Welcome to Guatape, Colombia!
This article is a must-read because it informs you about the hidden gems and the challenges of visiting Guatapé.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- HIGHLIGHTS: Guatapé is famous for the monolithic ‘La Piedra del Peñol,’ which offers panoramic views at 200 meters (656 feet) and colorful zocalos.
- Accessibility and Location: Guatapé is a small, colorful town two hours from Medellín.
- Unique Activities: There are many activities, including a dinner cruise on Guatapé Lake (RECOMMENDED), swimming at La Casuela Waterfall, and live music at Plaza del Zocalo.
- Accommodations: The city has many accommodation options, from luxurious hotels like The Bosko to budget-friendly hotels, many with stunning (!) lake views.
What can I expect from Guatapé?
This water-surrounded Colombian town is just TWO hours away from Medellín (perfect for a day trip, see below).
The city offers many different activities, from climbing the 708 (!) steps of the famous El Peñón de Guatapé to exploring the famous colorful streets in the city center.
You should not expect Guatapé to be a huge town with many amenities. Only 5,000 people are living there.
However, one of the BIGGEST ADVANTAGES is that it is the most colorful (literally) place we have ever seen during our visit!
Even Lonely Planet recommends visiting this city! CNN even says that this is one of the most beautiful villages in Colombia!
So the MILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION is: Is Guatapé a country worth visiting? You’ll discover it in this blog post.
How To Get To Guatapé, Colombia?
Guatapé in Colombia can be reached from Medellin. From Medellin, there are TWO DIFFERENT routes heading to Guatapé.
1) By bus
You can buy bus tickets via Redbus (10 USD round trip) or GetYourGuide (only 34 USD for a full day-trip including boat tour) to take you from Medillin to Guatapé.
The Redbus takes off from Medellín’s Terminal del Norte to Guatapé and drops you off at the Terminal de Guatape.
2) By Private Car:
Another option is to take a taxi or drive from Medellín to Guatapé. You can do so through GetYourGuide (65 USD).
The distance is 74 kilometers, and the drive also takes 2 hours.
BEST Things To Do In Guatape
So now you’re wondering, what are the best things to do on a guided visit to Guatapé?
Let us give you the highlights in order of importance (for us)!
Climb La Piedra del Peñol for the Best View in Guatapé
The number HIGHLIGHT is to climb La Piedra del Peñol (El Peñol), a famous (65 million years old) landmark and tourist destination in Guatapé.
It is one of the POSTCARD PLACES IN COLOMBIA.
A visit to this city would not be a success without HIKING up the 708 (!) STEPS of El Peñon de Guatapé (an entrance fee is due, see below)!
INSIDER TIP: You’ll see blue letters on the stairs indicating the amount of stairs you have taken.
The rock stands 200 METERS (!) (656 FEET) above the ground!
FUN FACT: On the back of el peñón de Guatapé, the locals painted the letters ‘GI‘. They actually wanted to paint Guatapé to claim ownership of the rock, but the neighboring town ‘el peñol’ stopped them leaving unfinished grafitti.
La Piedra del Peñol, which translates to “the stone,” is the SECOND-LARGEST monolithic rock in South America, surpassed only by Brazil’s Sugarloaf Mountain.
Standing over 650 FEET (200 METERS) high, this huge rock offers AMAZING views from its summit.
In case you’re in trouble, they keep oxygen halfway up. Also, there’s a landing halfway up to catch your breath, but it’s not big—maybe eight people max—and it’s crowded.
In 1954, the FIRST RECORDED CLIMB was made when three climbers took five days to climb El Peñol using sticks attached to the rock’s wall! Incredible story!
in 1940 it was declared a national monument by the Colombian government.
FUN FACT: There are a few restaurants at the summit of Piedra del Peñol where you can grab water or a drink.
How much is the ENTRANCE FEE for La Piedra del Penol? See below!
What is the entrance fee for La Piedra del Peñol?
The entrance fee for the La Piedra del Peñol climb costs about 20,000 C.O.P. (4,80 USD), and you have to pay in pesos. The ticket office does not accept cards. Estimate 90 minutes for the full experience.
Make sure to begin early in the day.
INSIDER TIP: Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes; they’re an essential part of your Guatapé packing list! More information at our list of best travel accessories!
Read here our FULL GUIDE to La Piedra Del Penol to exactly know the challenge that is waiting for you!
Overview of El Peñón De Guatapé
- La Piedra del Peñol is open from 9 AM to 7 PM, but you can’t start the climb after 6:30 PM.
