stations — practically unheard of on most public buses).

While on the bus, be prepared for a few types of people boarding the bus after the fact while on the road. Some are begging for money, some are selling small snacks, and others are playing music (and then looking for tips). Don’t feel obligated to purchase anything or give any money. They then essentially jump off the moving bus in a stop or two. 

Just something to keep in mind. This seems pretty normal and bus drivers and passengers aren’t fazed by this in the least bit. Just very different than anywhere else I’ve been, so wanted to point that out. 

And once you arrive in Guatape, the bus will drop you off at the bus terminal (it’s like a small, glorified parking lot), which is only a minute walk to the center of town.

Tip: If you’re just taking a day trip from Medellin to Guatape and DIYing it, I recommend getting to Terminal Norte no later than 7am. This means you’ll arrive in Guatape around 9ish or so (depending on when the bus leaves), and have the whole day to explore the tiny pueblo. 

Option 2: Taxi from Medellin to Guatape 

Want zero hassle at all? Consider taking a taxi all the way from Medellin to Guatape! The ride should cost about $35USD, and take roughly 2 hours. Not terrible if you’ve got a few friends to split the bill with, or had a few too many aguardiente shots the night before and don’t think you’ll make it on the bus.

Do note you’ll probably have a hard time finding a taxi in Guatape to take you all the way back to Medellin, so plan on taking the bus back.

Psst – if you’re flying into Medellin (MDE) with the aim of going to Guatape, don’t go into the city just yet! The airport is much closer to Guatape than the actual city of Medellin is, so you can head straight to Gautape if you wanna take a taxi. 

You’ll basically save an hour of travel time as the airport is on the way from Medellin to Guatape. But if you wanna take the cheap public bus, be prepared to head into the city first. 

Option 3: Take a Guatape Tour from Medellin 

Getting yourself to Guatape can be a pain in the ass, especially if you’re only going for the day. 

Being 2 hours away each way, if you don’t leave super early, you’ll waste half the day on the bus. Worried you’ll oversleep? Sign up for a day tour! These Guatape tours show you the best of the best of town, and are super inexpensive.

If you don’t wanna have to worry about first getting yourself to Terminal Norte, navigating the bus station, buying a ticket in Spanish, and then making the 2-hour journey, booking yourself on a tour from Medellin to Guatape is the way to go. Especially if you’ve only got time for a day trip from Medellin to Guatape! 

Thankfully, there’s plenty of companies who make day trips from Medellin to Guatape , and they’re not at all expensive! Most tours are around $35USD, and give you time for the strenuous climb up Piedra del Penol and extra time to explore the colorful tiny town. Some even include breakfast and lunch, plus a boat trip – that’s great value for the money!

Weather and When to Visit Guatape

In a nutshell, the days are warm (but not crazy hot), the nights are cool (but hardly freezing), and there’s always a good chance of rain. So, bring a rain jacket. 

But as we experienced, the weather changes frequently in Guatape. We encountered clouds, an intense Colombian thunderstorm, and sun all in the same day/night. Pretty wild if you ask me. One thing we learned – never trust the Colombian weather forecast; it’s typically very, very wrong!

Unlike Cartagena, we never felt gross and sweaty – the air felt crisp and we were super comfortable wandering around town. Thankfully, it wasn’t as hot and humid as the Caribbean coast (I complained far less here in Guatape about the weather, haha). This is probably because Guatape sits at a higher altitude of 6,346 feet, coming in at just under Mexico City (~7,000 feet). 

Beware of rain : The rainiest season is from May to November, but we encountered a massive thunderstorm in late March. And let’s just say it was no joke – it was actually quite the experience walking down El Penol when the steps were flooding! Thankfully the next day in Guatape was bright and sunny! 

It seems as if rain and clouds kinda happen throughout the year, so I don’t think there’s really any way to completely escape it. But fingers crossed you get a warm, sunny day without much cloud cover!

Crowds : In terms of crowds, Guatape will be at its busiest during the Christmas and Easter holidays. You’ll find it way busier on the weekends than during the week, as locals head from Medellin to Guatape to spend relaxing weekends at the lake. 

With that being said, if you’ve got flexibility in your Colombia itinerary, aim to visit Guatape during the week – it’ll be far less crowded.

How Long to Stay in Guatape

Most people visit as a day trip, as the journey from Medellin to Guatape is pretty easy and there’s tons of tours for not a lot of money. But if you really wanna experience all that has to offer, spend a night or two! We chose to spend a night and while I honestly don’t think it was all that necessary, we’re glad we didn’t feel rushed. 

A few thoughts on each:

Should I stay overnight?

If you wanna see Guatape in all its glory without the hordes of tourists, plan to stay the night. Once the day trippers head on home (around 4pm or so), the crowds die down and the town is much more pleasurable. And if you get out early the next morning, you can beat the day trippers before they even arrive, which is usually around 10am. 

Staying overnight ensures you can take your time, relax, and overall enjoy a slower pace of life in the tiny town. 

However, there’s not a ton going on at night besides locals playing music in the square and restaurants for dinner – we found ourselves back in our hotel room by 8pm. We were exhausted from all our traveling, so honestly didn’t mind it much! 

On the weekends, however, it’s a bit more active, with a few bars and clubs staying open pretty late. If you’re really big on nightlife, I’d head back to Medellin instead. 

Day trip from Medellin to Guatape?

If all you’ve got time for is a quick day trip, I highly recommend adding Guatape to your Colombia itinerary! Hey, one day is better than nothing! Since Guatape is only two hours away from Medellin, you can really do a whole lot in a day. 

Plus, since the town and surrounding area is small enough, you can really see the highlights within just a day. Just make sure to leave early. There are however, a few negatives of not staying the night:

• You’ll be spending at least 4 hours in the car/bus that day
• You’ll be there at the most crowded times of day
• If you’re going via public transit, you’ll probably have to wait some time for a bus to head back to Medellin (since everyone who isn’t staying overnight and isn’t on a tour uses the same bus company to head back to Medellin)

Would I still go from Medellin to Guatape if all I had was a day? Yes, 100%. I’d probably go with a tour though to save myself the hassle of the bus if I was on such a limited timeframe.

Best Guatape Tours

Wanna make your life super easy? Skip the public bus and sign up in advance for one of these Guatape tours. They’re a great value for money (with most being around $35USD), and take you around to the different things to do in Guatape (like the huge rock and colorful town, as well on an included boat tour on many).

Plus, most tours come with an English-speaking guide. If you wanna learn more about the history of Guatape, way of life here in town, and interesting facts about the zocalos, ask away!

Tours will pick you up in Medellin, and take you straight to Guatape. And thankfully most tours leave super early, meaning you’ll have the entire day to spend checking out this pretty lakeside town.

