Is Guatape worth a visit? Absolutely. Let’s explore this cute Colombian town and look at some of the best things in Guatape. How to get there, what to do, and where to stay.
Where is Guatape?
Guatapé, located in the northwest region of Colombia and to the east of Medellín, is a picturesque Andean resort town renowned for its charming houses adorned with vibrant bas-reliefs. Set alongside the expansive Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, a thriving hub for water sports, the town offers a scenic and lively environment.
Southwest of Guatapé stands the imposing Piedra del Peñol, a colossal granite rock featuring a staircase with hundreds of steps leading to its summit, where breathtaking panoramic views await.
How To Get to Guatape
This Colombia town is a popular destination for those looking to do a day trip out of Medellin. It takes about two hours to get there by bus(one way) so a day trip is certainly doable.
If you are brave enough you could rent a car and drive there yourself of course.
I am almost always a fan of staying at least a night in a town. You are driving 2+ hours to get there, spending the day, and then 2+ hours back to Medellin(possibly after dark). I think you should stay at least one night. It’s okay to go slow and take your time.
Taking a public bus journey from Medellin to Guatapé spans a mere 2 hours, with a cost of 25,000 COP ($5.50 USD) per person.
To embark on this journey, make your way to Terminal del Norte, the designated bus station in Medellin. Conveniently, the Caribe Metro Station on Line A seamlessly connects with Terminal del Norte, eliminating the need for an extensive walk.
The city transit system in Medellin is very good.
Upon reaching Terminal del Norte, proceed to the ticket booths located downstairs to purchase your ticket. Look for a prominent sign reading “Guatapé” at ticket booth number 14, your destination for acquiring the bus ticket. In case you encounter difficulty finding the right booth, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance, as there is only one company that consistently travels to Guatapé.
Buses departing directly from Medellin to Guatapé operate approximately every 30 minutes.
It’s worth noting that the bus makes a stop at La Piedra del Penol (the rock) about 5 minutes before reaching Guatapé. If you wish, you have the option to disembark here and climb the rock before continuing your journey to explore the town of Guatapé.
As luck would have it my hostel was right next to El Penol, so I got off the bus and was at my hostel!
What Are The Best Things in Guatape To See and Do?
I think the town in and of itself is one of the best things in Guatape. It is so colorful and picturesque. It is easy to just wander around the streets and enjoy yourself.
If you decide to sign up for a day tour from Medellin to Guatape they will look after you with a boat trip, feed you breakfast and lunch and take you to El Penol(the huge monolithic rock). Yes, you can climb to the top but the entrance fee is NOT included in your tour fee. It’s about $6USD or 20000 Colombian pesos. It’s worth it. You came to do this so let’s go! Only 740 steps to the top.
You could also do a full-day small-group guided tour from Medellin, Colombia. Learn about the entire coffee-making process on a working coffee farm. Climb to the top of the famous Guatape rock for views of the surrounding countryside. You will explore the cobblestone streets of the town of Guatape to learn about the area’s history and culture.
One of the best things in Guatape is that Pablo Escobar(yes THAT Pablo Escobar) used to have one of his many homes there.
This mansion(in disrepair) is situated right on the edge of the lake near Guatapé. Although official “Pablo Escobar tours” no longer operate, preventing access to the interior of the house, you can still participate in a boat tour departing from Guatapé. These tours provide an opportunity to cruise past the historic house and gain insights into its intriguing past. And you get a boat ride on the lake. Bonus!
Calle del Recuerdo is celebrated as Guatapé’s most enchanting street, faithfully replicating one of the picturesque avenues from the old town. This replication offers a glimpse into the area’s history before it was submerged to facilitate the creation of hydroelectric dams.
One of the best things in Guatape is the nature and opportunities for hiking.
And hiking to uncover a hidden oasis, where you can rejuvenate with a refreshing swim, is an even better experience experience.