- You can take a 6-minute helicopter ride.
- There are 5 km between La Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé. Tuk-tuks shuttle between the two in 5-10 minutes.
- If you’re coming by bus from Medellín, you can stop at La Piedra first.
Explore the Colorful Zocalos in Guatapé Town
Another highlight you can’t miss is taking a walk through the town.
You’ll see that Guatape is famous for its ‘ZOCALOS‘, the houses and shops that are painted with symbols of Colombian heritage, cultural traditions, historic moments, and nature.
Imagine a person walking in a town where all the buildings are painted in almost every color, the shops are rainbow-like, and the cars are covered in glitter (we are not kidding).
This main square is home to a fleet of tuk-tuks, the beautiful Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Guatapé, featuring impressive wooden ceiling sculptures and a granite altar, along with several stunning colonial buildings that add to the town’s charm.
INSIDER TIP: The majority of zócalos can be found on Calle del Recuerdo (see below). Some of our favorite zócalos feature a sheep looking over its shoulder. This is the symbol of Guatapé and represents the town’s motto: “Caminando hacia adelante, mirando hacia el pasado”, meaning walking forward, looking back.
- Join a free two-hour walking tour, available from Monday to Saturday.
- Opt for a 20 to 25-minute tuk-tuk tour with local insights from the driver.
- Explore the quieter parallel streets such as Calle 29 and Calle 31, away from the crowded Plaza de los Zócalos.
- For a peaceful, crowd-free experience, visit around 7:30 AM when the alleys are empty.
You can find walking tours here!
Visit Calle del Recuerdo in Guatapé
With no extra cost to you, you must start your walking in the city in Calle del Recuerdo also known as the UMBRELLA Street.
This alley is filled with many colorful umbrellas hanging overhead.
Enjoy the world’s finest coffee
Guatapé is known for coffee due to its location within the Colombian coffee region, renowned for producing some of the world’s best coffee.
The town is surrounded by lush coffee plantations where the climate and altitude create perfect growing conditions for high-quality Arabica beans.
Start your day early in the charming Plaza de los Zócalos, where you can sip your coffee outdoors, soaking in the colors and atmosphere of this town.
To fully enjoy a coffee plantation, you should go to Finca Toche.
Getting to Finca Toche from Guatapé by bus can be tricky, but taking a taxi is a convenient option.
We opted for the 2 PM tour, which ran until 5:30 PM. Jon’s approach focuses more on a sensory experience rather than in-depth information.
He provides just the basics about cacao cultivation and the transformation into chocolate, paired with an engaging explanation of the history of the cacao bean. The real highlight, however, is his desire for you to truly experience chocolate.
Luxurious Dinner cruise on the lake
After exploring the town, you need to take a moment to enjoy the out-of-the-world nature that surrounds Guatapé. Only Lofoten in Norway has these special islands connected with bridges.
One of the best ways to enjoy nature is by taking a DINNER CRUISE on Laguna Guatapé.
You get to enjoy a delicious meal on board a cruise. From the moment you leave, you’ll see the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The cruises almost always set sail in the late afternoon, allowing you to witness a breathtaking SUNSET OVER THE LAKE.
The dinner cruise is a two-hour long experience. The meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients by onboard chefs, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
INSIDER TIP: While the dinner cruise offers many delicious dishes, don’t miss out on trying some LOCAL favorites like Bandeja Paisa or Ajiaco, which offer a true taste of Colombian cuisine.
Some cruises even feature JACUZZIS on deck. Cruising the lake under the sky makes for a magical and romantic evening!
Remember to bring WARM CLOTHING clothing for the breezy evening and your camera to capture these unforgettable moments. Tickets for the dinner cruise can be booked online.
FACTS: Unfortunately, it is FORBIDDEN to swim in the waters closest to town as there is a large amount of boat traffic, which presents dangers. However, you can also rent your very own boat and discover the lake yourself on a boat trip! We did this and we had so much fun!
Staying connected to the internet is now possible with AIRALOs TRAVEL E SIM. Just download the app and choose Iceland for roaming. Then, you are ready to show the world your Instagrammable pictures!
Do The Pablo Escobar Tour
One of the unique aspects of Guatapé’s history is its connection to the Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Pablo Escobar once GREW UP in an old house at the lakefront near Guatapé.
At the height of his power during the 1980s, Escobar built one of his many LUXURIOUS RESIDENCES, known as La Manuela, on the shores of the Guatapé Lake.
