Located just 50 miles from Medellín, Guatapé is the most colorful town in Colombia. The quaint and quirky pueblo has long been a mainstay for travel in Colombia.

Surrounded by lush countryside encroaching on an artificial lake, there's a lot to do in and around Guatapé. More than day trips from Medellín could ever hope to cover.

Guatapé has had a turbulent past. In the 1970s, the construction of a hydroelectric dam wiped out the town. Today, that dam has justified the upheaval it wrought, supplying over a third of Colombia's electricity while the new Guatapé thrives.

During the week, Guatapé is peaceful. But, on the weekend, Colombians make their way from Medellín as Guatapé transforms into a party town.

There are still plenty of activities to fill your days in Guatapé, aside from partying. The lake is the primary conduit for those activities.

Beyond the lake, rock-climbing, significant landmarks, hidden waterfalls, and excursions deep in the Colombian countryside await.

One highlight of any trip to Guatapé is La Piedra, or El Penol – which translates to 'The Rock.' A giant monolithic structure, La Piedra was named a national monument in the 1940s. It is also the second-largest monolith on the continent, towering 200 meters high and offering unbeatable views of the lake and the many islets jotting out from its waters. Locals will tell you that it's the best view in the world. It's not. But it is a view unlike any other.

Being a major transport hub in Colombia, the easiest way of reaching Guatapé is via Medellín. From Medellín, buses head directly to Guatapé every other hour for 23,000 COP.

If heading to Guatapé from San Gil, catch a bus to Bucaramanga for 23,000 COP. Then, catch a connecting bus directly to Medellín for 70,000 COP before catching the bus to Guatapé.

From Guadalupe, your route to Guatapé will be more complicated and pricier. First, you'll need to head to Santa Rosa via taxi. The taxi to Santa Rosa is a 55-kilometer journey and will cost about 85,000 COP. From Santa Rosa, you need to catch the bus departing for Medellin; this service runs every half an hour and will cost you 18,250 COP. Once you arrive in Medellín, catch the connecting bus to Guatapé.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences Guatapé has to offer.

Exploring Guatapé

Plaza de Zocalos

Plaza de Zocalos is Guatapé's main square. As tourists began to flock to Guatapé, the town built Plaza de Zocalos to capitalize on that tourism. It is incredibly charming and eye-poppingly colorful; though authentic, it is not.

It's a great spot to sit back and relax, accompanied by some delicious coffee. A cup of Colombia's specialty coffee, Tinto, from one of the cafés that line the square will cost a mere 1,000 COP.

During the afternoons and evenings, the square is home to live music courtesy of local artists. To accommodate this live entertainment Plaza de Zocalos also features theatre-style seating areas.

Calle De Recuerdo

Translating to 'Remembrance Street,' Calle de Recuerdo is the most colorful street in Colombia's most colorful town. It holds a special place in the hearts of Guatapé's people.

In 1919, a chap called Don Cheppe Parra crafted Guatapé's first-ever zocalo. The zocalos drew admiration from Don Cheppe's neighbors, who asked him to craft zocalos to adorn their homes. Over time, these cement depictions came to commemorate the town's history and its inhabitants' lives. It's a beautiful tradition serving as an open history book to Guatapé and its ancestors.

That all changed with the construction of the hydroelectric dam. The dam's development meant that most of the town was lost to the waters of the newly formed artificial lake, including Don Cheppe's Zocalos.

Today, Calle de Recuerdo is the only place in Guatapé that houses Don Cheppe's original works, thanks to considerable recovery efforts beneath the lake's waters.

Iglesia De Nuestra Señora Del Carmen

Another worthwhile stop in Guatapé, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a church located in Parque Principal Guatapé.

The church took 70 years to build before being completed in 1865. Painted in bright colors and adorned with all manner of zocalos, it's a stop that's hard to miss.

If you're looking for some downtime, sipping a coffee and people-watching near the church is a great way to do so.

The Malecón

Opened in 2019, the Malecón, or waterfront, is a new addition to Guatapé. A stroll down the Malecón offers beautiful views of the lake. Several pop-up stores sell juices and street food along the way. The Malecón is also a great spot for a morning jog if you love running.

