Things To Do
in Guatapé
Guatapé is a picturesque town in Antioquia famed for its vividly painted houses along Calle del Recuerdo and the shimmering Embalse Guatapé. Its skyline is dominated by the monumental La Piedra del Peñol, a massive granite monolith with sweeping views after a staircase climb. The town balances charming colonial vibes with outdoor adventures on the nearby reservoir.
Visitors are drawn to colorful streets, water activities, and a relaxed, welcoming local atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Guatapé and check into a charming local hotel overlooking the beautiful lake. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around the colorful streets adorned with vibrant murals and quaint shops. Enjoy a delicious Colombian breakfast at a local café, sampling arepas and freshly brewed coffee.
Join a guided tour to visit the iconic El Peñol rock, where you can climb 740 steps to reach the stunning panoramic view at the top. Feel the exhilaration as you gaze upon the emerald waters and lush greenery surrounding the lake. After descending, relish a hearty lunch in a nearby restaurant with local dishes.
As the sun begins to set, indulge in a peaceful boat ride across the lake, soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Once back on land, explore the waterfront area, where you can find lively eateries. Savor dinner at a lakeside restaurant, enjoying fresh fish and traditional Colombian cuisine.
Wake up early to experience the town's vibrant ambiance and enjoy breakfast at a local bakery, sampling pan de yuca and empanadas. Afterward, take a guided walking tour to learn about the history of Guatapé and its striking zócalos, the decorative tiles on the buildings. Visit the local church and charming plazas, immersing yourself in the town's rich culture.
After lunch, rent a bike and explore the scenic trails surrounding Guatapé, encountering beautiful flora and fauna along the way. Stop at various viewpoints to capture stunning photos of the lake and mountains. Wrap up your biking adventure with a refreshing drink at a local café.
As night falls, join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Colombian dishes with a local chef. Gather around the kitchen, share stories, and create delicious meals together. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you feast on your homemade dinner accompanied by local beverages.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-35 |
| 🏨Hotel (budget) per night | $25-60 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic geological and architectural highlights (La Piedra del Peñol and colorfully painted streets).
- Relaxed pace, friendly locals, and scenic lake-based activities.
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities; more focused on daytime and evening dining by the waterfront.
- Occasional crowds on weekends and holidays around peak photo spots.
- "¿Dónde está la Piedra del Peñol?" - Where is the Piedra del Peñol?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
Places to Visit in Guatapé
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic overlook atop the rock with sweeping views of the reservoir and surrounding hills; best at sunrise or late afternoon.
Vibrant house façades and patterned tiles provide bold, colorful compositions throughout the street.
Central square with fountains, greenery, and lively street life—great for candid shots.
Reflections of boats, mountains, and sky on calm water, especially during golden hour.
Marina and pier areas offering silhouettes against the setting sun.
Waterways with colorful boats and mountain backdrops—dynamic foregrounds for wide-angle shots.
Food in Guatapé
Guatapé Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught trout from Embalse Guatapé, usually grilled or fried and served with patacones or rice.
Must-Try!
A hearty plate featuring beans, rice, plantain, chicharrón, carne molida, avocado, and a fried egg.
Sweet corn arepa typical for breakfast or a casual snack from street vendors and cafés.
Comforting meat and tuber stew commonly found in plazas and local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Mornings are best for fresh produce, snacks, and regional treats; a great place to observe daily life.
Try arepas, empanadas, patacones, and fresh fruit juices from small vendors along the colorful streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello (hola) and a handshake or cheek kiss with acquaintances; a courteous tone goes a long way.
Dress comfortably for heat but modestly, especially in sacred spaces and rural areas.
Ask for permission before photographing people, particularly in residential areas.
Avoid littering, conserve water, and treat the lake and trails with care.
Safety
Tipping in Guatapé
Ensure a smooth experience
A 5–10% tip is customary in restaurants if a service charge isn’t included; rounding up for casual services and taxi drivers is common.
Colombian pesos are standard; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, while small vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February and June–August tend to be drier with clearer skies; excellent for outdoor activities and long photo sessions around the lake.
March–May and September–November bring frequent showers and humidity; mornings can be misty with vibrant greenery—pack a compact umbrella and quick-dry gear.
Guatapé at Night
Hiking in Guatapé
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Steep yet rewarding climb to a panoramic summit; a quintessential Guatapé experience.
Gentle, scenic routes along the reservoir offering views of water and mountains; suitable for casual hikers.
Airports
How to reach Guatapé by plane.
Main international and domestic gateway near Rionegro; about a 2–3 hour drive to Guatapé depending on traffic.
Smaller urban airport closer to the city center; primarily domestic flights and regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily mestizo with strong family and community ties; many residents work in tourism and hospitality.
Visitors from across Colombia and beyond, attracted by lake views, colorfully painted streets, and the Peñol rock.
Individuals who join the town for peak tourist seasons and contribute to crafts, food stalls, and guided tours.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region’s most popular sport; casual games and local matches are common in parks and plazas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guatapé.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by ordering plant-based soups, salads, arepas, frutas, and vegetable sides; ask for fish-free options and cross-contamination aware prep.