• Option 1 : Includes a relaxing boat ride, free time at El Peñol Rock, a guided tour of the colorful town, and even time to enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch (included). This tour has over 1,300 5 star reviews, so you know it’s a good one (and it’s such a bargain at only $35, all transportation included). Read reviews and book tour here.
• Option 2 : This one includes a guided tour of the colorful town of Guatapé, vast panoramas from atop La Piedra del Peñol, and lunch in Guatape´s best local restaurant (a traditional Antioquian meal along the boardwalk). You’ll also take a boat cruise on the Guatapé Reservoir. Read reviews and book tour here.
• Option 3 : This one’s pretty similar to the others, but it also includes a visit to a private coffee villa and gorgeous waterfall! It’s more expensive, but you get a private tour plus those extra stops! Read reviews and book tour with coffee farm here.

Where to Stay in Guatape

You won’t find any major hotel chains in Guatape – it’s a super tiny village that’s turned into a tourist attraction over time. Expect to find cute budget hotels and small B&Bs instead. Some hotels have a pool, so if this is important to you, be cognizant of that when booking! 

Regardless of where you stay, if you only have one night, I highly recommend picking a hotel near the best things to do in Guatape. Some hotels are a 30 minute walk away from town, and trust me, you don’t wanna be that far if all you’ve got is a day or two. Gotta save that energy for climbing La Piedra del Penol anyways!

There are 2 main areas I recommend staying:

In the town itself

• Hotel Bahia Guatape : This is where we stayed, and at less than $40 a night for a private room with a private bathroom, I don’t think it gets much cheaper. We were right in the middle of town, literally a 2 minute walk from anywhere. Yes, it was quite basic, but the room was clean, we felt super safe, the included breakfast was quite tasty, and the staff was extra friendly (despite the language barrier).
• Hotel El Paisaje Guatapé: Right in the middle of town, with a great restaurant on the terrace. Looks kinda basic, but fine for a 1-night stay.
• Hotel Santorini : Despite its location on the outskirts of town, Hotel Santorini is easily walkable to all the main sights in the village. Plus, there’s a pool and a jacuzzi!

Overlooking the lake

• Hotel Bosko : I wanted to stay here SO badly, but they were sold out (big mistake on my part for waiting to book, whoops!). Their crystal mushrooms look SO cool. We were tempted to buy a day pass (which includes lunch, time at the resort pool, a trip to town, and time on the lake kayaking and/or paddling), but we decided against it after we were unsure of what the weather would be. 
• Luxe by the Charlee : I’ve heard such good things about Luxe, but this was after our stay! Funny how that happens, right? The villas look super sleek, the views look absolutely amazing, and it’s super colorful – just like Guatape town itself.
• Lake View Hostel : Looking to save some pesos? This spot is super low-key and basic, so you have more money for empanadas! And plus, it’s right across the street from the lake! Everyone raves about the attached Thai restaurant/bar, so it must be worthy of a meal!
• Hotel Los Recuerdos : Overlooking the Peñol–Guatapé reservoir, this spot is great if you can get a room facing the famous rock. There’s even a few swimming pools/jacuzzis and a sauna.

Other Important Guatape FAQS

• Safety in Guatape: The entire town of Guatape is super safe! We felt comfortable wandering off the main square, even at night. One thing to note is that the water in Guatape is not safe to drink, so bring your steripen water bottle or plan to buy water bottles in town. We had no health issues with the food whatsoever.
• Is English spoken in Guatape? Yes, a tiny bit, but don’t expect it. Like elsewhere in Colombia, English was spoken way less than we originally had thought it would be, and we relied on translation apps and our mediocre Spanish skills to communicate. I highly recommend learning a few basic words/phrases in Spanish before heading to Guatape, and Colombia in general.
• Is Guatape expensive? Coming from California, we found everything in Guatape to be extremely cheap. It’s definitely more expensive than nearby Medellin, but you really get a lot for your money. We had piping hot street empanadas for less than 35 cents (USD), a huge plate of food (bandeja paisa) and a Colombian beer was a mere $7, and our hotel room with a perfect location right in the middle of town was under $45. Even getting there on the public bus only costs ~$4USD for a 2 hour ride!
• How to get around Guatape: There’s hardly any cars in Guatape (therefore no Uber). But don’t worry, almost everything is within walking distance… besides El Penol which you can take a quick tuk-tuk ride to (a colorful 3-wheeled motorized vehicle – more on that below). 

• How far is La Piedra del Penol (the rock) from Guatapé town? The famous Guatape rock is almost 3 miles from town. You can either make the long 45-minute walk to El Penol, or take a short 10-minute tuk-tuk ride (costing 12k pesos for two people, easily found near the town square).
• Are there ATMs in Guatape? Yes, but….. I highly recommend bringing enough pesos from Medellin for your time in Guatape. When we visited in March 2022, there were apparently 2 ATMS in town, but one was out of service and well, we couldn’t for the life of us find the other. I also learned that the ATMs (when they are functioning properly) frequently run out of money. We found some restaurants in Guatape to only take cash, and our hotel preferred cash as well. So…. I wouldn’t depend on being able to use the local ATMs in Guatape. Bring your money from Medellin.
• Can you swim in the lake? You can, and it’s quite refreshing! Unfortunately there’s too much boat traffic near the town which doesn’t make swimming all that nice from the shore. Thankfully, you can paddle board, jet ski, and/or kayak in the lake if you don’t wanna get completely wet but still wanna take advantage of #lakelife.

Things to bring to Guatape

If you’re only going for a day, you don’t need to bring too much. Remember – you’ll be carrying it around the entire time, including your climb up El Penol! I recommend sunscreen, a sun hat, reusable water bottle with steripen, a light sweater, and a rain jacket if the forecast calls for any rain at all. You really just never know! Plus, wear comfy shoes to walk up the rock and on the cobblestone in town. Leave those heels/wedges at home, ladies!

Prone to car sickness? Or get nauseous on boats? Pop some dramamine for the bus ride over and beforehand if you’re planning to take a boat tour of the lake!

Staying overnight? Well, you’ll already have all your stuff with you so I think you’ll be more than prepared! Just remember to slather on that sunscreen!

Brief History of Guatape

Guatape has a long and fascinating local history. It all started with the indigenous groups that used to inhabit the area, and now there’s an entire town (the original village of El Peñol) submerged under the lake! How wild and crazy is that?!

Let me explain….

Guatape was once a farming community dedicated to livestock, mining, and agriculture. It was founded in 1714, and then became a municipality in 1867. All very typical up until then for those times. 

But then, in 1970, the entire geographical area completely changed. The Colombian government flooded all the surrounding hills and valleys and even the original village of El Penol in order to create a network of freshwater lakes. 

ON PURPOSE. Like, what?! Super bizarre! You can even see the cross where the old church once stood when the water falls below a certain level. Why? To construct a huge hydroelectric complex and current Peñol-Guatapé reservoir.

Yes, people were displaced and lost their homes, and were thankfully given compensation and new homes on higher ground. But they had to give up their old lives and entire village, their homes, and their memories. Super sad when you think about it.

This 5500-acre reservoir and dam currently generates a third of the energy in all of Colombia, so I guess you can say it’s kinda important. But those poor people – so sad!