Enter La Casuela Waterfall—a gem tucked away in the heart of lush jungle surroundings. Despite its modest size, the waterfall boasts crystal-clear waters. What adds to its allure is its off-the-beaten-path location; you may be the only one there!
Sit and relax in Plaza del Zocalo.
The Plaza del Zocalo stands out as Guatapé’s most vibrant square—a sight that must be witnessed to be truly appreciated. Additionally, an outdoor amphitheater-style seating area frequently hosts live music performances in the afternoons.
This charming square provides a beautiful setting to unwind, bask in the music, and revel in the lively and colorful atmosphere of Guatapé.
There is also a main plaza that is much bigger with shops and bakeries surrounding it. It is a wonderful place to sit, enjoy a coffee and people watch.
Speaking of coffee, did you know that some of the world’s finest coffee beans are cultivated on the outskirts of Guatapé? Therefore, indulging in copious amounts of exceptional local coffee while exploring Guatapé is practically a must.
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As you meander through the streets of Guatapé, you’ll encounter a plethora of cafes to satisfy your coffee cravings. I will argue that I had some of the best coffee in all of my travels in Guatape at Cafe La Vina.
You need to eat and you might want to enjoy “Trucha”. This refers to trout, a fish abundant in the lake surrounding Guatapé. Consequently, trucha stands out as one of the best things in Guatape most favored culinary delights in Guatapé, offering both freshness and affordability. In fact, you can relish a complete fried trout meal, accompanied by rice, salad, fries, and fried plantain, for as little as 16,000 COP ($3.50 USD).
Don’t worry. If fish isn’t your thing or you eat a more plant based diet you will be fine. There are lots of eateries that cater to all eating styles. You can check out Namaste Vegan on Instagram.
Another of the best things in Guatape is to wander the streets of and take in the plethora of charming shops and stalls, each offering handicrafts and souvenirs. Finding a unique and special item to purchase as a souvenir is effortless in Guatapé if you are looking for something to buy.
In 2019, Guatapé unveiled its own Malecón, a scenic waterfront boardwalk. Here, you can leisurely walk along the lake, taking in the breathtaking views. Along the way, you’ll find small stands offering refreshing juices and snacks for you to enjoy.
There are certainly more things to do in Guatape.
You can go parasailing, jetskiing, take a cruise on the lake, go horseback riding and more! So may things to do in this small town. This is why I am a fan of staying for a night or two.
Also see: Is Villa de Leyva Worth Visiting?
Where Should I Stay in Guatape?
There are few hostels closer to El Penol, which is about a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride into the main town. Or you can wait for a local bus to come by. They are on a schedule, Every 30 minutes or so.
Or you can get a hostel right in town. I cannot remember the name of my hostel in 2019 🙁
It was great. Right next to El Penol and it had stairs down to a dock on the lake that was awesome for some swimming. I cannot find it on any booking engines(as of December 2023)
Alegria Hostel Guatapé looks nice. I’d consider booking there. About $11 USD for a dorm bed so very budget friendly for us backpackers.
Lake View Hostel is only a few minutes walk from the plaza mayor of the pueblo of Guatape and looks fantastic. I see dorm beds for about $12 USD.
As usual hostels sometimes look great in photos but you don’t know until you get there and see what the vibe is like.
Is Guatape worth visiting? I certainly think so. I like smaller towns where you can slow down, do some hiking, and enjoy a good coffee. Guatape certainly offers that and much more.
These are just some of the best things in Guatape for you to consider as you paln your backpacking trip.
Have you been to Guatape? Are you planning a trip there? What are YOUR best things in Guatape to see and do?
Let us know in the comments.
[…] Day Trip to Guatapé– Embark on a colorful adventure to the town of Guatapé, known for its picturesque streets and the iconic El Peñól, with its 740-step climb. Personally I think Guatapé is worth a couple of days to just sit still and relax. Plus I had some of the best coffee in Colombia while I was there. […]
[…] Also see: The Best Things In Guatape to See and Do […]