Everything you need to know for your Guatape day trip escape from Medellin
The Colombian town of Guatape (correctly written and pronounced Guatapé) has gone through several identity changes. But what is Guatape known for?
Guatape was a farming town, until the 1970s when it was converted into a site for Colombia’s largest hydroelectric power plant. With its fields flooded, Guatape was transformed into a scenic water town getaway for nature-starved Medelliners. 
Today Guatape constitutes the quintessential day trip for those looking to escape the fast-paced city life of Medellin. If you’re looking to shoehorn an extra destination into your Colombia trip, this guide’s for you.
While it is possible to spend several days in Guatape, my trip was sub-24 hours, so that’s what I’ll be writing about here. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know for your Guatape day trip.
Table of Contents:
- Is Guatape worth visiting?
- Is Guatape safe for tourists?
- Getting there: Medellin to Guatape
- Things to do in Guatape
Is Guatape worth visiting?
Guatape is an expansive site with unique history and plenty of things to do. It would be easy to spend 2-3 days there, but a short day trip is still totally worthwhile, provided you arrive early.
Guatape isn’t exactly world-famous, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a stop on your Colombia trip. Jump down to the Things to do in Guatape section to get some ideas about your itinerary, and decide if a day trip or an overnight trip is best for you. 
Is Guatape safe for tourists?
Guatape is a tourist hotspot — as a result, it’s incredibly safe. Locals are friendly, and infrastructure caters to those visiting from out of town.
Police patrol the main boardwalks and street crime is uncommon. It’s easy to get around via “motochivas,” small, tuktuk-like cars that will take you anywhere nearby for a cheap price (there’s even a posted set of pre-determined rates that will help you avoid being overcharged on the way to and from major tourist destinations).
Medellin to Guatape
Guatape is an oasis of relaxation for the people of Medellin, and most of the tourists you encounter there will be visiting from the major Colombian city. As a result, it’s really easy to get from Medellin to Guatape (and from Guatape to Medellin). Here are two methods:
Medellin to Guatape Bus:
- Head to Terminales del Norte in Medellin. This is where all Guatape-bound buses leave from.
- Go downstairs to Ticket Booth #14
- Purchase your ticket for just 14,000 pesos (around $3 USD). Buses leave as frequently as every 15 minutes. The price is cheap and the ride matches — you’ll be in a rather compact bus, bouncing down mountain roads for about 3 hours. Vendors may hop on and try to sell you chips, etc.
- Enjoy your ride and exit at your destination, the modest bus terminal in downtown Guatape. Alternatively, you can ask the driver to drop you off at El Peñon de Guatape, and get out ten minutes early directly at the site.
Medellin to Guatape Taxi:
- Taxi travel is faster (but more expensive) than the public bus
- The price for a taxi from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport to Guatape is around 140,000 pesos (about $35 USD). However, when I took a taxi from Guatape straight to the Medellin airport at the end of my trip, it cost me just 100,000 ($25 USD).
- This drive will cut the three-hour bus trip down to just an hour and a half. Fares may vary a little, but the convenience and comfort of a taxi is worth your consideration, especially if you’re able to split the cost between a group.
One thing I’ll mention, though — it’s worth it to get here early. You’re probably in Guatape to enjoy the nature and scenic views. Admittedly, I stayed overnight in an Airbnb on my trip — but by the time I’d checked in and started exploring on my first day, I was already losing daylight.
I was lucky to have the next morning to make up for it, but if you’re trying to see all the sites on your Guatape day trip, make sure to show up early for the full experience. 
Things to Do in Guatape:
This is what we’re waiting for! The meat of the issue — what to do on your Guatape day trip. Here’s a sample itinerary, optimized to give you a high-octane Guatape experience in just a single afternoon/evening:
Get a Coffee by the Water
11:00 AM: Morning is rolling over into afternoon, and you’ve arrived in Guatape!
Hop out of your bus/taxi at the station, and take just a few steps toward the water. You’ll find plenty of great local spots for breakfast or coffee. Why not have a seat and rest for a moment while you get your bearings straight? This is a great opportunity to enjoy a coffee and a light breakfast like a buñuelo (plus a scenic waterfront view) as you get ready for your day. 
Take Pictures by the Zocalos
12:00 PM: The colorful zocalos are one of the most distinctive features of Guatape.
These brightly painted reliefs adorn all buildings near the center of town, adding a splash of character. They usually give some clue about the background of the family who lives there — images of sheep or people fishing indicate a history of work in these industries.
(Elsewhere, a zocalo of a dragon breathing fire seems to suggest that this is not a completely reliable inductive process.)
