Guatapé, Colombia Travel Guide: Best Things To Do
Guatapé is a unique and colorful village hidden in the luscious hills of Antioquia. Situated about and hour and a half east of Medellin, Guatapé makes for a great day trip or retreat from city of eternal springs. This guide to Guatapé will go over the best restaurants, places to stay, things to do, and more in Guatapé. Read on to discover Guatapé, Colombia.
Only a few years ago Guatapé was extremely dangerous part of Colombia, with frequent kidnappings, robberies, and homicides. Also home to one of Pablo Escobar's estates, Guatapé has a fascinating history, but has grown into a gorgeous osaias for travelers over the years.
What To Know Before Visiting Guatape, Colombia
Currency – Colombian Pesos (1 Colombian Pesos = 0.00025 USD)
Plugs – Type A and B plugs
Language – Spanish, however many locals and shop owners spoke English.
Safety - Colombia, overall is a safe place to visit. However, you do need to listen to locals and only go to towns and cities that are common for tourists to visit. Guatape itself felt very save. The surrounding area of Guatape and the Rock is a bit sketchy.
History - Guatape was founded in 1811 and was a farming town. In 1970 the Guatape Dam was flooded. Guatape is now the main electric producing center in the country because of the Guatape Dam. The famous Guatape rock is estimated to be 70 million years old!
When To Visit Guatape
Just like Medellin, Guatape is wonderful to visit year round! The weather is always spring-like (60s-80s). The wet season is April, May, September, and October.
I went to Medellin and Guatape in early November and had fairly good weather. I noticed it rained in the mornings, but the days where typically warm and dry.
How To Get To Guatape
The closest airport to Guatape is the Medellin International airport.
Guatape is very easy to get to from Medellin! You can either take a day trip, rent a car, or take public transit.
The least stressful option would be to take a day tour with round trip transportation from Medellin. This tour from Medellin was great and offered breakfast and lunch.
You can rent a car at the Medellin airport upon arrival. Renting a car in Colombia is super cheap ($12 a day). It can be quite stressful driving in Medellin. I noticed that there are a lot of bikes and reckless driving, so be careful.
A bus from Medellin to Guatape is only 3 USD, probably your cheapest option. I usually would never recommend a taxi for over an hour drive, but it would only cost you around 30 USD.
Where To Stay In Guatape
Budget La Madriguera Hotel - Offering comfortable accommodation right on the Guatape Dam, Hotel Deluxe is a wonderful option for travelers looking to save a bit of money, but still want to be comfortable.
Mid Range Luxe By Charlee - The Luxe By Charlee is an aesthetically pleasing boho boutique hotel located just steps away from the Guatape Dam.
Luxury Bosko - Bosko is for anyone looking for a unique experience in Guatape. You will have a cabin to yourself and a stunning view of the Guatape Dam complete with a private infinity pool and terrace.
What To Do In Guatape
The Rock
El Peñón de Guatapé or, 'the rock' is one of the most popular attractions Guatape. Travelers climb to the top of the 650 foot Guatape rock for spectacular views of the Guatape Dam. The climb is relatively easy, but you may need to take a few breaks along the way.
The Guatape rock is approximately 70 million years old according to geologists.
Avoid the restaurants next to El Peñón de Guatapé they are overpriced and not great.
Guatape Dam
The Guatape Dam (also known as The Punchiná Dam) is a stunning 26 square miles lake that offers incredible views, cruises, kayaking, and swimming. It is perfect for a family vacation when in need of some sun and water sports.
Enjoy hiking trails along the Guatape Dam and learning about the fascinating history that surrounds the Guatape Dam.
Guatapé Colorful Town
La Ceja de Guatapé is the colorful town of Guatape that you see all over instagram. It is a must see while in the Medellin area. In La Ceja de Guatape you will find lovely shops and restaurants that are budget friendly. While the shopping and food in La Ceja de Guatape is amazing, the main attraction is definitely the unique and colorful buildings that are unlike anything you have ever seen.
If you want more of a city vibe in Guatape I would recommend staying in La Ceja Guatape. The Oak Tree Hostel is a great option if you are on a budget and want to stay in the town with the restaurants and bars.
Our Lady Carmen Church
Our Lady Carmen Church is located in the center of La Ceja de Guatape. The Church is painted a stunning red and white and is a must visit. In front of Our Lady Carmen is a plaza that is full of street vendors and live music. There are restaurants, shops, and cafes in the surrounding area.
Explore El Peñol
El Peñol is a tiny village located just 30 minutes from Guatapes village (on the way to or from Medellin). So if you are doing a day trip from Medellin, El Peñol is an easy stop. Anyway, Peñol is a charming + colorful village that has a few gift shops, a small church, a couple restaurants, and easy access to the Guatape Dam (a lot of boat tours leave out of El Peñol). If you have extra time - this village is definitely worth a visit.
Plazoleta de Los Zócalos
Plazoleta de Los Zócalos is of the most photographed parts of Guatape. Make sure you take a few minutes to walk down this colorful street. Plazoleta de Los Zócalos was super crowded when I was in Guatape so beware of pickpockets.
Best Guatapé Restaurants
Restaurante Folklor - Located in downtown Guatape, Restaurant Folker is a amazing Colombian restaurant that is perfect if you want to try some local cuisine.
Brujula Food and Drinks - Brujula has a really cool environment with unexpected graffiti art all over the walls, which make for a great atmosphere. You can order anything Colombia at Brujula Food and Drink.
Antonia Restaurante Pizzería Guatapé - If you are sick of Colombian food try Antonia Restaurante Pizzeria Guatape. You will find lovely pizza and pasta at Antonia and a peaceful spot to enjoy a meal.
Cafe La Manchuria - Cafe La Manchuria is a great coffee shop in the centre of town. You will find amazing Colombian coffee alongside homemade pastries.
Mitos Cafe - Mitos Cafe is a cute cafe located right on the Guatape Reservoir. You will find a boho chic style and delicious coffee and pastries at Mitos Cafe.
Guatape FAQs
Is Guatape worth it?
Yes. Guatape is full of things to do and see. Guatape is a super easy day trip from Medellin too! Guatape is the best place to go if you want to see more of Colombia on you Medellin trip.
How far is Guatape from Medellin?
Guatape is about a two hour drive east of Medellin. Most tours will stop on the way at a cafe for breakfast or lunch.
Does Guatape have an airport?
Nope. Unless you are super rich and can take a helicopter to Guatape you will have to drive from Medellin. The closest airport to Guatape is Jose Maria Cordova International Airport.
Is Guatape safe for tourists?
Guatape is safe for tourists. The surrounding area is a bit shady, but the town and dam is perfectly safe.
Is Guatape In Medellin?
No. Guatape is two hours east of Medellin.
Guatapé, Colombia Travel Guide Wrap Up
I hope that this guide to Guatape helps you on your Colombia travel planning. If you are visiting Guatape you are also probably visiting Medellin. I have a detailed Medellin guide here with everything you need to know. This quick guide to Guatape perfect for anyone visiting Colombia and interested in seeing the incredible Guatape.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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