best guatape tours

THE 10 BEST Guatape Tours & Excursions

Tours in guatape.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch

2. Guatapé Piedra del Peñol excursion + Gastronomic tour and cruise on the dam

3. Full day to Guatapé from Medellín

4. Guatape Rock & Coffee Tour & Picturesque Town: Private Tour

5. Day Trip To Guatapé with Boat Ride and Lunch

6. Guatapé & Coffee farm, all in one day

7. The best private tour to Guatapé and Helicopter ride + Guatapé's rock +Boat ride

8. Guatapé All Inclusive Private Tour visiting 5 municipalities

9. Private Tour To Guatape From Medellin

10. Guatape & Paragliding Private Tour: Nature and Adventure in One Great Day

11. Guatapé Full Day Private Tour

12. Guatapé Tour

13. Helicopter flight in Guatape

14. Private Tour to Guatape + Boat Ride + Paragliding

15. El Peñol and Guatape Private Tour from Medellin

16. Visit Guatapé, El Peñol, El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall

17. Guatapé & paragliding over waterfalls private tour from Medellin

18. Private Tour in Guatape and Piedra del Peñol

19. The Most Complete Guatape Rock Private Tour in Medellin

20. Guatape, el Peñol Rock and Boat Ride Private Tour with Lunch

21. PARAGLIDING over giant waterfalls private tour (optional Guatape) from Medellin

22. Full-Day Small Group Guatapé Experience

23. Guatape and ATVs Private Tour

24. Guatape With Coffe Tours

25. Guatape Full Day with Warefalls !!!! Profesional English Speaking Tour Guide

26. Private Guatape and coffee tour

27. Medellin: Guided Tour to Guatape & 1-Night Lakeside Glamping

28. 12 Day Heart of Colombia Coffee and Culture

29. Jet ski in Guatapé Antioquia

30. Special Guatapé Experience

What travellers are saying.

• Mya W 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Tour I enjoyed the tour. Valentina was a great tour guide and I enjoyed all of the activities. I would highly recommend this tour during your time in Medellín. Read more Review of: Full day to Guatapé from Medellín Written 25 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Guatape Tour, Piedra del Peñol Including a Boat Tour, Breakfast and Lunch
• Day Trip To Guatape: Boat Ride and Lunch Included
• Guatapé Piedra del Peñol excursion + Gastronomic tour and cruise on the dam
• Full day to Guatapé from Medellín
• Private Tour To Guatape From Medellin
• Colombia Getaway
• The Best Guatape Tours
• Hang Glide Colombia
• Viajes Maxitours
• Escuela de Vela de Antioquia
• Guatape Outdoors
• Yate Majestic
• Guatape Motos
• Paragliding Guatapé

• Half-day Coffee Tour – 4.5 hours
• Coffee Farm & Guatape Tour – 9.5 hours
• Coffee Tour & Horse Riding -8 hours
• Coffee Tour & ATVs – 8 hours
• Coffee Farm & Graffiti Tour – 8 hours
• Coffee & Chocolate Tour – 9 hours
• Coffee Tour in Jardin Town – 12 hours
• Coffee Tour with War Victims – 9 hours
• Guatape & Coffee Farm Tour – 9.5 hours
• Guatape & Avocado Farm Tour -9.5 hours
• Guatape & Paragliding Tour – 9.5 hours
• Guatape & Horse Riding Tour – 10 hours
• Guatape & Jet-Ski Ride Tour – 9 hours
• Guatape & Graffiti Tour – 10.5 hours
• Guatape & Boat Ride Tour – 9 hours
• Guatape & ATVs Tour – 9.5 hours
• Just Guatape Tour – 8 hours
• Guatapé & Flower Farm Tour – 10 hours
• Just Horseback Riding – 4 hours
• Horse Riding & Coffee Tour – 8 hours
• Horse Riding & Guatape Tour – 10 hours
• Horse Riding & ATVs – 7 hours
• Graffiti Tour: The Off The Beaten Path Option – 3 hours
• Graffiti & Cable Car & Fruit Tasting – 5 hours
• Graffiti & Cable Car & City Tour – 5.5 hours
• Graffiti Tour & Tejo Sport – 5 hours
• Graffiti & Former Landfill – 8 hours
• Graffiti & Guatape Tour – 10.5 hourss
• Graffiti & Coffee Farm Tour – 8 hours
• Just Graffiti Tour – 3.5 hours
• Just ATVs Tour – 4 hours
• ATVs & Coffee Tour – 8 hours
• ATVs & Horse Riding – 7 hours
• ATVs & Guatape Tour – 9.5 hours
• ATVs & Paragliding – 7 hours
• Cacao/Chocolate Tour – 6 hours
• Food Tour – 4 hours
• Former Landfill/Transformation Tour – 4.5 hours
• City Tour – 4.5 hours
• Helicopter Tour in Medellin – 2.5 hours
• Paragliding Medellin Go-Pro Included – 3 hours
• Santa Fe de Antioquia – 7 hours
• Flower Farm & Arví Park Tour 4.5 hours
• Comuna 13 in Medellin: History and Present
• Piedra del Marial: The Giant Sister Of Guatape Rock
• Cerro de los Valores: An Example Of Resilience in Medellin
• The History Of Colombian Coffee: A Brief Journey To The Past
• The Perfect Get Away: Introducing Restaurant El Gran Cacao
• The Best Blood Sausage in Medellin: La Morcilla de Estela
• Playing Tejo: A Must Do In Medellin
• Covid-19 Information
• Multi-trip Discount Program
• Cancelation & Refund Policy
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Best Guatapé Tours

