Traveling from Medellín to Guatapé, a colorful lakeside town famous for its vibrant streets and the towering El Peñol rock, is a popular day trip or weekend getaway for both locals and tourists.
Colorful Streets, Stunning Views, and a Refreshing Getaway
Known for its colorful houses, lakeside charm, and the iconic El Peñol rock, Guatapé is the perfect weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Medellín. Here’s a personal account of my two-day adventure and some tips if you’re planning to visit this stunning Colombian gem.
I started my weekend early on a Saturday morning, excited to trade city life for Guatapé’s calm surroundings. I opted to take the bus, which leaves from Terminal Norte in Medellín. It’s super easy to get there; I hopped on the Medellín Metro to the Caribe station, which is directly connected to the bus terminal. The bus ride to Guatapé was around 2 hours, and it only cost about 20,000 COP ($5 USD). The journey was smooth, with breathtaking views of the rolling green hills and quaint villages along the way.
As the bus wound its way into Guatapé, I was immediately struck by how peaceful the area was compared to Medellín. The contrast between the two places is dramatic – while Medellín is lively and full of movement, Guatapé exudes a sense of calm, with the glimmering lake and colorful buildings welcoming you.
After getting off the bus at the main square (Plaza de los Zócalos), I couldn’t resist wandering through the town before even checking into my accommodation. The zócalos, which are colorful decorative panels at the base of buildings, make the streets feel like they’re part of a giant mural. Every building in Guatapé seemed to tell a story through its vivid colors and artwork. The atmosphere was warm, friendly, and laid-back – a world away from the city.
Climbing El Peñol: A Highlight of the Weekend
Once I settled into my room, I couldn’t wait to visit La Piedra del Peñol, the famous rock that draws thousands of visitors to Guatapé. Standing 200 meters (650 feet) tall, this massive granite monolith offers one of the most breathtaking views in Colombia. I walked from the town to the base of the rock (40 minutes pleasant walk) but you can also take a mototaxi (about 10,000 COP or $2.50 USD).
The climb to the top involves scaling 740 steep steps, which might sound intimidating, but the views along the way make it worth every step. As I ascended, I took breaks to admire the panorama of the lake and surrounding countryside, which became even more stunning the higher I went. Once at the top, I was rewarded with a 360-degree view of the sprawling reservoir, dotted with tiny islands and peninsulas. The lake looks like an intricate puzzle piece, its deep blue waters contrasting with the lush greenery.
I spent about an hour at the summit, soaking in the scenery and enjoying a cold drink from one of the vendors stationed at the top. If you’re visiting Guatapé, climbing El Peñol is a must-do – no photos can truly capture how spectacular the view is in person.
Exploring Guatapé’s Town: Colorful Streets and Cafes
After descending from El Peñol, I returned to town to explore more of Guatapé’s famous streets. The entire town is like a work of art, with nearly every building adorned with intricate zócalos that depict everything from local life to abstract patterns. I wandered through the Calle del Recuerdo, a street that’s particularly well-known for its vibrant colors and photogenic houses.
For dinner, I stopped at a charming vegan restaurant called Namaste. There’s no shortage of good food in Guatapé, with plenty of restaurants offering traditional Colombian dishes as well as more international options. The very typical and popular here is trucha (trout) but personally I have ate too much of delicious trout while traveling in Bolivia so I didn’t try it in Guatapé.
On my second day in town, I strolled along the Malecon, a pleasant boardwalk by the lake and of course I went for a SUP ride. It’s a perfect place to stand up paddle board or to kayak. Seeing Guatapé from the water will make you fall in love in this place. I have never joined a boat tour personally but I have been told that it’s also a great experience. The boat tour last about an hour and will take you around the many islands and coves. One of the highlights of such tour is seeing the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s old mansion, a stark reminder of the area’s infamous history. Sounds good? Book a tour at this reliable agency or rent your kayak and explore the lake by yourself here. Paddling around the lake offers really a peaceful contrast to the busier activities in town, and I being able to get an up-close look at the small islands and wildlife that inhabit the area is simply magic.
Important Info for Your Trip to Guatapé
Accommodation
There are plenty of options in town, ranging from hostels to boutique hotels and lakeside cabins. If you prefer something upscale, you will love Jordan Hotel Boutique. If you are looking for something budget-friendly but comfortable, Mi Casa Guatapé fit the bill perfectly. Don’t hesitate to look for your perfect place on booking.com and airbnb but don’t forget that hostelworld.com is still very popular in Colombia.
Activities:
Climbing El Peñol is a must, but don’t miss exploring Guatapé’s town. Take a boat tour, rent a kayak, or just wander through the colorful streets. If you have time, you can also visit nearby attractions like La Manuela, Pablo Escobar’s former mansion, now in ruins.
Best Time to Visit
Guatapé can get busy on weekends, especially with day-trippers from Medellín, so if you want to avoid crowds, try visiting during the week. However, the weekend vibe is also fun, with more activities and lively streets.
What to Pack
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and climbing El Peñol, sunscreen for the boat tours, and a light jacket, as it can get chilly in the evenings. Last but not least: bring some cash as electronic payments are not always accepted.
How to get there?
1. By Bus (Most Common Option)
The bus to Guatapé departs from Terminal Norte, which is easily accessible by taking the Medellín Metro to the Caribe Station (Line A). The terminal is right next to the station.
Sotrasanvicente offers frequent bus services to Guatapé:
Schedule: Buses depart roughly every 30 minutes, starting around 6:00 AM and running until the evening (approximately 7:00 PM). It’s best to get there early to ensure a seat, especially on weekends.
Duration: The bus ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.
Cost: The bus fare is typically around 18,000 to 20,000 COP (around $4-5 USD).
Drop-off Location: The bus will drop you off in Guatapé town or, upon request, at El Peñol if you plan to climb the famous rock before heading into town.
2. By Car (Driving Yourself)
If you prefer more flexibility or are traveling with a group, renting a car is a an option for visiting Guatapé. The roads are paved and in good condition, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
Route: From Medellín, take Autopista Medellín-Bogotá (Route 60) heading east. Follow the signs toward Marinilla and then take the road to El Peñol and Guatapé.
Duration: The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Cost: Car rental prices in Medellín start around 120,000 to 150,000 COP per day plus the gasoline.
Parking: There are parking lots near El Peñol Rock and several spots in the town of Guatapé.
Tips for Driving:
- Watch for narrow, winding roads once you get closer to Guatapé. Don’t drive if you are not used to this kind of roads.
- There are plenty of scenic viewpoints along the route, so take your time and enjoy the drive.
- Make sure your rental car has tolls covered, as there are a few along the way.
3. By Private Transfer or Tour (Convenient Option)
For those who prefer comfort and convenience, booking a private transfer or guided tour is another great way to reach Guatapé.
Private Transfer: You can hire a private driver through companies or platforms like Uber or DiDi. Prices for a one-way trip range from 180,000 to 250,000 COP (~$45-60 USD) depending on the car and group size.
Organized Tour: Many tour operators in Medellín offer day trips to Guatapé, often including transportation, a guided visit to El Peñol, a boat tour of the lake, and some time to explore the town. Tours typically cost between 80,000 to 150,000 COP ($20-40 USD) per person, depending on what’s included. I have no direct experience in the organized tours, but Civitatis is generally a guarantee of an unforgettable experience.
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