If you’re spending any amount of time in Medellín, you’ll hear the same recommendation again and again:

“You have to visit Guatapé.”

Locals say it. Travelers rave about it. And Instagram… well… let’s just say you’ve definitely seen the photos.

Guatapé is a ridiculously colorful little lakeside town just two hours from Medellín. Its giant granite rock — Piedra del Peñol — shoots 200 meters into the sky, giving you a panoramic view that’s worth every one of the 740 steps required to reach the summit.

But Guatapé is more than a single viewpoint. It’s a place for slow wandering, boat rides, good food, lakeside relaxation, and learning the story of a region literally rebuilt after a massive flood in the 1970s.

If you want a perfect escape from Medellín’s urban energy, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Visit Guatapé?

Guatapé combines three things travelers love:

1. The View

Let’s be honest — everyone comes for that viewpoint. The deep-blue reservoir curves around dozens of green islands, almost like a Colombian version of Halong Bay.

2. The Town

Guatapé is one of the most colorful towns in all of Colombia. The zócalos (decorative panels) on every building make it feel like walking through an open-air museum.

3. The Water

Boat trips, jet skis, paddleboards, floating bars — the lake is half the fun.

Add in easy transport, great food, low prices, and friendly locals, and it becomes one of the best day trips in Colombia.

How to Get to Guatapé from Medellín

You have four options, ranked by convenience:

1. Join an Organized Day Tour (Most Convenient)

Tours cost $25–35 USD and usually include:

• Transport from Medellín

• Breakfast

• Rock entrance ticket

• Boat trip

• Guided visit to the town

• Lunch

Recommended for:

• First-time visitors

• Those short on time

• People who want a stress-free day

Tours leave early (6–8 AM) and return by evening (5–7 PM).

2. Bus from Medellín (Most Budget-Friendly)

Head to Terminal Norte and take a bus to:

• “Guatapé” or

• “La Piedra” (stop for the rock)

Buses leave every 20–30 minutes.
Price: 17,000–20,000 COP (~$4–5 USD)
Travel time: 2–2.5 hours

Tip:

If you’re going straight to the rock, ask for the La Piedra stop. It drops you right near the entrance road.

3. Private Driver (Most Comfortable)

Perfect for groups of 3–6 people.

Cost: 350,000–550,000 COP (~$80–130 USD round trip)
Door-to-door convenience.

4. Rent a Car (Most Flexible)

Roads are good, driving is easy outside the city.

Cost: 150,000–250,000 COP/day (~$35–60 USD)

But parking around the rock can be tight on weekends.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Day trip: Perfect if you want the highlights.
Overnight stay: Even better if you want a more relaxed pace or to enjoy the lake.

If you have the time, staying 1–2 nights gives you sunset boat rides, quiet mornings, and the chance to avoid crowds at the rock.

What to Do in Guatapé

Here’s everything worth doing — plus some hidden gems most travelers miss.

1. Climb Piedra del Peñol (El Peñón de Guatapé)

This is the reason people come.

Entrance Fee:

25,000 COP (~$6 USD)

Steps:

740 — numbered so you can track progress (or your suffering).

Time:

15–30 minutes to climb
10–20 minutes to descend

• at least 20–30 minutes at the top for photos

Tips:

• Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds

• Bring water

• Wear proper shoes

• Don’t stop right at the top — climb the extra spiral staircase to the very top

The 360° view is honestly one of the best in South America.

2. Wander the Colorful Streets of Guatapé Town

The town is an explosion of color.

Every building has zócalos — decorative painted panels showing local life, animals, history, or just fun designs.

Don’t miss:

• Calle del Recuerdo

• Plaza Principal

• Malecon (waterfront)

• Calle 32 (super colorful photo spot)

Stroll slowly, grab a coffee, and let yourself be charmed.

3. Take a Boat Ride on the Reservoir

A boat trip is essential — it gives you a whole new perspective.