16 Fun Things to do in Guatape 

Finally, what you probably came here for: my favorite things to do in Guatape… and a few others I wish we had time for!

Walk around the town of Guatape

Out of all the things to do in Guatape, simply wandering around town was my favorite. The entire village is basically a kaleidoscope of color – the buildings are painted in every color imaginable, the storefronts are practically rainbows, and even the tuk tuks are decked out in glitz and glam. 

I was in heaven! And I just couldn’t get enough of it – I definitely took way too many pictures, haha. 

As you wander around, you’ll see all the creative zocalos – painted scenes on the lower portion of buildings made from cement. These are famous here in Guatape, and every single house, building, restaurant, store, and even the church has their own zocalos. These zocalos are not only picturesque, but the cement is resistant to humidity which ultimately helps protect the buildings.

Psst: The word “zocalo” in Mexico typically means “town square”, like in Mexico City , Oaxaca , and San Miguel de Allende . But here in Guatape, Colombia they refer to the raised designs found on the baseboard of buildings and homes. Just thought I should point that out because I got a bit confused at first, haha.

If you look closely, you’ll see that the zocalos actually portray the trade or history of the house/building they’re on! We had fun trying to guess the store based on the zocalos we saw. Some were very obscure and some were pretty obvious. 

You’ll find painted animals (we saw so many llamas, sheep, and donkeys!), ornate flowers, simple geometric designs, music notes, milk farmers, and marine scenes representing La Piedra del Peñol. 

Tip : Don’t just wander around the main square. Those are the most popular and crowded parts of town. As you walk away from the main square, the streets get so much quieter. We had plenty of streets all to ourselves, which we couldn’t believe since the main square and plaza were absolutely packed! 

Walk up El Penol Rock for Spectacular 360° Views

Whether you’re visiting Guatape as a day trip or for a few nights, don’t leave without climbing up El Penol . Why?! Well, the view is absolutely spectacular – there’s a reason it’s become pretty insta-famous over the last few years! 

Yes, this makes it feel kinda touristy, but I promise you the views are to die for. It’s got to be one of the most amazing lookout spots in all of Colombia. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular things to do in Guatape!

La Piedra Del Penol is over 700 feet high with a whopping 740 steps. And boy is it a strenuous  climb! I had to stop numerous times to catch my breath and let my tired legs rest, while my marathon-running husband was just fine, haha. But once we got to the top?! Those stunning views of the lake were more than worth the tough climb. 

You’ll get panoramic views of Guatape Lake, all the little islands, and deep blue water. Absolutely mesmerizing. Reminded me a tiny bit of the fjords in Norway on our Preikestolen hike (ok, fine, maybe just in the slightest). But this is NOT what I pictured Colombia to look like!

At the top, you’ll see a few restaurants, souvenir shops, and picnic tables and chairs. Treat yourself to whatever you damn well please – you just walked up 700+ steps! Salty mango micheladas, fresh fruit, ice cream, and obleas (a yummy Colombian wafer with caramel inside) await!

Read Next: Climbing La Piedra del Penol (everything you need to know)

And don’t you worry – we saw people of all ages, shapes, and sizes climbing Penol. With a little determination, anyone can do it (although unfortunately it’s not accessible to wheelchair users). For reference, it took us about 20 minutes to reach the top, with plenty of photo (and rest) stops along the way. My legs were absolute jello after step 75 or so.

Logistics : 

How to get to La Piedra Del Penol: From Guatape town, you can either make the 30-minute walk to El Penol, or take a short 10-minute tuk-tuk ride (for 12k pesos for two people). We opted for the tuk-tuk, and it was an experience in and of itself! Highly recommended if you’ve never ridden in one before (I had previously in Guatemala and Thailand , but will never give up a chance for another fun ride!).

Cost : Of course there’s an entrance fee to climb the zigzagging staircase of La Piedra Del Penol, being COP 20k (~$6 USD). Yes, you need to pay to torture yourself up the rock, but again, the views are breathtaking and you’d be crazy to miss them.

Safety : Wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for rain. The stairs are frequently wet and therefore can be very slippery. Be extra careful! On our way down, we ended up getting stuck in a wild Colombian thunderstorm and the steps completely flooded. Let’s just say that’s an experience we’ll never forget. Oh, and bring lots of water! You don’t wanna get dehydrated.

Take photos with the umbrellas

Like in other spots around the world (including Getsemani in Cartagena ), there’s an umbrella street over here! It’s right next to the Plaza del Zocalo, so snap a few quick photos before/after hanging out over here! 

Do note this particular street gets INSANELY busy, meaning you’ll wanna get your IG photos early in the morning before the day trippers arrive (latest 9:30am). Any later and you’ll undoubtedly have tons of photobombers in your pics. But hey, that’s more authentic anyways, right?

Try trucha frita

Seafood lover? You need to try trucha frita (fried trout). Not only is it one of the most popular things to eat in all of Guatape, but it’s so cheap and the fish is so fresh (right from the lake itself!). 

The dish is typically served with rice, salad, beans, avocado, and fried plantains, for as little as 18,000COP (~$4.50USD). You can find it in most Colombian restaurants in Guatape. A few spots to try trucha: La Fogota and The Snuggly Duckling (locally known as El Patito Modosito).

Indulge in a bandeja paisa

Next up, a bandeja paisa, a true Colombian classic! It’s a super popular meal in all of Colombia, especially in the Antioquia department (where Guatape is). 

The meal consists of ground beef, chorizo, rice, beans, avocado, a fried egg, arepas, chicharrones, and fried plantains. Talk about a heart attack on a plate (so…. not a wise idea to eat this everyday). The plates are huge with so much variety, so we decided to share an order and had the perfect amount of food!

Colombian Coffee at Cafe La Vina

Need a caffeinated little pick-me-up? Exhausted from all the fun things to do in Guatape?! Head over to Cafe La Vina for a latte frio and brownie a la mode! 

We loved this cute little cafe – sit outside on the 2nd floor balcony for great views of the plaza and its colorful steps below. The coffees even had cute little designs on them; the key to my coffee heart. <3 

Plaza del Zócalo

Thought you’ve seen color? Think again. Head to Guatape’s splashy town square. The Plaza del Zocalo is absolutely saturated with color – every single inch is covered! It’s a small square with steps on one side, with each step painted a different color with plenty of designs! Just look at that photo – color overload! 

It’s typically pretty busy over here, as both locals and tourists hang out here for photos, listening to live Colombian music, watching street performers, and just sitting down to relax! It’s honestly the perfect place for people watching. Here you’ll also find the famous hot cinnamon rolls – I was so sad we missed out on these. Next time for us!

If you want those perfect IG photos, make sure to head here early! As you can see, the steps and plaza get crazy crowded.

Take a stroll on the malecon

For great views of the water, head to the malecon (essentially a waterfront boardwalk along the shore of the reservoir which doubles as an observation deck). The malecon is pretty new; it just opened a few years ago in 2019 with pristine cobblestone floors, benches to relax on, green spaces with colorful flowers, and even sandy spots for the kids. 

