Last Updated: October 2026
Just a couple of hours from Medellín lies Guatapé, one of Colombia’s most colourful and picturesque little towns.
Famous for its brightly painted houses, decorative zócalos and beautiful lakeside setting, Guatapé is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Medellín.
Of course, no visit would be complete without climbing the famous El Peñol Rock, where 740 steps lead to some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Colombia.
You can easily visit Guatapé on a day trip from Medellín, but we’d recommend staying at least one night if you have the time. We spent two nights here and loved exploring the colourful streets at a relaxed pace, especially when the day-trippers had gone home.
From climbing El Peñol to wandering colourful plazas and exploring the surrounding countryside, here are the best things to do in Guatapé, Colombia, along with practical tips for planning your visit.
What to do in Guatapé?
Climb El Peñón Rock
Located just a few kilometres outside Guatapé, El Peñón (La Piedra del Peñol) is the area’s most famous attraction. This enormous granite rock rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape, with its summit sitting over 2,000 metres above sea level.
To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 740 steps, which can be quite an effort, especially on a hot day! Take your time, stop for a few photos along the way and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views over the surrounding lakes and islands. Trust us, the climb is absolutely worth it!
Once you’ve admired the views and taken plenty of photos, you’ll find small shops at the summit where you can reward yourself with a refreshing drink. I had my very first Coco Limonada up there and was instantly addicted. They’re so good! 😂
El Peñón is easily reached from Guatapé by tuk-tuk, with the journey taking approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay around COP 15,000–20,000 each way, although fares vary, so agree on the price before setting off.
The entrance fee is approximately COP 35,000 per person, payable separately from transport. Prices may change, so bring cash.
Our tip: Climb first thing in the morning, particularly on weekends and public holidays, to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat.
Explore the colourful town centre
Not only is Guatapé the most colourful town in Colombia but it is one of the most colourful towns in the world. Its town centre isn’t huge but it’s so beautiful and photogenic that you might end up spending hours getting lost in its streets! Every street and every house is beautifully painted and decorated. It’s incredible.
The town is also full of shops selling souvenirs and restaurants serving traditional meals.
Check out the plazas
There are two main squares (plazas) in Guatapé’s town centre. The main one is Parque Guatapé, with its imposing white church and a fountain in the centre. The other plaza is La Plazoleta De Los Zocalos. This last one is in the most colourful part of town! Every inch of the square is beautifully painted, the walls, the steps, the doors. Even the umbrellas are colourful! This square is a great place to sit and relax with a coffee, while you do some people watching.
Take a Boat Trip on the Laguna de Guatapé
After exploring the colourful town, spend some time out on the beautiful lake! Boat tours depart regularly from Guatapé’s waterfront, offering lovely views of the surrounding islands, green hills and El Peñón Rock.
Shared boat trips generally last between one and two hours, depending on the route, and cost approximately COP 30,000–50,000 per person.
Some boats even have a small bar on board, so you can enjoy a refreshing cerveza (beer) while admiring the scenery!
Our tip: Confirm the price and duration before boarding, and choose an authorised operator that provides life jackets.
If you prefer, there are many other activities you can do on the lake, such as jet skis, kayaking, pedal boats and paddleboarding.
Have More Than a Day in Guatapé? Visit San Rafael!
If you have some extra time in Guatapé, head to the small town of San Rafael, surrounded by lush green countryside, beautiful rivers and waterfalls.
From Guatapé, you can catch a local bus to San Rafael. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, with fares around COP 8,000–12,000 one way. Check the return timetable before leaving, as services are limited.
Two popular swimming spots near San Rafael are El Trocadero and Las Tangas, where you can cool off in the beautiful, crystal-clear rivers. Both can be reached from town by local transport.
Another lovely spot is La Cazuela waterfall, near the village of El Bizcocho, along the road between Guatapé and San Rafael. We stopped at El Bizcocho and walked for around 45 minutes to reach the cascades. It was a hot and sticky walk, but swimming in those cool, refreshing waters afterwards was absolutely worth the effort!
Tip: Ask locally about access to La Cazuela before setting off, as directions and trail conditions can vary. Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, when river levels can rise quickly.
How to Get to Guatapé from Medellín
Guatapé is approximately two to two and a half hours from Medellín, making it a popular day trip. You can travel independently by bus or join an organised tour.