Named after his daughter, this villa served as a place where they organized extravagant parties.
However, in the aftermath of Escobar’s downfall, La Manuela was BOMBED and left in RUINS.
Today, the remnants of this villa have become a popular tourist attraction. Book the Pablo Escobar FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR in Guatapé!
Swim at La Cazuela Waterfall
Just a short drive (3,2 km – 1,7 miles) from Guatapé, La Cazuela Waterfall is a SECRET OASIS.
Located in the lush, tropical forest, this waterfall turns into a natural pool with crystal-clear, cool water that provides a refreshing break on hot Colombian days.
The area around the waterfall is a natural playground, with a lot of space for PICNICS, SUNBATHING, and even BIRDWATCHING.
A well-marked trail leads to the waterfall. On your way to the waterfall, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the surrounding landscape, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
INSIDER TIP: Remember to bring your swimsuit, a towel, and some snacks (see here for the best accessories). And don’t forget to leave no trace to help keep this beautiful spot clean for future visitors.
Stay at a hotel with a Lake View
After enjoying an evening on the Guatapé Laguna, you should STAY AT A HOTEL with a lake view.
Many of these hotels provide UNIQUE EXPERIENCES.
They offer many different experiences, like MORNING YOGA sessions by the lake, allowing you to start your day relaxed.
Some hotels even offer KAYAKING sessions from their private docks, letting you explore the lake at your own pace.
Evenings can be spent at the LAKESIDE FIRE PITS, where you can enjoy the sunset.
If you are a culinary enthusiast, you can ask your hotel to organize a PRIVATE DINING by the lake, creating a romantic and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Please find our recommendations for staying near the lake below. When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies.
Use our widget below to find the hotel of your liking!
1) Luxurious Option
Bosko offers an unforgettable glamping experience in luxurious domes by the lake, blending seamlessly with the surrounding nature. Enjoy access to private hot tubs, gourmet dining, a wellness spa, and guided tours. Prices range from $200 to $300 per night.
The food is excellent, and the small infinity pools are magical. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with your partner.
You’ll be 5 minutes from Piedra del Peñol and 3 minutes from Guatapé—by tuk-tuk.
2) Mid-Budget Option
If you’re looking for a balance between cost and comfort, Hotel Los Recuerdos is an excellent mid-budget option. It offers a comfortable hotel room with lake views, a swimming pool, and an in-house restaurant. The prices are moderate, with rates ranging from $80 to $100 per night.
3) Budget Options
For budget-conscious travelers, Hotel Real Guatapé offers clean, comfortable rooms. Although budget-friendly, with prices ranging from $20 to $30 per night, the hotel offers all essential amenities and even offers free wifi.
KEEP IN MIND: Guatape was once a farming village with an economy dependent on agriculture and mining activities. In the 1970s, a large hydroelectric complex was built nearby, including the Punchiná Dam, which helped Guatape develop and led to the formation of its stunning scenery.
Listen to live music in the Plaza del Zocalo
Plaza del Zocalo is a lovely PUBLIC SQUARE in the colorful town.
It has a seating area outside in an amphitheater-style style where locals and visitors gather to watch street performers. They dance at authentic COLOMBIAN MUSIC under the open sky.
Each performance at Plaza del Zocalo is a unique experience, featuring a blend of traditional tunes and contemporary beats that reflect the rich CULTURAL HERITAGE of the region.
TICKETS for live music shows can be purchased at the entrance of the plaza.
OUR REVIEW: As the sun sets and the music starts, the crowd grows bigger and starts to dance, creating an energy that invites you to join in, even if you are not a good dancer. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself learning a few salsa steps from the locals!
Day Trip to San Rafael for Nature Adventures
If you are in Guatapé for multiple days, you should go on a day trip to San Rafael.
A little more than 10 kilometers (16 miles) from Guatapé town center, the small San Rafael village lies.
BUT WHY should you go to San Rafael?
The town has several NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS AND WATERFALLS, such as Las Mellizas and El 20, perfect for a refreshing dip.
NOT MANY tourists know about this location, so you can expect to walk around a local village with amazing waterfalls and swimming pools. You can even book a river rafting tour or go on an adventurous jungle trail!
Something that we liked was that even the journey from Guatapé to San Rafael was amazing, with a SCENIC DRIVE through hills and green landscapes.
INSIDER TIP: don’t forget to visit the local farmers’ markets, where you’ll find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade Colombian specialties, all at walking distance.
Why NOT Visit Guatape?
During our time, we also noticed some reasons why visiting Guatapé is not perfect.