If you’re feeling snacky, don’t worry – there were a bunch of food stalls over here in late afternoon/night. We got a whole bag of mini fried arepas and happily popped them into our mouths as we were strolling by the lake. Like the rest of Colombia, expect to eat lots of deep-fried deliciousness over here!

Looking for the Guatape sign? Walk along the entire waterfront promenade and you’ll eventually find it – fun for a touristy photo!

Parroquia Nuestra Señora Del Carmen

Walking around town, you’ll undoubtedly run into the Church of Our Lady Carmen (the town’s ‘iglesia’ (church), built way back when in 1865. This impressive colonial church is located in the town’s main square, and is filled with aesthetic beauty.

The outside is even decorated with its own zocalos – representing the four Evangelists (an angel, a lion, a bull, and an eagle). It’s such a beautiful church in Guatape, with striking white paint and red stripes. There’s a huge fountain right in front so you can’t miss it!

Plus, there’s typically some tuk-tuks hanging out here if you need a ride to El Penol!

Ride a colorful tuk-tuk

While you don’t necessarily need a tuk-tuk to get around town (everythings very walkable), if you’re headed anywhere out of town (like the popular Guatape rock), take a tuk-tuk! 

These are popular modes of transport in small villages like Guatape, and are super fun to ride! They’ve only got three wheels and have open sides (kinda like a motorbike with extra seating in the back for passengers), so be sure to hold on and keep your stuff securely by your feet. 

Depending on your driver, the ride will be fast and thrilling, and I always have so much fun in them. Do note there are no seat belts in the tuk-tuks, so you ride at your own risk.

Empanada Lady near Cuatro Esquinas

While doing my (diligent) research on things to do in Guatape, I came across what a few people dubbed the “Empanada Lady”. Kinda like my tortilla lady in San Pancho ! Lover of all things fried, we made it our mission to find this special lady! Old reports claim she sets up shop near Cuatro Esquinas after 3pm, but when we went over there (and even asked nearby shop owners), she was nowhere to be found! 

We totally thought they were wrong and outdated, and we were unfortunately, shit outta luck. Well, I’m happy to report we finally found her (!!!) at 10am the next morning and she is in fact still dishing up her famous empanadas. 

We couldn’t believe just how cheap they were – less than 75cents (USD) for TWO scorching hot empanadas. What a perfect breakfast treat that was! 

Now, I’m not sure if she’s got regular hours or she comes around when she feels like it, but locals seem to know her schedule. There was a whole slew of locals gathered around her street stand. If you speak a decent amount of Spanish, definitely ask when she’s typically there as I unfortunately cannot give you exact days/times!

Snack on strawberries and meringue  

Mmmm strawberries and meringue and whipped cream – I swear this is the best dessert in all of Guatapé. You’ll find this little stand with the sweetest lady near the main square on Calle 31. 

We randomly stumbled upon this hole in the wall one night while walking around town, and I’m so glad we stopped for some strawberries. 

Such a surprising dessert – and ridiculously sweet (and a decent sized portion) so I couldn’t finish the entire plate. And at only ~8,000COP (~$2USD), it’s well worth the few pesos. Look out for the cheerful “merengon” sign in bold, red letters – that’s where the strawberries are!

Walk down Calle del Recuerdo

Calle del Recuerdo is one of the most picturesque streets in all of Guatape, and I think we walked down half a dozen times. Sorry, husband! It was so colorful and pretty and I just couldn’t stop taking photos! 

Those hanging flower pots really made the street so different from the others. Don’t miss the traditional fountain at the entrance of the Calle del Recuerdo – it’s got working men decked out in color (obviously). 

The street was actually created to honor the town’s past, and thus, translates to “Memory Street”.

Helicopter flight over the lake

Don’t have the energy to climb Piedra del Peñol? Book yourself on an epic helicopter flight over the stunning emerald lake and tiny green islands. Be sure to book in advance as this activity gets sold out fast – I mean, just look at those views! 

Pretty stunning if you ask me. And trust me, helicopters are always a lot of fun (here’s my experience in Canada and Hawaii ).

Go on a boat tour

Guatape is built around a man-made reservoir, so of course one of the best things to do in Guatape is to get out on the water itself! I recommend signing up for one in advance , but if you decide to head out on a whim, you can always head down to the malecon and see if there are any offering tours that day.

Most boat tours are about an hour, and pass by La Cruz, Piedra del Penol, and even the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s vacation home. After all that energy spent climbing up the rock, I bet you’ll want a more relaxing activity. And if you’re a sucker for stunning panoramas like me, you’ll love just gazing out onto the water. 

Since it was pretty rainy on our first day, we decided to skip the boat tour, but I so wish we signed up for one the next day! 

Hang out on the lake

Since lake life is such a big thing here in Guatape, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Rent kayaks or paddle boards and paddle to a multitude of little islands, whip around the lake on jet skis, or even cruise around in your very own boat (if you’ve got a bunch of people in your party). There’s lots of equipment to rent and tons of aquatic adventure sports, so decide in advance what you wanna prioritize. 

One way to raise that adrenaline? Parasailing and paragliding ! These are some of the biggest thrills in the area, and are perfect for you adventure seekers out there. You can even rappel a nearby waterfall or scale El Penol itself!

So there ya have it – my complete guide of things to do in Guatape! What are you most excited about? Ready to climb up the 740 steps of El Penol?!

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Guatapé Day Trip

• 9.40 / 10 975 reviews | 10,799 travellers The guys from the tour amazing guys, the make me feel like one friend of the hole life, nice vibes, a lot of funny and a lot of knowledge about the tour, thanks Alberto, sandy and Alejandro for the experience. 10 Jose Daniel
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts

From beautiful c olonial architecture to  spectacular views from Peñón Rock : enjoy the best of  Guatapé  on this day trip from Medellin.

We'll meet between 7 and 7:30 am at the meeting point of your choice. Then, we'll leave Medellín to head east. During the trip to Guatapé, which will take approximately two and a half hours, we'll enjoy the mountainous landscapes of eastern Antioquia .

The first stop of the day will be at   the  Piedra de El Peñol , or the Rock of Peñol, also known as El Peñón of Guatapé . This enormous monolith towers more than 200 meters (656 feet) above the surrounding countryside. You'll have an hour and a half of  free time  here, during which you'll have the opportunity to climb to the peak of the Rock. Climbing the 740 steps gives you incredible panoramic views over the breathtaking Peñol Reservoir below.

Worked up an appetite? We'll stop at a nearby restaurant to enjoy a full traditional lunch with a choice of three different dishes. With your appetite satiated, we'll then enjoy a boat ride on the Peñol reservoir . For 40 minutes, you'll enjoy the surroundings of this place, which will give you an unforgettable image of Colombia's natural heritage.