El Penol

El Penol is the standout activity of any trip to Guatapé. As previously mentioned, this monolithic structure is the second largest in South America, second only to the Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

Technically, El Penol isn't in Guatapé. It's a 45-minute walk from town – or 5-10 minutes via cab or tuk-tuk.

Entrance to the national monument costs 18,000 COP. With your entrance fee paid, it's time to begin the knee-quivering climb to the top. This ascent encompasses 740 steps, all infuriatingly numbered to remind you how unfit you are.

Reaching the top, you'll have likely worked up a sweat. Luckily there are a couple of cafes offering refreshments. Then, all that's left to do is divert your attention to the sweeping views before you.

The view doesn't live up to its billing as 'The Best View In The World'. But it's pretty special all the same.

El Penol opens at 8:30 am, meaning you're unlikely to catch the sunrise, though – weather permitting – it's still the best time to make your ascent.

Rock Climbing El Penol

If the idea of climbing 740 steps to the summit of El Penol sounds mundane, there is another route. Rock climbing up the side of El Penol.

This alternative tour isn't for the faint-hearted and is challenging for those with little-to-no rock climbing experience.

The tour lasts approximately four hours. You'll find yourself following one of several routes up the rock face – one even has a hammock drilled into the rock for when you need a breather.

The best time to take this tour is early in the morning. It gets pretty hot later in the day. You can book the activity through Guatapé's most popular tour agency, Getaway Colombia, for 120,000 COP.

Exploring Laguna Guatapé

With Guatapé on the precipice of a sizable lake, water sports are a popular past-time. There are hundreds of islets to discover as you explore the lake. It's also an adventure you can undertake at relatively little expense. 

Look no further than Getaway Colombia if you want to hop out on a jet ski. For half an hour on the water, the price is 90,000 COP.

Alternatively, make a beeline for kayak hire. Exploring the lake by kayak offers a new perspective on this landscape and is one of the best ways to spend time in town.

When hiring a kayak, you'll have the option of a short-term or full-day rental. Most hostels, especially those perched on the lake's edge, will offer kayak hire to guests. Otherwise, head down to Getaway Colombia's offices, where you can hire a kayak at 25,000 COP for an hour, 50,000 COP for 3 hours, or 70,000 COP for a full day (9 am-6 pm).

La Manuela

Like most of Colombia, Guatapé felt the effects of the narcotics trade in the '80s and '90s. One of the islets on Laguna Guatapé houses the shell of La Manuela – the vacation home and second favorite property of Pablo Escobar.

Named after Pablo's daughter, La Manuela was an extensive property. In its heyday, it boasted a swimming pool, tennis courts, a full-sized soccer field-come-helipad, stables, a guesthouse, a seaplane deck, and exotic fauna not endemic to Colombia.

In 1993, the vigilante group known as Los Pepes (People Persecuted By Pablo Escobar) planted 200 kilograms of TNT in one of La Manuela's bathrooms. The bomb obliterated the property, reducing it to a husk of its former self.

The government left the remains of La Manuela to rot. The property has been riddled with graffiti. Many of the walls still standing have been hollowed out by people looking for stashed cash or cocaine.

Narco-tourism is a contentious topic for the people of Colombia. Centering around a man responsible for thousands of deaths and years of sustained domestic terrorism, who can blame them?

Colombia has worked hard to shake the perception that it's a country riddled with drug traffickers and violence. So it's a real shame when people visit the country and fixate their interest on an era Colombians are desperate to consign to the past.

You won't find tours to La Manuela advertised, though they are there if you ask around. If you visit, be conscious of finding a tour that doesn't glorify the atrocities of the mansion's former owner.

Cycle to San Rafael

The landscapes encroaching on Guatapé are luscious, green, and filled with natural attractions.

One of the best ways to discover this landscape is by cycling to San Rafael, located 27-kilometers from Guatapé. There's not a lot to write home about in San Rafael.

What makes this excursion worth it boils down to two factors. First is the journey through the rolling hills of the Colombian countryside. Second is the natural swimming holes and waterfalls found outside San Rafael.

To take in the sights surrounding San Rafael, you have two options. The first is to cough up for a guided tour of the area. The second is to rent a bike and explore independently. 

The full-day tour offered by Getaway Colombia encompasses 7 hours of cycling to and swimming in various spots around San Rafael, costing 120,000 COP. That fee includes bike rental and meals.

If you explore independently, you can rent a bike for the day with Getaway Colombia for 35,000 COP. The journey to San Rafael from Guatapé is mostly downhill. While the journey to San Rafael is pleasant and easy-going, the return leg is hard work. We recommend catching a bus back to Guatapé, which costs 8,000 COP. 

If touring San Rafael's surrounding area independently, there are three spots you should explore.

La Cazuela Waterfall

Found 5 kilometers from San Rafael on the side closer to Guatapé, La Cazuela is the perfect stop to cool off on your route into town. Here you'll find crystal clear waters and quiet forest surroundings. Spotting the sign for La Cazuela on your way towards San Rafael is a doddle. You can't miss it.

Las Tangas

This swimming hole is a 25-minute walk from San Rafael. Boasting pristine waters and a tranquil setting, Las Tangas is a worthy stop. Even at its busiest, you'll only encounter a few local families.

El Trocadera

Also known as Laguna Azul, El Trocadera is a bit further from San Rafael than Las Tangas. It also tends to be busier, sowing to the fact that there is a campsite next door.

Zip-Lining

Zip-lining is a cheap and cheerful activity, costing just 12,000 COP for 5-10 minutes of fun. 

The zip-line in question is called Cable Paseo, found at the edge of the lake on the outskirts of Guatapé. Feel free to ask some locals for directions if you're struggling to locate it.

The zip-line spans 680 meters across the lake.

Parque Comfama

Parque Comfama Guatapé tends to fly under the radar. Nonetheless, an afternoon at Parque Comfama is the perfect remedy if you need a break from adventuring and exploring.

Entrance to Parque Comfama costs just 13,000 COP.

Among the activities available at Parque Comfama are an inflatable obstacle course, a large water slide, and bbq facilities. You can also explore Laguna Guatapé via pedals, water trike, rowboat, or kayak.

The park is open from 9 am - 5 pm, providing plenty of time to enjoy the park's activities.

Casa Rosa Hostel

Casa Rosa is one of the first buildings built in Guatapé, over 200 years old, and based 40 meters from the main square.

Guests at Casa Rosa enjoy free WiFi, security lockers, and an alfresco-style outdoor common room area. There are also several bars just a short walk away if you're in the mood to party.

For an additional charge, Casa Rosa also offers breakfast. However, lunch and dinner aren't on the menu with no self-catering facilities available. However, finding your meals won't be an issue with so many restaurants close to the hostel.

Regarding the accommodation, Casa Rosa offers dorms and private rooms to guests.

Dorms are available in variations that accommodate four, six, or eight occupants. All the dorm rooms at Casa Rosa cost 30,000 COP. Dorms also feature bedside plugs and a reading light. 

Private rooms are available from 65,000-80,000 COP, with basic, standard, and deluxe rooms on offer.

Lake View Hostel

Located a little out of town, you'll find the Lake View hostel next to Laguna Guatapé. It was Guatapé's first hostel and remains one of the very best.

Guests benefit from a host of amenities, including free WiFi, an indoor common room, terrace, and sun deck. Lake View Hostel also offers activities booked through the hostel, courtesy of a longstanding affiliation with Getaway Colombia. The activities available through Lake View Hostel include paragliding, rock climbing, bridge jumps, and bike tours.

Lake View Hostel provides breakfast for 12,000-14,000 COP. You can choose a full English, omelet, breakfast burritos, granola, or a traditional Colombian affair to start your day. All breakfasts are served with fresh juice, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

There are also self-catering facilities and a dedicated barbeque area. Not to mention an on-site restaurant upstairs (more on that in a sec). The restaurant also doubles as the hostel's bar, with daily happy hours for guests.

Lake View Hostel offers a selection of dorm-style and private rooms.

Dorm rooms are available from 20,000-25,000 COP, with prices varying between 8-bed, 6-bed, and 4-bed rooms.

Meanwhile, private rooms can cost between 100,000-140,000 COP.

A standard private will cost 100,000-120,000 COP. A private room with room to sleep three and featuring its own private balcony will cost 105,000-125,000 COP. A boutique private boasting a private balcony with lake views will set you back 120,000-140,000 COP. Variances in price are down to seasonal peaks. All private rooms feature a private bathroom.