- Crowded: Due to its popularity, the town is often packed, especially during peak tourist season.
- Busy Landmarks: La Piedra del Peñol is crowded, particularly around lunchtime.
- Hydroelectric Hub: Guatapé’s shift to a hydroelectric production center has altered its character from a peaceful farming village.
- Cash-Only Payments: Cash is needed to climb El Peñol and pay in many restaurants, with unreliable ATM services.
- Infrastructure Strain: The town’s rising popularity sometimes overwhelms local resources like parking and roads.
Weather in Guatapé
- Location and Elevation: Guatapé is situated at an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,981 meters) in Colombia, giving it a cooler climate compared to lower-altitude tropical areas.
- Climate: Guatapé has a tropical climate, but its high elevation helps keep temperatures moderate throughout the year.
- Temperature in Summer Months (June to August):
During the summer months, Guatapé has a mild and pleasant temperature ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F).
- Rainfall: Rainfall during the summer months is low but still present, with July being the DRIEST MONTH. On average, you can expect 60-90mm of rainfall per month in this period, with often short rain showers.
- Humidity: The humidity level during the summer months stays around 75-85%, which is vert high. So you should expect some sweating when the sun is shining.
Travel Tip: Always carry a light jacket or raincoat, as the weather can change swiftly.
How Long to Stay in Guatapé?
The small size of Guatapé and the closeness of all the highlights of the city mean that you can explore it in a SINGLE DAY so you do not have to stay overnight.
We recommend you book a day tour from Medellin.
Tours from Medellin to Guatapé?
A common way to visit Guatapé is to take organized day trips from Medellin.
The most popular tour is the CLASSIC FULL DAY TOUR. You’ll visit the famous rock El Penol, go on a boat tour, eat a typical Antioquia lunch in the local café (included), visit souvenir shops, and walk the town.
Take a look here for an amazing tour of Guatape.
Looking for a special graffiti tour in Medellin? Then take a look at this tour. For more details, you can visit the official tour website at tourcomuna13.com.
What Are Recommended Restaurants in Guatapé?
- La Fogata: Known for its traditional Colombian dishes like Ajiaco and Bandeja Paisa. The third-floor setting offers stunning views of the lake. The main dishes range from $8 to $12.
- El Muelle Restaurante: This restaurant offers a variety of dishes, but is particularly famous for its seafood. The prices vary from $10-$15 for a main course.
- La Piedra Restaurante: Located near El Peñón Rock, this restaurant offers breathtaking views and Colombian dishes. Main dishes are typically priced between $8 and $12.
- Café La Viña: This café is a must-visit for coffee lovers, offering a variety of coffee drinks and light bites. Coffee prices range from $1 to $3. INSIDER TIP: Make sure you sit on the second level so you have a perfect view over Plaza Zocalo! The coffee even has adorable small designs on the back and the beans are locally sourced, ensuring you taste the richness of Colombian soil in every sip.
How To Plan A Day Trip To Guatape?
Below is our recommendation for a perfect day trip to Guatapé. This is often also the tour the organized day trips from Medillin will follow.
- 6:00 AM: Depart from Medellín to Guatapé (a 2-hour drive).
- 8:00 AM: Arrive in Guatapé, explore its colorful streets and zócalos.
- 10:00 AM: Visit El Peñón and climb the 740 steps to enjoy panoramic views.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant near the waterfront.
- 2:00 PM: Take a boat tour on the lake or explore the waterfront area.
- 4:00 PM: Head back to Medellín to avoid late afternoon traffic.
- 6:00 PM: Arrive back in Medellín.
Conclusion
Guatapé is a vibrant destination, offering beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and endless opportunities for adventure.
So to answer our question from the introduction: is Guatape worth a visit?
With a guided day trip tour, definitely! Our reason is that a guided tour, via Viator or GetYourGuide, you only have to enjoy and not be involved in the hassle of planning the whole day trip yourself.
Here’s a quick recap of why it should be on your travel list:
- El Peñón de Guatapé: Climb the 740 steps of this iconic rock for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and green hills.
- Colorful Streets: Wander through the town’s colorful streets, famous for their zócalos, artistic murals that tell the stories of its local heritage.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, water sports, and boat rides in the nearby lakes, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
- Climate and Elevation: Guatapé’s high elevation keeps temperatures mild, making it comfortable for outdoor exploration year-round, even in the summer.
This ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE will help make your trip to Guatapé an unforgettable experience!
Let us know in the comments how your trip went!
