The town of Guatapé might just be the most popular day trip from Medellín – and for good reason! This colorful town looks like something straight out of a fairytale with its white-washed walls, colorful paisa architecture, and low-relief zocalós adorning every building. There’s a reason they call it the most colorful town in Colombia!
But there’s so much more that makes visitors flock in the masses to Guatapé, from its surrounding reservoirs to fascinating history to towering Peñol. Add in the fact that it’s only two hours from the city of Medellín and it’s an easy trip to take whether you’re just passing through or spending extended time in the city.
I’m usually a bit hesitant about tourist hotspots, but Guatapé absolutely lives up to the hype. I had the chance to explore this town in depth as part of my journey through the department of Antioquia on my 32 Departments of Colombia project, so I’ve put together this guide to some of my favorite discoveries, but on and off the beaten track!
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Spending more time in Colombia? Check out my full 3-week itinerary to the country!
The Best Tours of Guatapé
Don’t want to DIY? TLDR, here are some of my top recommended day trips to Guatapé.
🦙 Medellín to Guatapé Group Tour with Lunch and Llamas – The title says it all for this comprehensive Guatapé tour!
🪂 Guatapé Paragliding Experience – Experience Guatapé from new heights on this unique paragliding tour!
🪨 Private Guatapé and El Peñol Tour – Experience Guatapé at your leisure with this private tour, tickets to El Peñol included.
A Brief History of Guatapé
The town of Guatapé has a long and remarkable history, combining the influence of indigenous peoples, Spanish settlers, and even the infamous Pablo Escobar himself.
The surrounding region has a long and profound indigenous history, primarily home to the Tahamie indigenous peoples. It’s believed the name Guatapé actually descends from an indigenous chief, the name meaning “stone and water.”
The Spanish founded an “official” town on the site in 1811, and Guatapé became an important site of mining and agriculture. However, everything would change in the 1970s with the construction of the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, which flooded a large part of the surrounding region, creating a large system of lakes and islands.
The dam completely changed the landscape of Guatapé, making it one of the most important sources of hydroelectric power in the region. But the unique lake system also began to bring in visitors, including Pablo Escobar himself, who operated for many years out of Finca La Manuela on the shores of the reservoir.
These days, Guatapé has completely reinvented itself as a tourist destination, with an increased focus on its colorful zocolós and beautiful surrounding nature. In my opinion, it’s truly one of the best places to visit in Colombia!
Love quaint towns in Colombia? Check out my guide to the town of Salento, one of the most beautiful towns in the Colombian coffee region!
How to Get to Guatapé from Medellín
Guatapé is located just over 2 hours from Medellín by road, making it one of the easiest day trips from the city. It’s possible to visit the town independently via public transportation, or on a guided tour. Here’s the full breakdown.
By Bus
From Medellín’s Terminal del Norte, buses leave every thirty minutes for Guatapé from 5:30AM to 6:30PM. As of 2025, the price is around 22,000 ($6 USD) per person. Click here to find available buses on Busbud.
By Taxi/Uber
You can hire a private taxi/Uber for a day trip to Guatapé for more flexibility in your schedule. Prices range from around 350,000-400,000 COP ($85-100 USD) and can be shared between your group. Here’s a great day tour of Guatapé in a private vehicle with attraction tickets included!
By Rental Car
For the most flexibility, you canrent a car from the Medellín Airport to take to Guatapé. You’ll be able to find parking in Guatapé town and El Peñol for an additional fee – usually around 5,000-8,000 COP ($1-$2 USD) per hour.
Staying in Medellín? Check out my ultimate Medellín hotel guide, or my neighborhood breakdown!
The Best Things to do in Guatapé
With so many things to do in Guatapé, it’s hard to know where to begin! Here are some of my top recommended spots to visit on your day trip to Colombia’s most colorful town!
Hike to the top of El Peñol de Guatapé
You’ll spot the Peñol de Guatapé long before you even arrive in town, towering over the landscape in a truly otherworldly way. This batholith sits at 220 meters tall, providing some of the best views of the nearby Guatapé town and surrounding reservoir.
