Guatape Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Guatape with our comprehensive travel guide including insider tips, best places to visit, where to stay, where to eat, and more.


Introduction to Guatape

Guatape is a picturesque town located in the Andino region of Colombia’s northern Antioquia department, offering stunning natural landscapes with its lakes and hills. Guatape is famous for its brightly colored buildings, known as zócalos, and the massive rock formation known as La Piedra del Peñol. This small town has a vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Guatape

Here are some of the must-visit places in Guatape:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casa Museo: This museum is located in the center of town and is a recreation of how the town’s wealthy families lived during colonial times.
  • La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen: This is the main church of Guatape, known for its beautiful altar and unique facade.

Natural Attractions of Guatape: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • La Piedra del Peñol: This is a massive rock formation located just outside of town, boasting stunning views of the surrounding countryside on top.
  • Laguna de Guatape: This man-made lake is perfect for cruising, fishing, kayaking, and lounging on the sandy beach.
  • El Faro: This historic lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of Guatape and the surrounding hills.
  • Parque Ecoturistico La Represa: This nature park offers zip-lining, canopy tours, and an ecological trail.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guatape

Guatape is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Guatape:

  • La Piedra del Peñol Hike: The hike to the top of the Peñol Rock is steep but rewarding, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.
  • La Represa Hike: This hike takes you through the forests around the lake and is perfect for bird watching and observing the local flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Guatape: Activities and Tours

  • Cruise Lake Guatape: The best way to explore the lake is on a boat tour. There are several providers offering various tours, including visits to the islands and stops in local restaurants.
  • Visit Zocalos: The town’s colorful painted zocalos is a must-see attraction while you’re in Guatape.
  • Paragliding: Experience the beauty of Guatape from the air while paragliding.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guatape

Here’s a sample itinerary of a week-long trip to Guatape:

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Guatape
2 Visit the Casa Museo and La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
3 Hike to La Piedra del Peñol and cruise around the lake
4 El Faro and Parque Ecoturistico La Represa
5 Paragliding and exploring the town
6 Biking the forests and fields
7 Departure from Guatape

Food and Drink Scene of Guatape

Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages while you’re in Guatape:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bandeja Paisa: A traditional Colombian dish of beans, rice, egg, avocado, meat, and chicharron.
  • Arepas: A popular Colombian snack or side dish, made with cornmeal and stuffed with various ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Aguardiente: A unique anise-flavored alcoholic drink that’s popular throughout Colombia.
  • Canelazo: A hot and spiced drink made of Canelazo a local spirit, cinnamon, and other spices.

Where to Stay in Guatape: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Guatape offers various accommodations options. Here are some of the recommended options:

  • Hostal Las Margaritas: A budget-friendly hostel located a few blocks from the town center.
  • La Casona Hostel: This hostel has an excellent location and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Hotel Los Recuerdos: A mid-range hotel with incredible views of the lake and a picturesque swimming pool.

What to Buy in Guatape: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Zocalos: The town’s most popular souvenir is the miniature zocalos, taking home a variety of designs and colors to choose from.
  • Handcrafted Products: Shops and markets often offer lovely hand-made items, including textiles, pottery, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Guatape

The town of Guatape is known for its colorful zocalos and its breathtaking rock formations. People are friendly and polite in Guatape, and the town’s residents are proud of their heritage. The biggest local event is the town’s annual festival in January, where the locals celebrate with music, food, and parades.

Best Time to Visit Guatape

The perfect time to visit Guatape is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. During this time, visitors can expect pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. However, the town stays open throughout the year, and you can expect a fair number of tourists at any time of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guatape

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Visit the local landmarks, including the zocalos, the Piedra del Peñol, and Laguna de Guatape.

Don’t:

  • Litter - maintain the cleanliness of the places you visit.
  • Insult or criticize the local culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guatape

Guatape is a relatively safe town, but visitors should be cautious and use common sense. Petty theft can be a problem, especially in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid attracting attention. Do not enter unlit areas at night.

Health in Guatape

There are no major health risks in Guatape, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions. Visitors should stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Guatape: Transportation Options and Logistics

Guatape is easily accessible by bus or car from Medellin. Here are some of the transportation options available:

Airports Near Guatape

  • Jose Maria Cordova, located in Rionegro (75 minutes by car from Guatape).

Bus Stations Near Guatape

  • Terminal Norte in Medellin (2 hours journey to Guatape)
  • San Diego in Medellin (2 hours journey to Guatape).

Other Options

Taxis, Uber, and car hires are also available in Medellin, making it easy to drive to Guatape.

How to Get Around in Guatape

The best way to get around Guatape is by foot, bike, or tuk-tuk. Visitors can also take boats or join a guided tour to explore the area.

Where to Go Next from Guatape: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many places to visit once you’ve finished exploring Guatape, including:

  • Medellin: Explore one of Colombia’s most vibrant and exciting cities known for its culture, history, and nightlife.
  • Santa Fe de Antioquia: This colonial town is only a few hours journey from Guatape offers stunning architecture, plazas, and picturesque beauty.

Conclusion

Guatape is a stunning destination offering a perfect mixture of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. This comprehensive travel guide should help you plan your trip to Guatape, from what to see, where to stay, where to eat, and more. Don’t miss the chance to experience the beauty and unique culture of Guatape while traveling to Colombia.

The Peñón de Guatapé The Peñón de Guatapé