Guatape, Colombia: The Must Visit City in 2023
Tucked away in Colombia’s Antioquian countryside is Guatape, Colombia. With Medellin’s recent boom, both tourists and locals are escaping the concrete jungle of Medellin & cruising into the tranquil hills of this charming city.
Whether you are taking a day trip from Medellin or doing a weekend trip from Medellin, this guide will ensure you do the best things in Guatape in 2021
How to get to Guatape Colombia from Medellin
Bus from Medellin to Guatape without a Guide or Group
- Find your way to the Caribe station and purchase a one-way ticket from window 9 or 14
- Bus Ticket prices are about 15,000 Colombian Pesos from Medellin to Guatape. Roughly $4.50 USD and busses run from 6am to 6pm daily
- Find your bus and enjoy the scenic 2 hour ride
Join a Guatape Tour from Medellin
Guatape is easily one of the most popular day trips from Medellin. Because of this, hostels and businesses alike have developed high-quality tours that travelers rave about.
If you have only one day and don’t want to think about planning a trip yourself, this option might be perfect for you!
Rent a Motorbike from Medellin
How adventurous are you? Those looking to really feel the wind on their face can take their own pace with a Medellin motorbike rental and explore the off-beaten path.
Ask your hostel about the best places to rent a motorbike in Medellin!
Rent a car from Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport
If you’re feeling like doing this trip and others a bit more comfortably, rent a car! Find a rental service at the airport!
Best Things to do and See in Guatape
Now you might be asking yourself, what can I do while in Guatape?
Well, whether you’re doing a quick day trip by yourself or are making a weekend jaunt, these are some of the best things to see and do in Guatape:
Hike to the summit of El Penol de Guatape
Guatape is mainly known for it’s massive monolith rock structure, El Penol de Guatape aka Piedra del Penol.
This massive rock is as incredible to see from the distance as it is from the summit.
Hike the ___ stairs and enjoy one of the best views in all of Colombia
El Peñon de Guatape Aka “the best view in the world“.
After a 700 stair ascent to the viewing platform it’s obvious why people journey for this view, just look at it.
The beauty far exceeds these shots & every step is worth it once reaching the top.
Refreshments are available for those in need of that afternoon, early morning, or sunset beer.
Discover the "Zocalos" in Guatape's Colorful Downtown
Guatape is touted as one of the most colorful cities of Colombia. Aside from the green and blue of the countryside, the city center has more colors than you will be able to count.
Within these colorful streets are unmissable and distinct themed placard borders.
These are called Zocalos and you will immediately gravitate to them once you start seeing them.
Explore Guatape by Bicycle
Water isn’t the only playground here. With miles & miles of trails to choose from, the most adventurous can hike or rent a bike to explore some solid trails with endpoints at waterfalls, hidden lagoons, & secluded lookouts.
Popular bike trips will take you to the beauty of San Rafael.
Kayak the Freshwater Ecosystem
The freshwater system in Guatape is one of Colombia’s largest and quite majestic.
For $12/day, visitors can paddle all around the gorgeous waters and revel in the beauty of the Colombian countryside.
Hike to the Cristalino Waterfalls
Visit multiple waterfalls in the Andean mountains and gain over 700ft of elevation along the way.
You will need a few hours to do this so make sure you are planning this one well.
Guatape Paragliding
Soar high above the city and see this place like never before. This might be the best city to paraglide in Colombia or even South America
Rent a Boat on the Guatape Reservoir
When was the last time you had a bad time on a boat? Well, you probably haven’t, and this one definitely won’t be a bad time.
Find some serenity in the middle of the reservoir or throw a little fiesta on your boat!
Parque Comfama Guatapé
Anything water-related you can find here! Kayaks, boats, etc. This area is more than worth your time and money so if you have the time, make it happen over here.
Rent a Luxury Camping Dome
Guatape offers visitors a designated camping zone in the area but a more unique experience you can immerse yourself in is renting a luxury camping dome overlooking the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir.
Although expensive at $195/night, they are a truly unforgettable way to nestle yourself into the dramatic landscape.
Sample some of the Best Ice Cream In Antioquia
Hot days are best enjoyed with Ice Cream. Luckily you can find some of the best artisanal ice creams in Guatape on those hot days. Sample as many helados of Antioquia as possible!
Where to Eat in Guatape
Speaking of feast, you’ve definitely worked up an appetite from exploring El Penol and everything else in Guatape. Here are the best Guatape restaurants to eat at:
- Kushbu Indian Cuisine – Sam, owner, and Chef, who has traveled worldwide, is generous, gregarious, open, and charming. The food reflects his personality and is a must-visit place!
- Thai Terrace – Above the Lakeshore Hostel, this is an excellent place for Thai food in Guatape
- Guatacrep – Grab a crepe from Guatacrep. You’ve earned it!
- Black Hole Coffee – Grab a cup of Colombian coffee from this artisan roaster in Guatape. Visit the storefront to enjoy an ice cream or locate the mobile bicycle stand around town!
- Anywhere on the water to enjoy the views!
Where to Stay in Guatape
Now where do you stay after you’ve taken in all the sights for a day? Here are some great places to stay in Guatape:
- Casa Rosa Hostel. More of a homestay than a hostel, Francesca is a wonderful host and especially great for those looking to improve their Spanish. With a perfect location a block away from the center & a low-key vibe, Casa Rosa lets you slow down & find some tranquility.
- Lakeview Hostel is another great option for the overnight crowd. This is one of the best hostels in Guatape and should be on anyone’s radar who is staying overnight. Unfortunately, I didn’t stay there but I met countless people who raved about their positive experiences. Finally, if you can make it happen, Thai Terrace is a more than worthy place to grab an amazing Thai meal.
Getting Around Guatape and the Antioquian Countryside
Guatape is compact and simple to navigate.
Walk the streets and into the outskirts of town.
If you need a ride, there are plenty of tuk tuk’s that will get you where you need to go and for very cheap.
Best Time of the year to visit Guatape Colombia
Guatape has pretty good weather most of the year with rain showers throughout most of the months. To avoid crowds throughout
Beyond Guatape Colombia Travel - What's Next?
At the end of the day, traveling to Guatape is a breeze. The city is condensed and the main sights are close enough to not get yourself too lost.
If you have the time, make sure to check out the often forgotten, Necocli.
Basing yourself here will give you access to some Caribbean beaches like: San Juan de Urabá to Arboletes
Have you ever been to Guatape? What is your favorite part of this Puebla?
For those heading back to Medellin, these are some helpful guides I’ve created to maximize your time in the city of eternal spring: