Colombia
Regenerative travel

A Guide To Visiting Guatapé, Colombia: Everything You Need To Know

Header paragraph for Gaby R: f you're planning a visit to Medellín, Colombia, don't miss the chance to escape the city's buzz with a trip to the colorful and peaceful town of Guatapé. Just two hours from Medellín, Guatapé is packed with vibrant zócalos, jaw-dropping views from El Peñol rock, and tranquil waters perfect for paddling or relaxing. In this guide to visiting Guatapé, we’ll share everything you need to know—from safety tips and transportation options to the best things to do while you're there. Whether you're day-tripping or staying overnight, this town is an unforgettable highlight of the Antioquia region. Let us help you slow down, connect with the culture, and discover why this pueblo mágico is one of Colombia’s most cherished destinations.

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A Guide To Visiting Guatapé, Colombia: Everything You Need To Know

Medellín is undoubtedly one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. From the exhilarating nightlife of Provenza and La 70 to the relaxed nature of Envigado and Laureles, this city can truly offer everything to make your Colombian adventure one for the ages! 

However, as thrilling as it is, the city’s energy can get overwhelming. At some point, you may feel like taking a break from the clamor, opting to instead immerse yourself in nature’s peace and stillness. Luckily, a pueblo only two hours outside Medellín could be just what you need! Step into the enchanting world of Guatapé. 

Guatapé is conveniently located very close to Medellín, in the heart of the department of Antioquia, Colombia. The gorgeous, rolling landscapes of Antioquia, combined with the crystalline waters of the reservoir have made Guatapé a popular destination to local and foreign travelers alike. This town is sure to capture your heart, which is why we’ve created this guide to visiting Guatapé, featuring everything you need to know, from transportation to all of the exciting activities you can do!

Is It Worth Visiting Guatape?

Considering the size of Medellín and its surroundings, you might wonder if it is worth taking the time to go out to Guatapé. In our opinion, there is only one answer to this question, and it is an unequivocal YES!

While the scenery alone is more than reason enough to visit, Guatapé also has a fascinating history. Namely, this classical pueblo wasn’t always as visually stunning as it is today. The town underwent a major development in the 1970s when officials built a hydroelectric dam to produce energy for Medellín. Over time, the area became flooded, creating the now iconic reservoir. But this stunning landscape isn’t even the only thing that makes Guatapé so popular!

In addition to the natural wonder, in Guatapé you will find a unique art form known as zócalos. These are elaborate decorations that adorn the lower sections of walls all around the town with vibrant patterns, images, and colors. Zócalos depict stories and histories of the town and her people. They are a fantastic way to learn more about Guatapé’s unique identity, and you can even take a tour to learn more about the zócalos. We will also address the elephant in the room: the massive, soaring rock that stands above the town. This stone is commonly known as El Peñol. Don’t worry, we will go into more detail about this natural treasure later in this guide. 

Is it Safe to Visit Guatape, Colombia?

When Colombia is discussed as a travel destination, safety concerns are sometimes raised. You may wonder whether Guatapé is a safe zone to visit, and we will reiterate our previous answer, which is an emphatic Yes. 

Though they are nearby, Guatapé can feel like a completely different world from Medellín. While certain areas of Medellín are not advisable to visit, Guatapé is a small town and the entire area is very secure and safe. Our only recommendation is that you make the journey from Medellín to Guatapé or vice versa during daylight hours. While in the pueblo, you can go out and about calmly to take advantage of the abundant natural splendor!

Can You Do a Day Trip to Guatape from Medellin? 

Considering Medellín’s proximity to Guatapé, this makes it the ideal day trip destination from the big city! The fact that Guatapé is a small town means that you can see most of it over a day. But be warned - once you arrive in the pueblo and begin exploring, you may not want to leave! You may begin wondering how you can extend your stay and we personally think this destination deserves 2 or more nights to soak it all in! 

Luckily this is an easy update to make! There is a wide range of accommodations in and around Guatapé that can suit all budget opinions, with varying degrees of luxury to simplicity. 

How To Get To Guatape, Colombia

Now that you’ve been introduced to this magnificent town, it’s time for us to cover the specifics of our guide to visiting Guatapé. The first item on the list is how to get to the town.

As previously mentioned, Medellín is near Guatapé and is almost always the starting point to arrive there. From Medellín, go to the North Bus Terminal, connected to the Caribe metro station. From there, you will need to go to the ticket office for Guatapé. There are many ticket offices, but they all demonstrate the destinations they sell tickets to with signs. There may be stops both in the town of Guatapé or at El Peñol, so make sure to specify that you are going to the town. 

The bus ride to Guatapé takes about two hours, maybe less if traffic is light. Also, don’t be surprised if some vendors or entertainers hop on the bus asking for tips. This is not unusual in buses around Colombia and other Latin American countries. Be careful if buying perishable foods from vendors, but otherwise, if you feel like supporting their enterprise, go for it! If not, you can say a simple “No, gracias”. 

Finally, be sure to disembark at the right station. From Guatapé, the bus may continue to San Miguel, yet another astounding destination worth visiting. If you accidentally pass through Guatapé and wind up in San Miguel, this may not be so bad! But we imagine you want to enjoy your Guatapé adventure in the town itself, so keep your ear open to the conductor’s announcements for when you arrive. 