Climbing El Peñol de Guatapé is one of the best things to do on a day trip to Guatapé to truly get a sense of the vastness of the landscape. To get to the rock, simply take a mototaxi from the central plaza of Guatapé town to el Peñol. The ride usually costs around 10,000 COP (~$2 USD) each way.
Once at the rock, pay the entrance fee at the gate (20,000 COP as of 2025) and climb the 708 stairs to the viewing platform at the top. Be warned – this is a tough hike, straight uphill with no reprieve! But the views at the top make it totally worth it, with 360 views out over the reservoir and plenty of photo ops!
Explore the Zocalós in Guatapé Town
The town of Guatapé is notable for its zocalós, high relief paintings that adorn the walls of the town. Many of the zocalós tell the stories of the region, from the coffee farmers to the mules who used to traverse the Andes mountains.
There are plenty of ways to explore the zocalós. I highly recommend taking a guided tour with a local if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the town and how the zocalós came to be. If you happen to be visiting Guatapé at the end of September, you can also visit the Festival de los Zocalós, which usually takes place the last week of September into the first week of October.
Exploring the zocalós of Guatapé wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Plazoleta de Los Zócalos and El Calle de Recuerdo. I highly recommend visiting early if possible to avoid crowds and get the best photo ops, plus it’s the best place to pick up souvenirs in town!
Want to participate in some Colombian celebrations? Check out my guide to all the can’t-miss festivals around the country!
Take a Boat Tour on the Reservoir
The reservoir surrounding Guatapé is best explored by boat, winding amongst the many islands spotting the landscape. There’s plenty to see from the water, from celebrity homes to the towering Peñol to the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s former mansion on the shores of the reservoir.
There are different kinds of boat tours to take, from speedboats to slower-moving lanchas. You can even participate in a party-boat experience if you’re looking for some rumba while in Guatapé!
You can find boats operating tours from the Malecón de Guatapé, usually ranging from 30,000 COP (~$8 USD) for a shared boat tour to 250,000 COP (~$55 USD) for a private boat tour. If you’re short on time, I recommend booking a guided tour with a boat ride included to make sure you spend some time on the water!
Go on a Bike Ride Around the Area
One of my favorite discoveries on my last trip to Guatapé was the free morning bike ride offered by Mountain Bike Colombia! The ride takes around two hours, passing through the coffee fields and lush landscapes of the region, ending at the base of El Peñol. It’s truly one of the most unique things to do on a visit to Guatapé.
The free morning ride takes place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30AM, beginning and ending at La Casa de Ciclistas – the perfect spot for a post-ride pizza! Even if you’re not visiting on one of the free ride days, Mountain Bike Colombia offers a number of bicycle-focused tours in Guatapé and beyond, which you can book any day of the week.
You can also take yourself on a self-guided bike tour of Guatapé by renting a bike in town. Mountain Bike Rental Guatapé and BiciRenta Guatapé both offer daily rentals in excellent condition. Or, if you’re feeling daring, rent a moto from Guatapé Motos to explore even further.
Participate in Water Activities
The reservoir around Guatapé is the perfect place for a variety of water activities. Paddle a kayak around the islands, swim at one of the lakeside beaches, or even try your hand at wakeboarding for a little bit of adrenaline!
My favorite thing I did on my last trip to Guatapé was visit Parque Comfama, home to paddle boats and kayaks, a water slide, and my personal favorite – a huge inflatable water park with epic views of the Peñol!
Alternatively, you can find many tours offering kayaking, jet-ski rental, and wakeboarding from the malecón of Guatapé. However, if you’re short on time, I highly recommend booking in advance to ensure availability. You can browse a number of water-related adventures on GetYourGuide here.
Eat Traditional Antioquian Food
When in the department of Antioquia, one must try paisa food! Guatapé is a great place to try a number of Colombian flavors, from arepa to chicharrónto the famous bandeja paisa, the national dish of Colombia.
I’ll break down some of the best places to eat in town in the next section, but you absolutely can’t miss the evening street vendors in the Parque Principal for some of the best flavors in town. Grab a chorizo cooked over an open flame or a delicious gooey arepa de queso before your drive back to Medellín.