By Bus
Buses to Guatapé depart from Medellín’s Terminal del Norte, which is easily reached via the Caribe Metro station.
Two companies operate the route: Sotrapeñol (ticket counter 9) and Sotrasanvicente (ticket counter 14). Tickets cost approximately COP 20,000–24,000 one way, depending on the operator, and buses depart regularly throughout the day.
If you’re visiting for just one day, we recommend catching an early bus and stopping at El Peñón Rock first. Simply ask the driver to drop you off at La Piedra. From the roadside stop, you can walk uphill to the entrance or take a short tuk-tuk ride.
After climbing the rock, continue to Guatapé by tuk-tuk, or walk if you have the time and energy. There are some lovely views along the way!
Our tip: If you’re returning to Medellín the same day, buy or confirm your return bus ticket as soon as you arrive in Guatapé, especially on weekends and public holidays. Check the last departure time locally rather than relying on an old timetable.
With an Organised Tour
If you prefer not to organise transport yourself, there are plenty of organised day tours from Medellín to Guatapé.
Most tours include return transport, time to explore Guatapé’s colourful streets and a stop at El Peñón Rock. Some also include a boat trip on the lake.
Check what’s included before booking, as the entrance fee to climb El Peñón is often an additional cost.
A tour is a convenient option if you’re short on time, although travelling independently gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Heading to Medellín? Guatapé is just a couple of hours away from Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring! Discover the colourful neighbourhoods, cable cars, street art and incredible viewpoints in our guide to the best things to do in Medellín.
Is Guatapé Safe to Visit?
Guatapé is generally considered one of the safer tourist destinations in Colombia, with a relaxed atmosphere that’s quite different from the country’s larger cities.
We felt comfortable exploring the town during our visit, but it’s still important to take the usual precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, avoid isolated streets after dark and use reputable transport operators.
If you’re taking a boat trip, always wear a life jacket. And if you’re heading to San Rafael for a swim, be particularly careful after heavy rain, when river levels can rise quickly.
Overall, Guatapé is a lovely place to explore independently, provided you use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Guatapé?
Guatapé is a popular weekend getaway for people living in Medellín, so weekdays are definitely the best time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Weekends and Colombian public holidays can get extremely busy, particularly around El Peñón Rock and the town centre.
For the best chance of drier weather, visit between December and February or June and August. However, Guatapé is lush and green for a reason, so expect occasional rain at any time of year!
We visited during the week and loved how peaceful the town felt, especially once the day-trippers had left.
How Many Days Do You Need in Guatapé?
You can easily visit Guatapé on a day trip from Medellín, with enough time to climb El Peñón Rock and explore the colourful streets.
However, we’d recommend staying at least one night if you can. Guatapé is much more peaceful once the day-trippers have left, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the beautiful lakeside setting.
We spent two nights in Guatapé and loved being able to explore at a relaxed pace. If you’re also planning to visit San Rafael and its waterfalls, two or three days would be ideal.
Where to stay in Guatapé?
We stayed just outside of town at Oak Tree House and it was a great place to go back to in the evening. It was quiet at night and the owners are so friendly and helpful. The breakfast they serve on the terrace was a great way to start the day.
Top reviewed: Serendipity Hospedaje Boutique
Best value: La Madriguera
If none of those are available or take your fancy, try using the search box below:
Explore More of Colombia
Planning to explore more of Colombia? Here are a few more places we loved:
- Medellín – Discover the best things to do in this vibrant city, from Comuna 13 to its famous cable cars.
- Salento – Explore one of Colombia’s prettiest coffee-region towns, surrounded by lush green mountains.
- Cocora Valley – Hike among the world’s tallest palm trees in one of Colombia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Read More
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A Visit to Salento Our Favourite Town in Colombia
Why You Should Visit Cali, Colombia
The White City of Popayan, Our First Taste of Colombia
[…] A Perfect Trip to Guatape, Colombia’s Most Colourful Town […]
[…] Guatapé is a beautiful little town, only a few hours away from Medellin. It’s a popular weekend retreat for Colombians, and it’s also a favourite with international tourists. It’s located next to a large artificial lake that was created during the construction of one of Colombia’s hydroelectric schemes. The lake is dotted with little islands, the peaks of the various hills that made up the area before it was flooded. […]