Visiting the World Wonder is a lifetime experience, so you simply cannot skip it. You can reach it by train and bus combo and we recommend spending at least 1 night in the Sacred Valley on your way to or from Machu Picchu for an optimal visit. 

How To Get Around in Guatape, Colombia

You won’t need to worry about getting around Guatapé at all while you are there! For one, the town is conveniently sized for walking exploration, and all appealing spots are within walking distance of each other. 

One issue you may encounter is that some areas can be quite hilly and may take your breath away - literally. If you don’t feel like taking a hike, you can opt for tuk-tuks also known as moto-chivas! They are pretty much everywhere in the town, so if your feet need a break, hop on and enjoy the scenic ride! If you did stay somewhere outside of town they should be able to assist you in arranging transport to the center. 

Best Time To Visit Guatape

Guatapé doesn’t experience any major weather fluctuations throughout the year. You can enjoy it at any time, but the weather from June to early September is generally considered the best, so you might want to plan your adventure around this time. Still, this is tourism’s peak season, so you can also expect more demand and less availability during this time. 

Best Things to Do in Guatape, Colombia

For a small town like Guatapé, it packs a powerful punch with regard to all of the activities you can do while you’re there! For your convenience, we have rounded up some of the best things to do in Guatapé, Colombia. 

1. Climb The El Peñol Rock

We briefly mentioned El Peñol, and now it is time to properly elaborate on this literal giant! The El Peñol rock is undoubtedly the most popular tourist attraction in Guatapé. It is so revered that two townships, Guatapé and Peñol, both tried to claim ownership over it. This became a large dispute, and led to many creative ways to try and assert possession. One person had the idea of carving “Guatapé” on the rock, but members of Peñol found out and put an end to it. You can still see the letters “GU” etched onto the rock’s face. 

As for climbing the rock El Peñol, be prepared for the seven-hundred some steps that will take you to the top! Depending on your pace going up, this could take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more. When the stairways are crowded, the ascent and descent can be slow. To avoid this, we recommend going early in the morning near El Peñol’s opening, and also on weekdays as opposed to weekends. While it can be challenging, the views from the top are well worth it! And don’t forget to bring a hydrating drink and maybe some snacks. You can purchase food and beverages both at the entrance and even on top of the rock! But since it is a tourist hot-spot, anything you buy could be pricey. 

2. Admire The Zocalos

As you’re passing through Guatapé’s charming streets, the detailed decorations on each building are sure to leap out at you. They feature intricate murals and drawings called zócalos, which we mentioned earlier, depicting images from the town’s history or information about the inhabitants of the building. For instance, if you pass by a bakery, you’ll see zócalos with people baking!

Zócalos are everywhere you look in Guatapé, but some of the most interesting ones are located near the Community Museum on Calle 29. The street is rather short, but contains a depth of feeling in the images and banners that depict the zócalo’s history. Anyone history buffs out there should consider this place a must-visit!

3. Take a Cacao Workshop

You may be surprised to learn that nearby to Guatapé is land primed to grow the prolific cacao plant, the origin of many people’s favorite sweet treat: chocolate. Originating from Central America, this plant and its derivations have expanded to all over the world. Learn more about this fascinating plant and its history at a cacao workshop at our friends Joaquin and Erika’s business, Cuscún. 

Delve into the origins and journey of the cacao bean, exploring the intricate process of chocolate-making from bean to bar. Learn about the growth and cultivation of cacao, and uncover its rich history. This journey weaves through significant historical events, from the pre-colonial era of the Mayan, Aztec, and Incan civilizations to cacao’s transformation and spread during the post-colonial period. Cacao has a storied past in Colombia, dating back to ancient indigenous cultures that valued it both as a sacred crop and a form of currency. 

Partake in a sensory feast, tasting your way through the plant’s evolution from ancient cacao preparations to your own custom creations. This hands-on experience is a dream come true for any chocolate enthusiast! Even those who aren’t the biggest fans of chocolate will find themselves captivated by the wealth of knowledge and surprising complexities behind this delicious delicacy.

4. Go Out on the Water

There’s nothing better than connecting with nature and the healing power of water! Guatapé offers opportunities for a myriad of water activities, from kayaking and paddle-boarding to motor boat tours, making for the perfect way to get out into the heart of the natural landscape. Of course, we had to include this invigorating and cathartic experience in our guide to Guatapé!

When you’re out on the clear water, tune in with your inner spirit and take time to appreciate the lush greenery around you. With just a few deep breaths, all of your worries will drift away in the wind. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a tranquil venture onto the water, such as a rending paddle board. Alternatively, you can go for a more upbeat activity such as a tour around some of the most well-known points around the lake. Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted in the vast majority of the lake for safety reasons. But regardless of how you choose to enjoy this human-made wonder, you cannot pass up on the opportunity to become one with its beauty for some time. 

Whether you decide to visit this Colombian treasure for just a day or longer, we hope that our guide to visiting Guatapé, Colombia, will come in handy. There’s so much to do in this amazing place, so take the time to enjoy it fully! 

If you want to discover everything Antioquia has to offer, the Enchanting Pueblos & Transformed Barrios trip is just for you! We’ll take you on a journey through the highlights of Medellín and, of course, Guatapé. Be sure to check it out!

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Colombia Regenerative travel

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