Guatape Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Guatape - the colourful lake town near Medellin, home to El Penol rock and one of the most scenic reservoirs in Colombia.
Guatape is the day trip that everyone visiting Medellin makes, and the overnight stay that almost no one regrets making. The town sits on the shore of a vast artificial reservoir created in the 1970s, surrounded by hundreds of islands - hilltops submerged when the dam flooded the valley. The streets are painted in the most concentrated display of colour in Colombia, with every building decorated in the zocalo tradition. And above it all, visible from kilometres away, is El Peñol - a 220-metre granite monolith you can climb via 649 steps to one of the best viewpoints in the country.
Getting to Guatape
Buses from Medellin’s Terminal del Norte depart hourly (approximately COP 16,000 to 20,000 as of 2026; journey time 1.5 to 2 hours). The bus drops you at the main road below town. A tuk-tuk or mototaxi into the centre costs approximately COP 3,000.
Organised day tours from Medellin pick up from major hotels and cost approximately USD 20 to 35 per person as of 2026, including transport and a guide. These are convenient but rush the experience.
What to Do in Guatape
El Peñol is the primary attraction. The 649 steps to the summit take 20 to 30 minutes and the views over the reservoir and islands are exceptional on a clear day. The entrance is on the far side of the rock from the road - a 10-minute walk around the base. Entry approximately COP 20,000 as of 2026 (check current prices at the entrance). Go at opening time (7am) or late afternoon to avoid the mid-morning rush.
Boat tour of the reservoir - lanchas (motorboats) depart from the main pier on demand for tours of the islands and submerged villages visible below the waterline. Tours run approximately 30 to 60 minutes and cost COP 15,000 to 30,000 per person as of 2026 depending on duration. The ruins of Guadalupe village, flooded in the 1970s, are visible through the clear water.
Walking the zocalos - take an hour to walk every street looking at the decorated building facades. The zocalos depict local life, food, animals, and Colombian rural scenes. No two buildings are the same. The northwest corner of town near the church has the most concentrated and detailed examples.
Kayaking and paddleboarding on the reservoir are available from multiple rental outlets near the pier. Approximately COP 25,000 to 40,000 per hour as of 2026. Morning is calmer; afternoon winds can make paddling harder.
Swimming at the organised beach areas along the reservoir costs approximately COP 10,000 to 15,000 entry as of 2026 and includes access to changing rooms.
Where to Stay in Guatape
Hotel La Piedra del Peñol - a lakefront hotel with views of the reservoir from every room and a dock for water activities. Rates from approximately USD 80 per night as of 2026.
Hostal El Encuentro - a mid-range option in the colourful town centre, one block from the plaza, with clean rooms and a small terrace. Rates from approximately USD 50 per night as of 2026.
Casa de Juan - a family-run guesthouse with three rooms and a rooftop terrace looking toward El Peñol. Rates from approximately USD 40 per night as of 2026. The most personal option and excellent value.
Budget option: Hostal Zocalo with dorms from approximately COP 40,000 per night as of 2026.
Where to Eat in Guatape
Restaurante Lago Andino on the lakefront serves grilled trout, bandeja paisa, and fresh juices with views over the reservoir. Budget approximately COP 35,000 to 55,000 per person as of 2026.
El Farol on the plaza is the most popular everyday lunch spot - set menus with soup, main, and juice for approximately COP 15,000 to 22,000 as of 2026.
La Fogata near the pier serves good antioqueño food, reliable empanadas, and cold beer. Budget approximately COP 20,000 to 35,000 per person as of 2026.
Heladería El Nevado - the best ice cream in town, with flavours made from guanábana, lulo, and maracuyá. Approximately COP 5,000 to 8,000 per serving as of 2026.
Planning Your Time
Day trip from Medellin: leave by 7am, climb El Peñol before 9am, boat tour, lunch, return by 3pm. Overnight: add kayaking, a sunrise climb, and a proper evening in the plaza. Book a day tour from Medellin to Guatape to simplify the logistics. Pairs well with Medellin and Salento for a Paisa region circuit.