The final part of your day trip involves a guided walking tour of Guatapé . During the tour of this colonial town, we'll discover its most emblematic landmarks and monuments, like the  Church of Our Lady of Carmen  and the colorful  Plaza de los Zócalos . Afterward, you'll have an hour of free time to explore the town at your leisure. 

Following the tour of Guatapé, we'll return to Medellín after a 12-hour excursion.

You'll have the choice of three different menu options for  lunch :

• Menu 1 : rice, salad, potatoes, patacón (fried plantain), and trout. 
• Menu 2 : the same as Menu 1, but with grilled chicken instead of trout. 
• Menu 3 : bandeja paisa.

If you require a  vegetarian menu , please let your guide know on the day of the tour. This menu includes bean soup, rice, salad, patacón, eggs, avocado, and arepas.

All dishes are served with a typical local drink:  aguapanela , or sugarcane water, with  lemon , a very popular natural soft drink in Colombia.

When booking, you can choose between two meeting points:

• Parque del Poblado  (Intersection of Carrera 43a & calle 9) : pickup at 7 am
• Estadio metro station  (Intersection of Carrera 70 & calle 47D) :  pickup at 7:30 am

Children under 4

Children under 4 years old go free on this tour. However, for each child, you'll have to pay an insurance charge of € 1.50 ( US$ 1.60).

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

Transport by bus

English–speaking guide

7% discount on the official ticket price.

Not included

Entrance to El Peñón Rock viewpoint: 25,000 COP ( US$ 6.40) per person

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. An accompanying person is required.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The activity helps the conservation of biodiversity.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• The activity promotes local production.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.

Tours Guatape Show more

Corporate name: Patricia Elena Villa Zamarra

Not permitted.

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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

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If you have any other questions please contact us.

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Guatapé: Tips for the Colorful Village and El Peñol Rock (Colombia)

Only a stone’s throw away from Medellin, Colombia , lies one of the most colorful little villages you’ll ever come across—welcome to Guatape! Located close to the mountains and surrounded by beautiful lakes, this resort town makes for an amazing day trip from the big city. Stroll through rainbow-colored alleyways and plazas, head out onto the lake’s water, or admire the stunning views from La Piedra del Peñol, a 65-million-year-old climbable rock. Here’s everything you need to know about Guatape, Colombia.

Things to do in Guatape, Colombia

Guatape is a resort town located in the Department of Antioquia in central Colombia, about 80 kilometers from Medellin . It’s famous for its colorful village, a man-made reservoir, and giant granite rock southwest of town. As such, both foreign tourists and locals love to come and visit!

Guatape Village

One of the best things to do in Guatape is to roam the little streets and plazas between the rainbow-colored zocalos (panels). Make your way through the small town, taking in the calm ambiance of the locals enjoying their coffees on the main square.

Here are all your hotel options in Guatapé.

Unlike Salento , there’s no real explanation as to why the buildings have gotten their colors. However, each building’s creations often tell a unique story of the family or business that owns it. With all the picturesque streets and stunning details of the buildings, you’ll want to keep your camera ready!

Walk over the cobble-stoned Calle del Recuerdo, known as the most beautiful street in Guatape. This area is a shortstop and is best to visit in the morning before the crowds arrive.

After, head on over to the Plaza del Zocalo, the most colorful square in the village. Here you can order some coffee from the friendliest locals or pick up a souvenir. In the afternoon, you can listen to live music from the amphitheater area.  

Must-read: Best Things to do in Salento, Colombia

The Famous Rock (La Piedra del Peñol)

Besides the town, an absolute must-see on your trip to Guatape is the 65 million-year-old Piedra del Peñol. This massive granite rock, bordered by water, looms over the lush surrounding area. At the top, you’ll also find some of the most stunning views.

Discovered by a group of friends back in the 1950s, this highlight of Guatape is one of the most popular things to do in the area. After climbing 675 steps, you’ll reach the top of the rock. Here, you’re rewarded with fantastic vistas over the valley and lake of Guatape. This activity reminded us of another memorable rock climb: Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka ! 

Tip: Climbing the rock is equivalent to scaling 45 flights of stairs, and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the top. Wearing good shoes is a must, so try to leave your flip-flops in your luggage.

At the top of the rock, you’ll find lots of little shops. Here you can buy some delicious mango micheladas to enjoy at the end of your climb. 

Entrance Fee and Opening Times 

Piedra del Peñol is open every day of the year from 8 AM – 6 PM and costs 20,000 COP (5,50 USD) per person to climb. If you’re visiting the town of Guatape first, you can walk, taxi, or drive to reach the rock. Walking takes about 45 minutes and is straight down the road out of town that leads back towards Medellin.

You can also hop on a Colombian tuk-tuk (Motachiva) for 8000 COP to take you there. If you’re driving a car, you can park below the rock for a small fee. Driving to Piedra del Peñol from Guatape village takes about 10 minutes. 

Tip: The rock is incredibly popular, so we recommend visiting outside the busy hours, such as in the early morning, and avoiding weekends.

Book your tour to Piedra del Peñol

Guatape Lake

Another highlight of the Guatape region is the Guatape-Peñol lake, surrounded by lush green hills. What makes it so unique is that this interestingly-shaped body of water is actually a man-made reservoir. It was created by the construction of a hydroelectric dam in the Guatape River in the 70s.

Now, this dam is responsible for providing about 30% of the electricity supply of Colombia . However, the lake is also a great place for many different water activities, from boat tours and dinner cruises to paddleboarding or kayaking.

Spend an afternoon on the water, slowly moving through the quiet nature of the area. Book your Guatape tour (with a boat ride) below.

Did you know: Pablo Escobar once lived in a mansion on the lake’s edge, close to Guatape? While tours to the villa no longer exist, you can still see it from the water on a boat tour.

Helicopter Tour in Guatape

You can also see Guatape and the lake from above by going paragliding or on a helicopter ride. Flying over the water with hundreds of small islands offers a fantastic sight and is one of the more unique things to do in Guatape. These activities do cost a bit more than being out on the water. However, if you want to do something a bit more exhilarating, then the price is well worth it!

Book your helicopter tour in Guatape

Tip: If you’re not looking to head out onto the water or fly above it but still want to see the reservoir up close, you can choose to walk the Malecon. This waterfront boardwalk has some beautiful views, and if you walk it entirely to the far side of town, you’ll also come across the colorful Guatape sign.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Guatape 

Colombia has an incredibly diverse kitchen scene ranging from famous international cuisines to their local specialties. Smaller towns and villages such as Guatape serve some of the best dishes, often for a very good price. Sit at one of the local roadside restaurants, relaxing in the atmosphere of the village while trying the country’s various dishes.

Fishermen in Guatape often bring in trucha (trout) from the lake. This, together with some rice, salad, fries, and plantain, is the most popular dish in Guatape. Some of our favorite cafes and restaurants were:

• Namasté Vegan Food
• El Bretón (french)
• Martiné Restaurante-Bar
• Antonia (Italian)

Where to Stay 

Although Guatape can be visited on a day trip, it’s also a great place to stay a night or two. This way, you can explore the region at a calmer pace. Experience the quiet streets once the crowds have left, offering a completely different view of the colorful pueblo. From affordable budget hotels downtown to stunning rooms with lake views, there are plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. Here are all your hotel options in Guatape .

Hotels in Guatapé 😴

How to Visit Guatape, Colombia 

Guatape is about a 2-hour drive from Medellin and can be reached in several different ways. The most popular option is to visit Guatape on an organized day trip. The tour picks you up in the morning from your hotel in Medellin and takes you to Guatape for the day. 

Book your tour to Guatape

You can also opt to take the public bus, which takes about the same time and costs 15,000 COP (3,35 USD). The bus leaves from Terminal del Norte , which you can get to from the Caribe Metro Station, line blue A. When you purchase your ticket, make sure to specify your stop as there are officially two, one in Guatape town and one at El Peñol (the rock). Buses from Medellin to Guatape leave about every 30 minutes. 

Lastly, you can organize a taxi to take you from Medellin to Guatape. These taxi drivers have a fixed rate of about 270,000 COP (60 USD) for this journey. While this is a bit pricey, it can be worth the convenience, especially if you can split the costs with others. 

Must-read: The Best Things to do in Medellin, Colombia

Getting Around 

The town of Guatape is relatively small, making it easy to explore the center and Malecon on foot. If you’re planning on seeing the sights outside of town, you can hop on a local tuk-tuk or taxi to get you there. 

How Much Does Guatape Cost? 

Like many other places in Colombia , Guatape can be pretty affordable, depending on where you stay and eat. For example, if you decide to only eat at waterfront restaurants and stay by the lake, costs will be higher. However, if you decide to eat at a local place near the plaza and stay in cheaper accommodation in town, your time in Guatape becomes much more budget-friendly. 

Costs of Traveling in Guatapé

Travel on a budget in Guatapé, from $130 − $150 USD weekly per person, mid-range $370 − $790 USD, and high-end from $760 − $1180 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $30 − $130 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $5 − $15 USD Check available hostels
• Food: $5 − $20 USD
• Activities: $5 − $10 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Tip: Visit Guatape on a weekday! The prices are known to go up on the weekends, as it’s a popular location for locals looking to escape the city.

Best Time to Visit Guatape

Being closely situated to the beautiful Andes mountains makes Guatape’s climate very similar to neighboring Medellin , the city known as ‘La Primavera Eterna’ (the eternal spring). The town has warm, tropical weather throughout the year with cooler nights.

You can expect frequent rainfall, although this is often during the night. The best time to visit Guatape is between December and March, which are the driest months in the region.

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Guatape day trip: visiting guatape and the piedra del peñol without a tour.

Surely you’ve seen the photos on Instagram — brightly colored houses. Cute plazas filled with cafe tables where old men wearing cowboy hats sit gossiping and drinking coffee. A giant rock offering spectacular views over the surrounding lakes. Given the town’s proximity to Medellin, a Guatape day trip has quickly become one of the most popular activities in Colombia . And for good reason — it really is an incredibly beautiful slice of old-school coffee country.

But you don’t need to book a pricey tour where you’ll be shuffled around with two dozen other gringos to experience Guatape’s magic. You can easily and cheaply visit Guatape on your own, using public transportation. It’s one of the best day trips in Medellin — affordable, and there’s tons to see. In this post, I’ll show you how to visit Guatape independently.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I receive a percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you, which helps me keep this site up and running.

When to visit Guatape and the Piedra del Peñol

Like  Medellin , Guatape Colombia is a year-round travel destination. The weather is always mild and pleasant. However, since the town is in the mountains, it’s often misty and rainy. Visit during the dry season (December-March) for the least chance of rain.

International instagrammers aren’t the only ones flocking to Guatape tours. The town is also extremely popular with Colombian travelers, especially folks from Medellin looking for a weekend escape. So on the weekends, the town fills up and has a party-like atmosphere.

This can be really fun — there’s music in the streets and good vibes all around. If you’re traveling on your own, it’s also easier to meet people to share tuk tuks and boat tours with. But it also means bus tickets are harder to come by, restaurants are full, and you won’t get many photos without other people in them. Visit during the week for a calmer escape. Either way, be forewarned that Guatape is touristy — much more so than Barichara , for example.

Additionally, the mountains get quite cloudy in the afternoons. So I’d recommend heading to La Piedra first when you arrive. This will allow you to get the best views of Laguna de Guatape before any bad weather rolls in. Ideally you should be here by 10 am. So you’ll need to get a pretty early start from Medellin for your Guatape day trip.

Taking the public bus for a Guatape day trip

The first part of planning your Guatape day trip by yourself is getting there. Luckily, this is super easy.

First, you’ll need to get to Medellin’s Northern Bus Terminal ( Terminal Norte in Spanish). You can take the metro — get off at Caribe and follow the signs. The metro ticket costs 2,255 COP and the ride takes about 30 minutes from El Poblado, the main backpacker area. Alternatively, take a taxi (20,000 COP).

When you reach the terminal, take the stairs to your left down to the ground floor. You’ll see bus company ticket windows all around. The companies that serve Guatape are down the hallway to the left. They clearly advertise Guatape at their ticket windows, and you can see the buses outside with “Guatape/Piedra” in the front window.

Buses leave at least hourly, and more frequently on the weekends. So look around until you find the company with the soonest departure. Buy your ticket for 15,000 COP — you’ll get an assigned seat — and board the bus.

Then sit back and relax for the two-hour ride to Guatape from Medellin. The scenery along the way is fantastic, especially on the right-hand side.

The bus may stop a couple times along the way to pick up local passengers, but the first major stop is at the base of the Piedra. If you plan to climb the rock, get off here and do that first. Otherwise, continue into town and the bus will drop you off at the station on the waterfront.

What to do in Guatape Colombia

You can easily cover all the things to do in Guatape listed below on a day trip. Leave Medellin by 8 am and you’ll be back around 6 pm.

Climb La Piedra de Peñol

You’ll see it from the bus well before you reach it — the giant granite monolith known as La Piedra de Peñol, or El Peñon de Guatape. (The two names are because the two towns compete over who “owns” the rock.) Those who brave the 700 steps to the top get a stunning view over Laguna de Guatape. It’s one of the best things to do in Guatape.

If you’re visiting Guatape without a tour, hop of the bus at the gas station where the conductor announces “La Piedra.” From here, it’s a few hundred meters’ uphill walk to the rock itself. Moto taxi drivers will offer you a ride for 5,000 COP, but the hike isn’t difficult.

When you reach La Piedra you’ll see a bunch of shops selling tourist knick-knacks and restaurants with a menu del dia for around 12,000 COP. Pick up a snack if you need one — I’m a huge fan of the lemon-juice-soaked guava slices everyone sells for 2,000 COP. You’ll also find clean and free restrooms right next to the ticket booth.

