Antioquia, east of Medellín · Colombia
A lake town of brightly painted houses with sculpted friezes below a giant granite monolith with 740 steps to the top.
Photo: Elena.laps · CC BY-SA 4.0
Guatapé is a small town about two hours east of Medellín, set on a large artificial reservoir created in the 1970s to feed a hydroelectric plant. The flooded valley left a landscape of green islands and inlets, and a giant rock, La Piedra del Peñol, a 200-metre granite monolith rising from the shore.
The town is known for its zócalos, colourful bas-relief panels along the base of the houses, which show scenes of local life, animals and family names in bright colours. The Plazoleta de los Zócalos and the side streets are a pleasure to walk, with bars, shops and boats on the waterfront.
El Peñol has a zigzag staircase of about 740 steps, built into a crack in the rock, which takes 20 to 30 minutes to climb and rewards you with a huge view over the reservoir. The trip is a classic day out from Medellín, though staying overnight allows quieter time in the evening.
Why visit
Guatapé is one of Colombia's most photogenic day trips.
740 steps to a big view.
Zócalo friezes.
Islands and boats.
Two hours by bus.
Bars and cafés.
Main attractions
The rock and the town are 15 minutes apart.
A 200-metre granite rock climbed by 740 steps, with a viewing platform at the top.
Tip Go early to avoid queues and heat.
Bright bas-relief friezes on the lower walls of houses, showing scenes and symbols.
Tip Walk the side streets.
The lake turns gold in the evening, best from the malecón or a boat.
Tip Stay for sunset.
A square of painted houses, cafés and stalls.
Tip Try local snacks.
Trips among the islands.
Tip Agree the price.
The lakeside promenade.
Tip Best in the evening.
Things to do
Guatapé is for climbing and strolling.
740 steps.
Tip Go early.
See the islands.
Tip Book on the malecón.
Colourful walls.
Tip Soft morning light.
On the reservoir.
Tip Rent one.
Adventure options.
Tip Choose a safe operator.
Lakeside restaurants.
Tip Try it grilled.
Local food
Food is simple and lakeside.
A local speciality.
Where to try it Lakeside restaurants.
Antioquian platter.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Street snack.
Where to try it Stalls.
Fruit.
Where to try it Cafés.
Fried dough.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Accommodation
Stay in the town.
Transport
Guatapé is about 80 km from Medellín.
The town is walkable.
When to go
Guatapé is mild, with dry seasons.
Drier.
Wet.
Drier.
Wet.
Worth planning around: Rainy afternoons, when the view is clouded.
Itinerary
The rock and the town.
A day trip.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
20 to 30 minutes.
About 2 hours.
Yes.
Painted bas-reliefs.
Yes.
December to March.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Guatapé, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Antioquia, Aburrá Valley, Colombia
Colombia's innovation city, with Comuna 13's street art and escalators, Plaza Botero, Metrocable rides, Parque Arví, El Poblado's restaurants and a mild climate all year.
Don't miss Riding the Metrocable up to the hillside neighbourhoods, with the whole valley spread out below.
Explore Destination — MedellínQuindío, Coffee Cultural Landscape, Colombia
The heart of Colombia's Coffee Axis, with the pretty village of Salento, the Cocora Valley's 60-metre wax palms, coffee farm tours, hummingbirds and trout.
Don't miss Walking among the world's tallest palms, rising out of the mist above green pastures.
Explore Destination — Salento and the Cocora ValleyCundinamarca, Andean highlands, Colombia
Colombia's capital at 2,640 metres, with La Candelaria's colonial streets, the Gold and Botero museums, Monserrate, street art, restaurants and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Don't miss Riding the cable car to the Monserrate sanctuary for a view over the vast city.
Explore Destination — BogotáRead next
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