Options include:

• Shared boats (20–30 minutes, 20,000 COP)

• Private boats (100,000–200,000 COP per hour)

• Jet skis (fun but pricey)

• Floating bars and lakeside clubs

What you’ll see:

• Giant mansions

• Forested islands

• Remains of El Peñol’s old town (now underwater)

• Former site of Pablo Escobar’s lakeside mansion

Most tours include the boat trip — but it’s easy to book yourself on the waterfront.

4. Visit El Peñol Town & the Giant Phoenix Statue

El Peñol is the quieter neighbor to Guatapé. It has:

• Cheaper food

• A calmer vibe

• A massive phoenix statue symbolizing the rebirth of the town after relocation

Most tourists skip it — which makes it a nice change of pace.

5. Enjoy the Lake (Paddle, Swim, or Relax)

Guatapé is one of the best lake destinations in Colombia.

Depending on your energy level, you can:

• Kayak

• Paddleboard

• Rent jet skis

• Take photos from the waterfront

• Swim near designated areas

• Relax at lakeside cafés or hostels

6. Try the Local Food

Must-try dishes:

• Trucha (trout) — the local specialty

• Sancocho — hearty Colombian soup

• Bandeja Paisa — if you’re hungry

• Fresh fruit juices

• Empanadas

Best places to eat:

• Pizzeria De Luigi — excellent pizza

• La Fogata — grilled meats

• Café La Viña — best coffee in town

• Malecon food stalls — cheap and tasty

7. Explore Beyond the Main Town

If you stay overnight or take your time:

Check out:

• Waterfalls (San Rafael area)

• More secluded lake viewpoints

• Beautiful rural roads perfect for biking

• Eco-parks and forest walks

This is where Guatapé transforms from a tourist day trip into a peaceful nature escape.

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Sample Guatapé Day Trip Itinerary

6:00–7:00 AM

Leave Medellín (bus or tour pickup)

9:00 AM

Climb Piedra del Peñol

10:30 AM

Boat trip on the lake

12:00 PM

Lunch in Guatapé town

1:30 PM

Explore colorful streets & zócalos

3:00 PM

Coffee + relaxing on the malecón

4:00 PM

Return to Medellín

6:00–7:00 PM

Arrive back at your accommodation

Safety Tips for Visiting Guatapé

Guatapé is much safer than Medellín — but some basics apply:

Do:

• Keep your phone secure

• Wear proper shoes for climbing

• Bring sunscreen (the sun is intense)

• Use ATMs inside banks

• Stay hydrated

Avoid:

• Leaving valuables on waterfront areas

• Wandering on isolated roads at night

• Swimming outside designated areas

Crime is very low, but pickpocketing can happen on crowded rock staircases.

Costs and Budget

Guatapé is very affordable.

Entrance to Piedra del Peñol

25,000 COP (~$6 USD)

Boat Trips

20,000–30,000 COP per person
100,000–200,000 COP/hour private

Meals

15,000–35,000 COP ($4–9 USD)

Coffee

5,000–8,000 COP ($1–2 USD)

Transport

Bus: 17,000–20,000 COP
Tour: 150,000–180,000 COP

A full day trip rarely exceeds $25–40 USD unless you rent jet skis or fancy boats.

Where to Stay If You Spend the Night

Budget:

• Lake View Hostel

• Galería Guatapé

Mid-range:

• Hotel El Trebol

• Lake View Hotel

Boutique / Luxury:

• Bosko (luxury eco-domes overlooking the lake — absolutely stunning)

• Luxé by The Charlee

Staying overnight is highly recommended if you want quieter viewpoints and better sunset light.

Best Time to Visit Guatapé

Dry Season (Dec–Mar, Jul–Sep)

Best weather, great for climbing and boat trips.

Rainy Season (Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov)

Still fine — but expect afternoon showers.

Avoid weekends if possible; weekdays are calmer and less crowded.

Final Thoughts: Is Guatapé Worth It?

Absolutely.
Guatapé is one of the most rewarding, photogenic, and enjoyable destinations in Colombia — and it’s incredibly easy to visit from Medellín.

Whether you’re climbing that iconic rock, exploring the colorful streets, or cruising through the reservoir, the whole experience makes a perfect break from the city.

Go early. Bring your camera. Take your time. Enjoy the view.
And if you can — stay the night.