Guatapé is a town often not as famous as its nearby attractions, and it has one of the tallest rock formations in the world. If you plan a Guatapé day trip, you will have a great time. This bright town, with its colorful zócalos and beautiful landscapes, gives many special experiences. In this article, we will show 12 important things to do in Guatapé.
Why Guatapé is so unique
El Peñol Guatapé is another special attraction in the area, a huge granite rock that stands high over the landscape. Climbing its 740 steps gives visitors amazing panoramic views of the lake and nearby hills, showing the true spirit of Medellin day trips. Doing Guatapé lake activities, like kayaking or paddleboarding, lets you enjoy the calm beauty of the blue waters, making your visit not only memorable but life changing.
Tip: Guatapé is very popular, so visit on weekdays. Weekends are very busy, and even on Tuesday, there were many tourists.
View from El Peñol showing the artificial lake around Guatapé.
1. Climb El Peñol de Guatapé
Climbing El Peñol is not just a hard physical challenge, it is a journey through the colorful history of Guatapé. As you go up the 740 steps, each stop gives a break and a chance to enjoy the amazing landscapes that look like a painter’s canvas. Below is the beautiful reservoir, with green islands, showing the area’s rich cultural heritage and the stories of the people who lived there long ago.
El Peñol de Guatapé
Fun Fact: His family owned the land, but Guatapé and nearby El Peñol argued over who owned the rock. Guatapé tried to paint “Guatapé” on it, but angry people from El Peñol came and stopped them.
Luis Eduardo Villegas Lopez was the first man to climb El Peñol
How to climb El Peñol
Climbing El Peñol is not just about finishing its 740 steps, it is a full journey with amazing views and small challenges. As you go up, notice the special flora and fauna around the path. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful landscape, when the light makes beautiful shadows over the green surroundings.
Tip: El Peñol and Guatapé are 4 km (2.4 miles) apart. If you go on your own, you will need a tuk-tuk or taxi. A tuk-tuk costs about 12,000 COP (3 USD) and is a fun choice 🛺.
The top of El Peñol
2. Explore colorful Guatapé
Walking through the bright streets of Guatapé feels like stepping into a living painting, where every corner shows bold murals and detailed zócalos, colorful tiles that sit at the base of buildings and show the area’s rich cultural heritage. As you explore the town center, take time to enjoy the town’s special architecture, which blends perfectly with the beautiful natural landscapes around it.
Best spots for trips:
- Street with umbrellas
- Plazoleta de los Zocalos
- Callejón with colorful stairs
- Picturesque road up the hill
- Parque Principal de Guatapé
Tip: If you do not like crowds, visit the town in the morning or evening, because it gets very crowded in the middle of the day.
3. Have fun with Zocalos
Exploring the zócalos of Guatapé feels like stepping into a bright dream where each colorful house tells a story. These detailed designs often show local fauna, old stories, and daily life, turning the town into a living painting. As you walk through the lovely streets, the zócalos help you understand Guatapé’s rich cultural history and show traditions that have lasted for many years.
You will also see many sheep artworks because the area is known for sheep farming 🐑.
4. Stroll at Parque Principal de Guatapé
As you walk through the bright Parque Principal de Guatapé, you see a lovely mix of color and culture that shows the charm of this town. Green flowers and eye-catching murals line the path, inviting visitors to enjoy the beautiful sights. The town square is full of life, where locals and tourists meet, making it a peaceful yet lively place to relax after exploring the nearby trails.
Tip: For a tuk tuk, go to Parque Principal. Tuk-tuks line the square waiting for passengers 🛺.
5. Check out Art Galleries & Artesanias
For people interested in special Guatapé souvenir shopping, the handmade crafts in shops around town offer many unique handmade goods. From detailed carved wooden items to beautifully made textiles, each piece shows the talent and creativity of local artisans.
Meeting these artisans lets you take home a part of Guatapé and helps keep traditional crafts alive. Enjoying the local art scene is one of the most magical things to do in Guatapé, making a visit a memorable and authentic experience.
Check out: 16 Awesome Free Things to do in Medellin
6. Cruise on the Lake
A cruise on Guatapé Lake gives a special way to enjoy the region’s beautiful landscapes. As you move across the green waters, the bright green hills and colorful towns blend into a lively and colorful tapestry.
- A shared tour costs about 15,000 COP (4 USD).
- A private tour is around 150,000 COP (37 USD).
- Kayaks can be rented for 30,000 COP (7 USD) per hour.
Tip: If you take the Guatapé Tour from Medellin, a boat trip is included 🚤.
7. Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride
One of the most exciting ways to explore Guatapé is by riding a colorful tuk-tuk, which adds extra fun to your adventure. These bright three-wheeled vehicles are not only a fun way to travel, but they also show the lively spirit of Colombia. As you drive through the narrow streets of Guatapé, the colors of the tuk-tuks match perfectly with the town’s famous zócalos, painted tiles on the buildings that show local culture and history.
Check out: What to do in Jardin, Colombia (Full Guide)
8. Try Unusual Flavors of Chocolate
When walking through the bright streets of Guatapé, one of the special things to do in Guatapé is enjoying artisanal chocolate at La Tiendita Chocolate Guatapé. This hidden spot offers a tasty mix of unusual chocolate flavors that surprise normal tastes. You can enjoy chocolate made with local ingredients like fruits, spices, and coffee from nearby plantations.
Check out: Visiting a Grenada Chocolate Factory
9. Go on a Free Walking Tour
Exploring Guatapé on a free walking tour gives a special way to see the bright culture and detailed history of this beautiful destination. Local guides, often passionate residents, share insider stories that you cannot find in any guidebook.
Learn about all the artwork on the free walking tour
They know the town very well and offer tours in English and Spanish. Book tours in advance on their website 📝.
10. Eat different Cuisines
Exploring the different Guatapé food options is a journey that gives your taste buds an exciting adventure. The local restaurants in Guatapé show a bright mix of traditional Colombian food and creative new dishes. From enjoying the famous bandeja paisa, a full dish full of flavor, to tasting fresh tilapia from the nearby lakes, every meal shares the story of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
- El Breton 🍲 cool little restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere that makes authentic crepes
- Namaste Vegan Food 🍲 great restaurant that serves generous portions of healthy vegan food
- Restaurante Vegano Zona Prosalud 🍲 another vegan restaurant serving tasty healthy meals
- La Bahia 🍲 serves traditional Colombian food. Order Bandeja Paisa for a monster-sized meal
- Koi Cocina Asiatica 🍲 makes a variety of super tasty Asian food
A tofu bowl from Vegano Zona Prosalud
Read also: 12 Best Cafes in Laureles, Medellin
11. Stay at a Unique Airbnb
Exploring Guatapé accommodations with charm and character can make your trip better. Choose a unique treehouse or a stylish villa that shows local artistry. After enjoying the amazing views, try Guatapé day trip options like boat tours or hiking adventures that show the area’s natural beauty. Coming back to your lakefront stay after a day of exploring lets you relax in comfort, with fresh local cuisine just nearby.
Check out this Treehouse Airbnb 🌳 for about 80 USD/night. Epic,
Is going to Guatapé worth it?
Visiting Guatapé is often called a must do for travelers in Colombia, and for good reason. Located between sparkling lakes and bright landscapes, El Peñol de Guatapé is a beautiful natural monument that invites hikers to climb its 740 steps for an amazing view. However, the visit can be mixed, as large tourist crowds sometimes hide the charm of this real Colombian pueblo.
Check out: How to get to Parque Arvi, Medellin
Enjoy all the Top Things to do in Guatapé!
Guatapé, a bright jewel just a few hours from Medellín, is famous for its colorful buildings and rich cultural tapestry. One must do activity for visitors is the exciting climb up El Peñol, where amazing panoramic views reward those who climb the 740 steps. Things to do in Guatapé Colombia include this iconic climb.
Check out:
- 16 Awesome Free Things to do in Medellin
- Guide to Laureles, Medellin with Insider Tips
- 12 Best Cafes in Laureles, Medellin
- Comuna 13 History
Final Thoughts
Guatapé, a bright jewel just a few hours from Medellín, is famous for its colorful buildings and rich cultural tapestry. One important activity for visitors is the exciting climb up El Peñol, where stunning panoramic views reward those who go up the 740 steps. Is Guatapé safe is a common question for travelers visiting the town.
FAQS
Is Guatapé worth visiting?
Absolutely, Guatapé is worth visiting! Located in the Colombian Andes, this charming town is famous for its bright, colorful buildings and beautiful lakeside scenery.
What is Guatapé famous for?
Guatapé is famous for its bright, colorful buildings, the towering El Peñol Rock, beautiful lakes, and rich cultural heritage.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Colombia?
The number one tourist attraction in Colombia is often the bright city of Cartagena. Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, colorful streets, and rich history, Cartagena gives visitors a special mix of culture and beauty.
How long does it take to climb Guatapé?
Climbing Guatapé, famous for its iconic El Peñol Rock, usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your fitness level and walking pace.
Can you do Guatapé without a tour?
Yes, you can explore Guatapé without a tour! The town is easy to reach by public transportation from Medellín, with buses leaving often from the Terminal del Norte.