When you’re ready to start climbing, shell out your 18,000 COP for a ticket and head for the stairs. Follow the signs and try not to focus too much on which number step you’re on. There are plenty of places where you can step to the side to take a rest or for photos.

At the top, you’ll find more snack vendors and another gift shop, along with viewing platforms all around. The best views are toward the back. You can also climb the stairs in the little shop for a full 360-degree view, but the highest platform is extremely crowded.

Various marketing brochures call it “the most beautiful view in the world.” Just to manage expectations, it’s decidedly  not  that, but it’s still very nice and well worth the climb. The lush green mountains surrounding the finger-shaped lakes make up an iconic South America landscape.

When you’re ready to head down, be sure to follow the signs for the descent. It’s a different staircase than you used to climb up.

Getting from La Piedra to Guatape

After you climb the rock, the next step in your Guatape day trip is to get into the town itself. It’s a few kilometers away from La Piedra.

You could walk it — you’d need about an hour — but that would cut into your time for other things to do in Guatape. So instead, hop in a moto taxi (motorized tuk tuk) for the ten-minute ride into town.

Moto taxis charge 10,000 COP for this route. But if you hang around for a few minutes, you can find others to share with — I paid 4,000 by sharing with a Colombian couple.

If you  really  want to save money, you can wait for the bus from Medellin to Guatape to pass La Piedra. This costs just a few cents, but you may have to wait for up to an hour on weekdays.

If you’re visiting Guatape on the weekend, as soon as you get into town you should go to the bus station down on the lakefront (one block from the central plaza) to buy your return ticket to Medellin. Buses fill up quickly. Buy a ticket for the 3 pm or 4 pm bus and you’ll have plenty of time to explore. The price is 15,000 COP.

Walk around town and see the frescoes

The best part of a Guatape day trip is seeing the impossibly colorful houses all around the town center.

The central plaza is a logical place to begin your exploration. Dominated by the main cathedral, it also has a cute fountain, banks, restaurants, and cafes. On the weekends you’ll often find street performers here.

One block east of the central plaza is Plazeta de los Zocalos. This is perhaps the most photographed spot in the entire town. A brightly painted staircase leads up to a small park, with balcony cafes overlooking it. Musicians perform here on the weekends as well. Be patient with your photos — everyone wants a perfect shot on the staircase.

Calle de los Recuerdos is another popular street to explore. Here you’ll find traditionally decorated houses and shops. One of the best photography spots in town is at the top of this street.

Of course, some of the streets further out offer the chance to see the frescoes without so many tourist crowds. Don’t be afraid to wander further west or north. You’ll encounter friendlier people here too — someone might even explain their own home’s frescoes to you!

Take a boat trip on Laguna de Guatape

Seeing as it’s surrounded by lakes, it’s no surprise that a boat trip is one of the most popular activities during a Guatape day trip. You can go for something adventurous — like a zip-line tour — or simply cruise around on a small or large boat.

The typical tours take you by a handful of islands (you won’t get off) where you can see ruins from the old town before it was flooded to form the lakes. They last around 90 minutes and cost 15,000 COP. Some boats have more of a party vibe while others are family-friendly. Not all the boats live up to an acceptable safety standard .

You will see some boats advertising trips out to Pablo Escobar’s former mansion — where you can even play paintball. However, I highly recommend against participating in this activity. Many Colombians find it extremely offensive and insensitive to their history. It’s even worse in this case because your money will go directly to the Escobar estate.

While it’s one of the most popular activities in Guatape Colombia, in my opinion the boat ride is skippable if you only have one day to explore. I didn’t do it after hearing from other travelers that it was the most disappointing part of their Guatape day trip.

If you still want the Laguna de Guatape experience without the boat trip, any moto taxi driver can take you to a beach where you can swim for 5,000 COP.

Where to eat and drink during your Guatape day trip

Guatape isn’t exactly a culinary destination. It has nothing like the  best restaurants in Medellin . But you can find a decent meal here — and the atmosphere can’t be beat.

The most popular places to eat are along the lakefront. You’ll pay around 20,000 COP for a menu del dia here. La Fogata is the pick of the bunch.

If you want to save 5-10,000 COP, opt for one of the traditional  paisa  restaurants in the central plaza instead. You can get a good  bandejo paisa  (massive dish with every imaginable variety of meat, rice, egg, arepas, avocado, and beans) for around 15,000 COP. Most places serve a vegetarian version for 8,000 COP.

Craving international food? It’s a bit of a splurge, but the pizzas at Pizzeria de Luigi are legendary. You can also find decent Thai food at a couple spots in town.

Good coffee isn’t super easy to come by in Guatape. While every other cafe has a stunning balcony with great views, they mostly serve mediocre  tinto  (sludgy instant coffee) for inflated prices. Exceptions include Tiki Taka on the main plaza, which has a full espresso menu, and teeny-tiny Black Hole Cafe near the Zocalo, which has excellent baristas and a couple of perfectly located sidewalk tables.

The restaurants along the lakefront and in the central plaza are also great places for a beer. A couple places east of the main plaza have a rowdier drinking culture, with pool tables and football games on the TV. Solo women may find them a bit uncomfortable.

What to bring on your Guatape tour

A day trip to Guatape is long, so you need to be prepared. Be sure to pack these items in your daypack:

• Your camera, of course!
• A reusable water bottle and  Steri Pen   so you can refill safely
• Umbrella or rain jacket in case of afternoon showers
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Bus snacks (or pick up some fresh fruit along the way)
• Swimsuit and towel/sarong (if you plan on visiting the lake)

Want to extend your Guatape day trip? Stay overnight.

If you love small towns and you want to experience Guatape after the tourist crowds go home, you may want to consider spending a night or two here.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you’ll need to book accommodation well in advance. Otherwise you can probably just show up and find something, although the better places fill up during the week too.

Lake View Hostel is the relatively central choice for budget travelers in town. While no food is included, the breakfast options are amazing and you can get good Thai food in the restaurant. Alternatively, Galeria Guatape closer to La Piedra is well-loved (dorms only).

Honestly, though, if you have to pick one small Colombian town to spend the night in, I would pick Jardin over Guatape any day. Just three hours south of Medellin, Jardin feels far more authentic and less touristic. Obviously if you have time to do both, great!

Alternative to taking the bus: Guatape tours from Medellin

If you have any experience with backpacking independently, a Guatape day trip is pretty easy to organize on your own. You can plan all of the things to do in Guatape that I covered on the spot when you arrive.

But if you prefer the convenience of taking a tour, or if you’re nervous about missing the last bus back to Medellin, a Guatape tour is another option. With a tour, you’ll cover all of the activities above, but you’ll get private coach transportation (along with 30-50 other tourists) and everything will be organized for you in advance.

Toucan Cafe runs a highly recommended Guatape tour. It costs 83,000 COP including breakfast and lunch, but not including admission to La Piedra. You can also organize a private tour through them, although it will be much more expensive.

In a pinch, you can always get a taxi from Guatape to Medellin — if, for example, all the buses back are full or you miss the last one. This will run you about 150,000 COP.