Great!! So you are thinking about visiting the rock of Guatapé and its beautiful town.

We can take you there and tell you the amazing history of the rock, plus stories about the flooded town under Lake Guatapé, as well as the tradition of Zocalos in Guatape.

However, in our Guatape Tour we would like to go beyond and provide you a more complete experience, something truly memorable.

This is why our Guatape Tour has 3 optional activities, all of them unique, so you can combine them and take the most out of this day trip.

Naturally we also have the option of just the Guatape tour.

Our options are:

• Just Guatape Tour.
• Guatape Tour with Horseback riding.
• Guatape Tour & coffee plantation tour.
• Guatape Tour & flower farm tour.
• Guatape & ATVs Tour
• Rock Climb the Guatape Rock

Please feel free to check out our different options and take the decision of your Guatape tour combination that suits better your expectations.

Whether you have questions about safety, money exchange, accomodation, transportation or restaurants, do not hesitate to check our FAQ section .

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That Medellin Day Trips rejects exploitation, pornography, sex tourism and all forms of sexual abuse of minors, illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade and supports the conservancy of cultural attractions and social patrimony at our touristic destinations as stated in law 1336 of 2009.

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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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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)

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THE 10 BEST Guatape Bus Tours

Bus tours in guatape.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch

2. Guatapé Piedra del Peñol excursion + Gastronomic tour and cruise on the dam

3. Full day to Guatapé from Medellín

4. Guatape Rock & Coffee Tour & Picturesque Town: Private Tour

5. Day Trip To Guatapé with Boat Ride and Lunch

6. Guatapé & Coffee farm, all in one day

7. The best private tour to Guatapé and Helicopter ride + Guatapé's rock +Boat ride

8. Private Tour To Guatape From Medellin

9. Guatape & Paragliding Private Tour: Nature and Adventure in One Great Day

10. Guatapé Full Day Private Tour

11. Private Half Day Tour to Peñol Stone from Medellin

12. Guatapé Tour

13. Private Tour to Guatape + Boat Ride + Paragliding

14. El Peñol and Guatape Private Tour from Medellin

15. Guatapé & paragliding over waterfalls private tour from Medellin

16. The Most Complete Guatape Rock Private Tour in Medellin

17. Guatape, el Peñol Rock and Boat Ride Private Tour with Lunch

18. PARAGLIDING over giant waterfalls private tour (optional Guatape) from Medellin

19. Guatape and ATVs Private Tour

20. Guatape With Coffe Tours

21. Guatape Full Day with Warefalls !!!! Profesional English Speaking Tour Guide

22. Peñol Stone and Pablo Escobar Hacienda Boat Tour

23. Private Guatape and coffee tour

24. Medellin: Guided Tour to Guatape & 1-Night Lakeside Glamping

25. 12 Day Heart of Colombia Coffee and Culture

26. Special Guatapé Experience

27. Full Day Private Pablo Escobar Tour including Guatape

28. Guatape & Jet-Ski Ride Tour: A fun experience in the water

29. Tour Guatapé

30. Tour to Guatapé Piedra del Peñol, with a cruise boat tour

What travellers are saying.

• Mya W 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Tour I enjoyed the tour. Valentina was a great tour guide and I enjoyed all of the activities. I would highly recommend this tour during your time in Medellín. Read more Review of: Full day to Guatapé from Medellín Written 25 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Guatape Tour, Piedra del Peñol Including a Boat Tour, Breakfast and Lunch
• Day Trip To Guatape: Boat Ride and Lunch Included
• Guatapé Piedra del Peñol excursion + Gastronomic tour and cruise on the dam
• Full day to Guatapé from Medellín
• Private Tour To Guatape From Medellin
• Marcela Lozano
• Destino Diverso
• Guatape Magic Tour

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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.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

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.

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Sarah Carter

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Fantastic information! Thank you so much!

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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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