Guatapé, Colombia Travel Tips: Your Ultimate Guide
Welcome to Guatapé, a charming town in Antioquia Colombia, one of the most stunning destinations in the country!
This charming town is renowned for its colorful architecture and breathtaking zócalos (hand-painted decorations). One of the top attractions here is the Piedra del Peñol, a colossal rock with panoramic views that will leave you speechless. With its lively streets, delicious food, and picturesque lake, Guatapé is truly a must-visit destination in Colombia.
During my three-week trip to Colombia with my husband, we had the privilege of exploring Guatapé. Seeing the country through the eyes of a local, thanks to my husband's family roots, made the experience even more special. Immersing ourselves in the culture was truly unforgettable, and we can't wait to return for more adventures!
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Table of Contents:
Feel free to click on any section title to jump directly to that part of the post.
Best Time to Visit Guatapé, Colombia. Weather & Climate + Packing List
The Closest Airport to Guatapé, Colombia
Transportation to Guatapé, Colombia
Best Hotels to Stay in Guatapé, Colombia
Best Things to do in Guatapé, Colombia
Tips for Climbing La Piedra del Peñol (the rock)
Best Places to Eat in Guatapé, Colombia
Explore Our Journey: Interactive Map of Featured Destinations
Best Time to Visit Guatapé, Colombia. Weather & Climate + Packing List:
The best time to visit Guatape is from December to February, during the dry season. This is when the weather is warm and sunny, ideal for exploring the town and its beautiful surroundings. Just keep in mind that this is also the busiest time, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
The average temperature in Guatapé between December and February is 73 F (22.77 C)
The weather in Guatapé can be quite hot during the day but cools off at night, so it's a good idea to bring layers.
Remember to pack your sunscreen, bug spray, and hat. Bug spray is a MUST.
The sun is very strong here! And I mean strong. Wear your sunscreen and reapply. We were badly burned when we went kayaking because we forgot to reapply our sunscreen.
The Closest Airport to Guatapé, Colombia:
The closest airport to Guatapé is Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE) Airport, just 30.4 km away. Other nearby airports include Medellin Enrique Olaya Herrera (EOH) Airport (47.3 km), Pereira (PEI) Airport (170.1 km), and Quibdo (UIB) Airport (174.8 km).
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Transportation to Guatapé, Colombia:
Guatapé is just under a 2-hour drive from Medellín. You have a few options for your journey, like hopping in a taxi, catching an Uber, or taking a bus.
Several bus companies run regular services between Medellín and Guatapé, so you'll have no trouble finding a comfy and budget-friendly ride.
Busbud:
Busbud offers a wide selection of bus tickets from around the world, making it easy to compare prices, amenities, and schedules. Whether you're looking for an affordable option, a comfortable ride, or a quick journey, Busbud has you covered. Plan your next bus trip with ease on Busbud!
Best Hotels to Stay in Guatapé, Colombia:
During our trip, we got to experience Guatapé while staying with family, but here are some of the best hotels in Guatapé that I have come across:
Hotel Los Recuerdos: This is the ideal choice for those seeking a cozy room with a view. It offers the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a relaxing getaway.
Hotel La Magdalena (Adult Only): Offers a serene blend of tranquility, nature, and luxury. With an on-site restaurant and incredible views, it's the ideal place to unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of Guatapé.
Hotel Zocalo Campestre: Stay in the middle of the action at this hotel, located in the main square of Guatapé. You'll be close to all the attractions.
Bosko: Experience luxury and tranquility in Guatapé. This 5-star hotel offers stunning mountain views and a range of amenities. Relax by the outdoor pool, unwind in the hot tub, or enjoy Latin American cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
Guatapé Country House Hotel: This is perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Situated in the heart of town, this charming hotel offers a laid-back atmosphere and comfortable rooms. It's an ideal place to meet new friends and experience all of Guatapé.