Galeria Guatapé Hostel

Galeria Guatapé is another superb hostel, albeit a little outside of town. However, if you wake up at the base of El Penol, do you really care?

Galeria Guatapé boasts its own sun terrace, a sizeable garden on the lake, and a private pier – perfect for taking a swim.

Guests can also access free WiFi throughout the property. There are also laundry facilities and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen. In addition, the hostel has luggage storage, security lockers, a book exchange, a games room, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

If you wake up peckish, a traditional Colombian breakfast is included in the price of your stay.

As for the rooms, you can choose between a private or dorm room. Most rooms are light and airy, courtesy of panoramic windows looking out towards El Penol.

Dorm rooms are 4-bed and are priced between 45,000-55,000 COP. The dorms are equipped with shared bathrooms, a wardrobe to store belongings, and power sockets near the beds.

Private rooms are priced from 115,000-120,000 COP. All privates have a private toilet (though you'll have to use a shared bathroom), a wardrobe for your belongings, and power sockets. The pricier private rooms also feature a balcony facing the lake and El Penol.

Thai Terrace

The Thai Terrace restaurant is located on the top floor of the Lake View Hostel. Even if you aren't a guest, dining at Thai Terrace is a no-brainer and a great place to meet other travelers.

The restaurant is led by international chef Marcela Zamudio. Marcela serves up starters and mains centered around choices of soup, salad, noodles, rice, and curry. Deserts are also available. 

Starters will cost between 8,000-10,000 COP. Mains can cost anything from 16,000-28,000 COP. Deserts are modestly priced between 7,000-8,000 COP.

Thai Terrace also features a bar serving a range of domestic beers priced between 3,000-6,000 COP. Shots are on the table at 5,000 COP. Cocktails are available from 10,000-15,000 COP. Wine is also on the menu by the bottle for 25,000-35,000 COP.

Don De Sam

This is another popular restaurant due to the sheer number of available dishes and its lakeside terrace. Don De Sam is (predictably) run by a chap called Sam. Sam hails from India via Bahrein, New York, and Mexico City.

Given Sam's background, Indian cuisine is the house specialty. However, the restaurant also offers authentic Colombian, Chinese, Italian, Thai, and Mexican cuisine. Vegetarian options are available throughout the menu.

Pricewise, starters come in at under 10,000 COP, while mains cost between 20,000-30,000 COP. If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful lunch, Don De Sam offers an excellent menu del dia.

Drinks include cocktails costing 16,000 COP, beers at 5,000 COP, and a bottle of wine from 60,000 COP.

Namaste Cafe

Guatapé is a carnivorous kind of town. So, finding a vegan and veggie establishment such as Namaste Cafe is a god-send — and a pretty damn good one.

Owned by Colombia native Adriana, Namaste Cafe has been delighting customers since 2015. It is located along Guatapé's Malecón, just a few minutes from the town center.

The cafe serves a range of delicious drinks, snacks, and more substantial meals to fill guests' bellies.

To quench your thirst, you can order locally sourced coffee or choose from a range of fresh tropical juices for 5,000 COP. There's also a selection of locally brewed beers priced between 4,000-7,000 COP.

For food, you can choose from a selection of sweet treats, including carrot cake and vegan crêpe, for 5,000 COP. There is also a delicious lunch sandwich filled with sautéed vegetables, vegan cheese, hummus, baba ghanoush, and an eggplant paste, all for 16,000 COP.

The cafe offers a selection of vegan pasta, pizza, and risotto dishes for more substantial meals, priced modestly at 25,000 COP tops.

The climate in Guatapé doesn't vary much. Temperatures fluctuate between 22-25ºC. During the dry season, temperatures range from 24-25ºC.

The first dry season stretches from December to February, with precipitation ranging from 106mm to 155mm.

The second dry season lasts from June to September and represents the hottest months of the year. During these months, you can expect precipitation to range from 86mm-120mm per month.

Guatapé typically sees more gringos during December, January, and February. It's worth considering that the town will also get busier during the weekends as locals from Medellín escape to the country for a fun-filled weekend away.

We recommend planning your trip to Guatapé in June-September. At this time of year, rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures at their highest. There are also fewer tourists than during the earlier dry season. For a quiet stop in Guatapé, go during the week, dodging the influx of tourism from Medellín over the weekend.

Our Map Of Guatapé, Colombia