All about Guatapé – What to do and tips
About Guatapé
Guatapé is a town of about 6,000 inhabitants, located at 1925 meters altitude, on 83 km from Medellín. A day trip to Guatapé is very popular in combination with climbing the rock el Peñol (3 km).
The most colorful town in Colombia?
When you walk in Guatapé, you feel like you have landed in one big photo shoot; there are houses in all colors of the rainbow, wall decorations with animals, symbols and churches and you will find all kinds of statues in town. Guatapé is known for the zocalos, colorful panels at the bottom of the houses depicting culture and history.
What to do in Guatapé
8 Tips for fun things to do
1. Climb the rock El Peñol
It takes some effort, as the 740 steps of the 200-meter-high monolith are quite steep, but once at the top, you are rewarded with a fantastic view of the lake and islets. You can easily stay for some time to take photos and order a drink. Once you reach the bottom, you can also enjoy the view at a lower level in the restaurant. Entrance to El Peñol: COP25.000/$6 (prices 2025). Please note that the ticket office accepts cash only; credit or debit cards are not accepted.
Opening hours: The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:30 PM.
2. Stroll through the town and have a cup of coffee among the locals
The perfect way to see village life in this colorful village. Start your walk at the Parque Principal, take a look inside the church and admire the zócalos and authentic houses in the Calle del recuerdo. Bij Plazoleta del Zócalo are tiny tables to have a cup of coffee among the locals, who take their daily caffeine “shots” there.
3. Stroll along the Malecón (promenade) and book a boat ride
With a boat ride you will have a beautiful view of el Peñol and experience the typical Colombian conviviality with danceable music and cheerful locals. Sitting still is really not going to work for you -:) Prices start at COP30,000 / $7 per person for an hour. If you prefer a quieter or more personalized trip, you can also book a private trip. A standard private speedboat accommodating up to 6 people typically starts at COP 250,000/$60 for a 30 to 45-minute ride.
4.Taste the local cuisine
Slide into a restaurant on the Malecón or in the village and order the specialty of the “Paisa” region, the Bandeja Paisa: a huge plate filled with meat, egg, friend plantain, beans, rice and avocado. If you’re nog a big fan of this, you can order our personal favorite: the fresh trout (trucha) Not in the mood for Colombian cuisine? Then go “French” at Guatacrep and try one of the sweet or savory crepes or baguettes prepared by the French chef. This place is a favorite among locals and travelers. Here you can read more about the culinary specialties of Antioquia and Medellín.
5. Go glamping in Guatapé
If you are going to do glamping in Guatapé, then you will have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you want a quieter place, stay near el Peñol instead of Guatapé. Want to spend the night in a very special place, with jacuzzi? Then book a luxury tent at Bosko Glamping.
6. Rent a kayak or pedal boat
Parque Comfama Guatapé is located between the town of Guatapé and the iconic Piedra del Peñol. The park spans over 7.6 hectares, providing lots of space for various activities amidst lush natural surroundings. There are picnic areas with grills, kiosks, and a restaurant.
The park offers many family friendly attractions, such as:
- Water attractions: kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats, and a large inflatable water obstacle course on Lake Guatapé.
- Land Attractions: Pirate ship play areas, splash pads, toboggan slides, and scenic walking trails.
7. Grab the scooter and go on an adventure
If you want to explore the area yourself on a scooter or motorcycle, you can rent one from Guatapé motos and Scooters Guatapé. Guatapé motos is a well established company and with them you can also book day trips or multi-day tours, such as a trip with overnight stay to Rio Claro nature reserve or to the jungle of San Rafael. Check out the options here.
Tips for renting a scooter:
- A valid driver’s license is typically required. Some companies may also request a passport and a security deposit.
- Ensure the rental includes helmets and other necessary safety equipment.
- It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
8. For a real adrenaline rush....
Do you want to have a different look on the iconic el Peñol? Then we have the tip for you! Make a paragliding trip and see the famous rock from high above! Another adventurous way to experience el Peñol is by climbing. Instead of climbing the 740 steps, experienced climbers can climb the back of the rock until they reach the top.
Plan your trip
How to get there
With an organized day tour
If you only have 1 day, then an organized tour is a convenient option. Most tours leave early from El Poblado park and include typical Colombian breakfast, lunch and a boat trip. An additional advantage of a tour is that you already have a nice group for the boat trip and lunch in Guatapé. Entrance to el Peñol is not included and you have to pay separately (around COP25,000/$6 in 2025).
On your own by bus
The bus tickets and boat trip are easy to arrange yourself. Buses run all day from Medellín (2h-Terminal del Norte). Prices start at COP20000/$5.
Tip: If you are in Guatapé, buy a ticket in advance for the return trip to Medellín, otherwise you run the risk that there is no room on the bus. Transportation between Guatapé and El Peñol is by tuk-tuk.
Climate and best time to go
- You can visit Guatapé year-round. The climate is similar to that of Medellín, with an average temperature of around 23 degrees
- On weekends, many Medellín residents make a day trip to Guatapé. If you want to explore the village without the crowds, plan your trip during the week.
Where to stay in Guatapé
$ price range up to $35
$$ price range $35 – $75
$$$ price range above $75
$$$
- The Boato Hotel
- Bosko glamping
- El Trebol
- Cannúa lodge, an exclusive lodge in Marinilla, 13 km from el Peñol