Best Things to do in Guatapé, Colombia:
Climb La Piedra del Peñol
Rent kayaks
Go Jet Skiing
Have a helicopter ride of your life
Experience Colombian coffee on a coffee tour
Go on a walking tour
Walk Calle del Recuerdo (umbrellas)
Walk the Malecon (waterfront boardwalk)
Explore Plaza Del Zocalo In Guatapé Town
Take pictures of the Guatapé Sign (near the edge of the lake)
See the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Explore Parque Temático Réplica del Viejo Peñol (Replica of the old Peñol town that was flooded back in the 70s to create the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir. The park offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the area and provides a scenic view of the reservoir.)
Viator:
Spice up your Guatapé trip with awesome activities from Viator.com! They've got all sorts of tours and experiences worldwide, from sightseeing to food and coffee adventures. Booking is super easy, with the best prices and a wide selection. So, plan ahead, skip the lines, and enjoy cooking classes or guided tours for an unforgettable adventure with Viator!
Tips for Climbing La Piedra del Peñol (the rock):
Beat the crowds by starting early and avoiding weekends. Even on weekdays, it can get busy—we ended up asking a local to park in their driveway!
It’s 740 steps to the top! A workout with a view.
Plan extra time for your ascent and descent, especially during peak hours.
I felt pretty safe here but always be cautious (safety tips blog will be listed below).
And don't forget to treat yourself to some fresh juice at the top!
Best Places to Eat in Guatapé, Colombia:
Don Oscar Parrilla Malecon (Colombian)
Casa Cuba (Caribbean)
Pizzeria De Luigi (The best pizza you’ll ever have)
El Bretón (French)
Restaurante Oregano (Italian)
Namaste Vegan Express (Vegan)
La Fogata (Steakhouse)
Koi Cocina Asiática (Sushi)
Foods to try in Guatapé, Colombia:
Trucha (trout)
The traditional Bandeja Paisa meal (red beans, white rice, ground meat, fried egg, plantain, chorizo, arepa, and avocado)
Arepa (corn cake that’s crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside)
Strawberries, meringue, and cream
Our Intimate Experience at Pizzeria De Luigi
Dining at Pizzeria De Luigi felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure—totally worth savoring! The pizza here is incredibly fresh and made by a lovely family, with the owner hailing all the way from Italy.
Their story is as fascinating as their pizzas are delicious. After spending 8 years as a jeweler, the owner decided to chase his dream of making pizza.
He and his wife (who is from Colombia) fell in love with Guatapé, eventually buying a home there. They saved up to build their dream home but were left with no money afterward. Determined to make their dream a reality, they bought an old oven from a school and started practicing. Despite numerous failed attempts, they persisted, and eventually, their hard work paid off.
They started small, renting out a house to live in while turning the bigger house into a pizza place. The demand grew so much that they had to move to a larger location, but when Covid hit, they were forced to shut down. Undeterred, they found a new location and adapted to a more manageable pace, now operating on a reservation-only basis.
What sets them apart is not just their incredible pizza but also their commitment to quality and customer relationships. They grow their own veggies, and their sauces are all freshly made. They have a loyal following of guests who appreciate their hospitable nature and the amazing food they serve.
Speaking of which, their Margarita and Marinara pizzas were my personal favorites. The pizzas are cooked for just 3 minutes, ensuring they come out perfect every time.
For advertising, they solely rely on word of mouth. But that just adds to the charm of this place. They prefer to focus on building close relationships with their guests, and it shows in the warm welcome you receive when you step through their doors.
The info:
Reservations Only: Whatsapp +57 3208454552
Open: Friday to Sunday 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Address: Vereda La Peña bajando por la escuela, Guatapé, Colombia, 08340
Their garden is gorgeous and their puppy dog stole our hearts
Final Thoughts
Looking back on my time in Guatapé, Colombia, fills me with so much joy and gratitude.
This town has truly captured my heart with its vibrant streets and breathtaking views.
I hope this travel guide has given you valuable tips and ideas for your Guatapé adventure. Wishing you safe travels and an unforgettable trip!
Check out my blog below for some helpful safety tips on visiting Colombia!
Explore Our Journey: Interactive Map of Featured Destinations
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Join the conversation:
Which activity or attraction in Guatapé are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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