Where to Eat in Guatapé
There are plenty of places to eat in Guatapé, from traditional Colombian dishes to international flavors. Here are some of my top recommendations.
🚴 Casa de Ciclistas
Best For: The best pizza in town, made with San Francisco Sourdough! Pass by for a baked treat or a hearty meal post-bike-ride
Price: $-$$
Location: Cl. 32 #28-91, Guatape, Guatapé, Antioquia | View on Google Maps
🇨🇴 Folklore Restaurant & Bar
Best For: Traditional Colombian flavors meet a modern twist! You’ll find dishes from multiple regions of Colombia, with a special focus on paisa flavors.
Price: $-$$
Location: Cl. 31 # 29-08, Guatape, Guatapé, Antioquia | View on Google Maps
🥩 Don Oscar
Best For: Steak dinner, Colombian style! Enjoy epic views of the Guatapé reservoir from its outdoor seating while you sip on a speciality cocktail
Price: $$-$$$
Location: Cl. 31 #30-10, Guatape, Guatapé, Antioquia | View on Google Maps
🍹Casa Cuba
Best For: Cuban-fusion food and specialty cocktails! Swing by for some delicious food or some rumba – this restaurant also hosts some of the best energy in town!
Price: $$-$$$
Location: Cl. 30 #30-232, Guatape, Guatapé, Antioquia | View on Google Maps
Where to Stay in Guatapé
We stayed at Lake View Hostel on our trip to Guatapé and absolutely loved it! This hostel is located right on the Guatapé Reservoir and hosts epic views (hence the name!) There are both dorm rooms and private rooms available, so I’d highly recommend it to solo travelers and couples alike. The hostel is also home to an on-site Thai restaurant, as well as hosts tours around the region, from paddleboarding to bike rides!
Here are a few more recommendations for where to stay in Guatapé:
Budget: Viajero Hostel and Beach Club ($): Colombia’s favorite hostel chain has a location in Guatapé! This location is especially unique as it’s located right on the reservoir, home to a large pool and lake club! Private rooms and dorms are available.
Mid-Range: Hotel Chromatic ($$): Stay at the most colorful hotel in Guatapé! This hotel is constructed in traditional paisa style, with colorful window panes and colorful features in every room that celebrate the spirit of Guatapé.
Luxury: La Pausa Hotelbistro ($$$): This luxurious hotel is the perfect place to relax on the banks of the Guatapé Reservoir. Each cabin is equipped with a sun terrace, outdoor fireplace, and garden with beautiful views, plus a delicious on-site restaurant to enjoy.
Find even more places to stay in Guatapé on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com
The Best Time to Visit Guatapé
Guatapé is known for its mild weather year-round, so no matter when you visit you’ll likely have temperatures ranging around 60-75 degrees daily.
Note that this region is prone to rain, so it’s important to be prepared with a lightweight rain jacket you can throw in your bag for a day trip to Guatapé! And don’t forget your bathing suit if you plan to enjoy the reservoir!
December is the Christmas season in Colombia and April is the Holy Season, so many Colombians have holidays during these times. If you’re planning on traveling during these periods, you’ll likely find larger crowds, so I recommend arriving early and booking in advance to beat the rush!
Concerned about safety in Guatapé and wider Colombia? Check out my full safety guide from the perspective of a solo female traveler!
Keep Exploring Antioquia
There is so much to love about Colombia, from the shores of the Caribbean coastline to the rolling hills of the eje cafetero. Whatever you’re looking for you’re sure to find – be it sipping a delicious cafe de origen or dancing the night away at a salsa club in Cali.
The department of Antioquia is one of the richest in biodiversity, food, and of course, paisa hospitality! While a day trip to Guatapé is a can’t-miss, there’s plenty more to do in the department, from exploring the colorful murals of Comuna 13 to exploring the Caribbean coastline of Antioquia!
With so much to love, you’ll want to stay forever! Make sure to check out the rest of my Colombia articles for more travel ideas, or follow my journey through all 32 Departments of Colombia to explore every corner of the country.
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.