The Plazoleta de los Zocalos is the best place to see them, but you can hunt down fun zocalos all over town. Go ahead and use this strapping noon sunlight to photograph some of your favorites. This is your opportunity for cute Instagram pics that aren’t beside a sweeping scenic vista. For that, you’ll want to go to… 
El Peñón de Guatape
1:00 PM: This is the must-see item on your Guatape day trip.
Some call it the Guatape meteorite. The indigenous Tahamí people worshiped it. So what is the rock of Guatape?
El Peñón de Guatape is a giant, isolated stone hill, or inselberg, dating back 65 million years. A few years later in the ’60s, some stairs were added, and the rock became the go-to spot for the best view of Guatape.
It’s worth it for the unique hike, and it’s easy to get there. Just ask any of the motochivas drivers and they’ll bring you to El Peñon from downtown for a flat fee of 12,000 (about $3 USD). 
When you get there, you’ll also have to pay 20,000 COP for an entry ticket, bringing this hike to the steep (pun intended) total price of 32,000, or about $8 USD.
There are some shops and snack stalls at the bottom, here. I bought a beer to take with me as a reward when I reached the top. If only someone had told me that, in fact, there are several establishments waiting to serve you at the top of the stone, even offering ice cold micheladas! 
The hike itself is steep and can be a little tiring. Luckily there are points to stop and rest, even in the radiant company of the Virgin Mary, for instance.
At the top, though, it’s all worth it. Bask in your accomplishments and enjoy the stunning views of Guatape.
Lunch in Downtown Guatape
3:00 PM: Now that you’ve worked up an inselberg-sized appetite, it’s time for lunch.
This is a great chance to more deeply explore downtown Guatape. It’s a perfect chance to sit streetside and do some people-watching.
By the main lakefront, you’ll find plenty of options for food (I went for a pollo asado that was bomb). There are also several restaurants around the Plazoleta de los Zocalos, as well as authentic street food options. 
Boat Tour
4:15 PM: You’ve checked nearly all the boxes for a Guatape day trip, but there’s still one major task left — get on the water!
A boat trip is a great way to get up close and personal with the water features that make Guatape famous. In the warmer months, you may even want to stop the boat and hop out for a swim in the lake.
A slow cruise boat tour starts around 100,000 COP ($25 USD), but kayaks, speedboats, and sailboats are also available. Make sure to get a good guide who you can communicate with, so they can point out to you the different celebrity homes around the lake.
You can even see the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s lakefront home, which was destroyed by vigilante group Los Pepes as Escobar made his escape through a secret tunnel. 
* Traveler be warned — the last bus back to Medellin is at 5:30. If you stay past then, you’ll have to take a taxi, or stay the night in Guatape *
Close Your Night Out with a Drink at a Guatape Rooftop Bar
6:30 PM: Now that you’ve explored local culture, climbed ancient rocks, and gleaned some firsthand history, there’s only one thing left to do: celebrate a job well done over cocktails and a bite.
On my Guatape day trip, I found myself seeking a rooftop bar to enjoy the open air and the view. Turns out there aren’t many, but I tried to include a few on this list of bars in Guatape. 
Bars in Guatape
Thai Terrace — I loved this spot, which is located inside Lakeview Hostel. There’s a great, tavern-like atmosphere of travelers trading stories around warm, wooden decor. Just beer, no cocktails here, but the Thai food is enough of a draw on its own. Besides that, there’s also the beautiful lake view that the hostel is named for, which you can kick back and observe from one of the hammocks on the balcony.
Terraza Blue — This place had good reviews, but disappointed me in the end. Described as a “terrace” and “rooftop bar”, I was unenthused to discover that it’s actually all indoors, on a top floor with floor-to-ceiling windows. Love those windows, but it’s not “rooftop.” That being said, they have good reviews, and a menu that includes cocktails and food. I didn’t dine there, but if you choose to, I feel like you’ll probably like it.
La Fogata — La Fogata is an excellent option for food and drink. Expect grilled Colombian meats and sides. Upstairs, there’s lovely open-air seating overlooking the main downtown waterfront. Be warned though, upstairs seating can close early.
Bar Baroja — “Temporarily closed” when I showed up during the low season, but all signs seem to indicate that this place is popping during the tourist rush. If it’s open while you’re in Guatape, Bar Baroja is supposed to be a fun spot with an international crowd.
Well there you have it. Guatape is a unique getaway with lots to offer — the sites, activities, and local flavor could easily be worth a 2-3 night stay.
But if you opt for a Guatape day trip, just make sure to show up early, and you won’t be disappointed.
Photos: Adan Kohnhorst, Daniel Rodriguez