As you can see, it’s much cheaper to tour Guatape independently — you’ll save about 30,000 COP — but the tours are still pretty good value for money.

However you choose to visit, you won’t soon forget charming Guatape. From its colorful houses, to its cobblestone streets, to its gorgeous surrounding landscapes, this is truly one of the prettiest corners of Colombia . Don’t miss out on the chance to visit Guatape on a day tour from Medellin!

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Carrie is the founder of Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks. For more than seven years, she's been solo-backpacking around the world to places few other tourists dare to explore -- from Ethiopia to Nicaragua to Jordan and beyond. When she's not on the road, you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and eating the world's best barbecue in her home city of Asheville, NC.

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Wow, Guatape is such a colourful city. I’m so happy to learn more about Columbia. I know it’s gaining popularity with tourists so it’S really lovely to see all the different parts of the country. Those stairs – rough, I’ll have to go when it’s not blistering hot.

Haha totally! Luckily it’s in the mountains so the temperature is never too bad.

Wow guatape looks like a beautiful and colourful town..I haven’t heard about it before..but would love to click some nice pics in front of colourful houses n cafe’s

Yeah, it’s still a bit off the radar with international travelers but very beautiful indeed!

Awesome guide, thank you! I was just in Colombia for 10 days and only got to see a slice of that wonderful country. I didn’t make it to Medellin but it is at the top of my list for my next visit. Now Guatape is on my list, too!

Oooo Medellin and the surrounding area was my favorite part of the country! I hope you make it back someday to see it.

Thank you so much for your great blog. We are a family of three and pretty much followed your guide for an independent day in Guatapé incl hiring a private boat to avoid the party boat. We had a great day and easy as you have totally laid down the guidelines. Thanks

Aw, thanks so much Lone! That is so good to hear. I’m thrilled that you had a good time.

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Guatapé: 2 days in Colombia’s most Colorful Pueblo

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Once a rural farming community home to only cowboys and their cattle. Now Guatapé streets are filled with far more tourists than locals. Partially, due to its close proximity to Medellin. But mostly because of the famous colorful streets and stunning natural beauty this Pueblo has to offer.

Most travelers make it here on a day trip from nearby Medellin . But the trick to loving Guatapé is to stay overnight.

Extending your stay allows you to work around the tourists. You can see the colorful streets empty, aside from the street dogs. Or climb the Penõl and not fight for a view of the scenery below. You can watch the evening streets fill with locals.

Even if you have just one night in Guatapé, you can experience so much more than the average tourist.

Your Guide To Guatapé

Guatapé deserves so much more than a day-trip. & hopping on with one of the group tours in Medellin is just lazy. In fact, it’s one of my very favorite places in Colombia along with Cartagena and Minca .

How to Get to Guatapé

Without a tour, you’ll have to take a bus on your own. But Medellin public transit couldn’t be easier to navigate. I’ll break it down for you.

How to take the Bus to Guatapé

• Take the Metro to the Caribe station . Across the street is the North Bus Terminal.
• Counter 9 & 14 both sell bus tickets to La Piedra for 14,000 COP.
• Buses run throughout the daytime but the earlier you arrive the better.

We arrived in Guatapé at around 3:30. We walked from the bus station to the town square in about 10 minutes & found cheap accommodation. Then we headed straight for the Penõl.

Things to do in Guatapé

Although the town is quaint and sleepy there are a few things you should definitely experience during your visit.

Climb the Penõl

Piedra del Peñol is a towering rock karst wrapped in stairs. But it’s more than just a hike. It provides the most scenic views in all of Guatapé.

Tuk-Tuks line-up to drive tourists to the Penõl. You’ll find them all over town and congregating near the bus stop you arrive at. Prices are set at 12.000 COP.

The landscape here is dramatic. Skyscraper high rock karsts surrounded by deep blue reservoir lakes and red clay earth. And there is no better vantage point than La Piedra del Penõl . 750 steps coil around the tallest rock formation sitting at 200m high.

The key is picking the right time to visit. We arrived at around 4 pm. The perfect time.

The last of the tour groups had just gone home. Which left the climb relatively empty. It’s best to take the climb slow due to the high elevation of Guatapé. When you reach the peak you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the sprawling landscape far below. Vendors sell beer, sliced mango, and other traditional snacks.

To reach the highest platform you will need to enter the gift shop and find the stairs in the back.

The views here are incredible. And absolutely shouldn’t be missed.

Another option would be to make the climb early in the morning for sunrise. Before the tours arrive. Yet another reason why you shouldn’t visit Guatapé as a day trip.

Wander the Streets of Guatapé

The streets of Guatapé were colorful long before the tourists starting flocking. It isn’t uncommon to see colorful homes and storefronts dotting the streets of Central and South America. But the colorful story-telling panels called “Zocalos” are unique.

Some depict flowers, llamas, and other seemingly random objects. Others relate to the store inside like the loaves of bread painted on a bakery. And others still showed pieces of Colombian farming history.

Steep, winding cobblestone streets lined by an actual rainbow of homes. It feels a little like walking around the set of a Disney cartoon.

Eat Bandeja Paisa

My favorite plate of Bandeja Paisa was served here in town square. Bandeja Paisa is a gut-busting Colombian classic of Chorizo, ground beef, rice, beans, avocado, arepas, chicharrones, fried egg, and plantains. & it’s absolutely delicious.

Catch the Sunrise

Wake up at dawn. This is the best time to wander the streets. Even few locals will be awake. Day-trippers from Medellin arrive at around 10 AM. Which means the streets will be empty before then.

Bonus: Visit the two local mini-ponies. They are penned just outside the town square. It’s the small things, right?

Need More Recommendations for Colombia? Check Out These Posts.

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• Visiting the Amazon Rainforest on a Budget

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Further Reading...

Your Complete Budget Travel Guide to Capurgana, Colombia

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Alice Monroe

Ha ha, just plain lazy? We should all be an entitled travel blogger leeching off the hotel industry for a living. Yes, some of us, those who make products you use for your computer everyday don’t have the luxury of spending the night.

Alice, I’m sorry that you have such a poor view of travel bloggers. My blog is a passion project & unfortunately doesn’t allow me to stay in hotels for free or even pay a fraction of the bills I accrue through full-time travel. I called the day trips to Guatape “lazy” because in lieu of simply booking an overpriced day trip to the town, you could instead for very little extra effort, take a public bus, stay in a cheap local hotel, and contribute economically to the community of Guatape. When visitors flood the small streets on day trips from Medellin & choose to only stay in the town a few hours they are often contributing little to the locals aside from mass amounts of garbage.

What’s your problem? Are you seriously accusing someone of being entitled or a leecher for suggesting someone spend the night in a small town in Colombia? Guatape has incredibly affordable options including hostels. The entire country is one of the most affordable in the world. If your chosen trade can’t afford you the cheapest of travel, then maybe reconsider your poor finacial life decisions instead of putting others down for theirs. How embarrassing for you.

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