Guatape Day Trip from Medellin – Your Ultimate 2026 Travel Guide
If you’re spending time in Medellin and wondering what the most iconic day trip is, chances are you’ve already seen photos of Guatape – the colorful lakeside town with cobblestone streets and the towering El Peñol rock. It’s on every traveler’s radar, but how do you make the most of just one day there in 2026?
Why Visit Guatape on a Day Trip from Medellin
Let’s start with the obvious: Guatape is ridiculously pretty. Its cobblestone streets are lined with zócalos – detailed, colorful murals painted on every building. It’s like walking through a living, breathing storybook.
But what really takes Guatape to the next level is its setting: the entire town sits next to a shimmering reservoir, surrounded by lush green hills. Add in a massive 220-meter-high granite monolith you can climb for a jaw-dropping 360° view, and you’ve got a spot that truly feels like something out of a dream.
🪨 This Guatapé day trip is the easiest way to see the lake, climb the rock and explore the colorful town – all in one day.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the views. It’s about the vibe. The boat rides, the street snacks, the friendly locals, the sound of salsa floating out of cafes, and that one perfect moment on top of the rock when you look out and think, “Wow, this is Colombia.”
📍 Start your trip in Medellín – this Top 10 Things to Do in Medellin Guide will help.
Explore Medellin Like a Local – With Our Interactive Travel Guide
Our Medellin Insider Travel Guide is a digital companion built from years of exploring, living, and working in this city. It’s web-based, works offline, and gives you direct access to the places, stories, and insights that actually matter. You won’t just find restaurants and sights – you’ll get local context, cultural tips, seasonal fruits to try, hidden cafés, and much more.
It’s updated regularly, filled with real photos, maps, and trusted recommendations – ideal for solo travelers, digital nomads, families or anyone who wants to explore Medellin with depth and confidence.
How to Get from Medellin to Guatape – All Options Compared
Planning your day trip to Guatape starts with one simple question: how do you want to get there? Over the years, we’ve tried all the options – from budget buses to private cars – and each one has its pros and cons. Here’s what we’ve learned, and what we now recommend to friends, family and fellow travelers.
🚁 If you’re celebrating something big – or just want the ultimate day trip – this private helicopter tour to Guatapé is absolutely next level.
Taking the Bus from Medellin to Guatape
The most affordable way to reach Guatape is by public bus from Medellin’s Terminal del Norte, which is connected to the Caribe metro station. Buses leave frequently throughout the day, roughly every 30 minutes, and the journey takes around two to two and a half hours, depending on traffic. Tickets cost about 24,000 COP (5–6 USD).
This is a great option if you’re on a budget and feel comfortable navigating on your own. Just keep in mind that seats on the return trip can sell out fast – especially on weekends or holidays – so it’s best to buy both tickets in advance. You can do that easily online via Redbus.
Why We Recommend Booking a Private Guatape Tour
After doing the trip in every possible way, our favorite option – by far – is booking a private tour with a local driver and certified guide. Not only do you get picked up right from your hotel, but you also avoid the stress of driving by yourself in the traffic of Medellin, the stress of public transport, the rigid schedule of group tours, and the crowds at peak hours.
What makes our private tour different is the level of comfort and attention to detail. Everything is included: from hotel pickup, to a professional bilingual guide, all transport, entrance to El Peñol rock, a traditional lunch by the lake, a refreshing drink, a guided boat tour on the reservoir – even basic travel insurance.
This is ideal if you want a smooth, personalized experience without having to worry about logistics or timing. It’s also the best option for families, couples, or small groups who want to explore Guatape at their own pace, with the added benefit of local insights along the way.
Prices start at approximately 190 USD per person (based on two people), with reduced rates for larger groups. You can find all the details on our private tour page.
If you’re traveling solo or want a more social, affordable option, a shared group tour might be a great fit. We’ve tested several providers over the years and now only recommend the ones that meet our standards in terms of quality, professionalism and value.
Group Tours to Guatape usually include round-trip transportation by bus, a knowledgeable guide, a traditional lunch, and a short boat tour on the lake. The climb to El Peñol is optional and the entrance fee (currently 30,000 COP) is not included in the tour price.
At around 39 USD per person, it’s a budget-friendly and hassle-free way to see the main highlights of Guatape in one day. You can check availability and book your spot directly on our recommended group tour page.
Renting a Car for the Guatape Trip
If you’re comfortable driving in Colombia and want maximum flexibility, renting a car might be the right option for you. Once you’re out of Medellin, the drive to Guatape is scenic and straightforward, with several places along the way where you can stop, take photos or grab a snack.
Rental prices usually start around 35 to 70 USD per day for a basic model, plus fuel, tolls, and parking. It’s a great option if you plan to stay overnight, explore nearby towns, or want to be fully independent. Just be aware that driving in Medellin itself can be stressful, especially during rush hour.
To find the best deals, we recommend booking through our trusted car rental partner, where you can compare prices and pick-up options in English.
🇨🇴 Explore more Top 10 Places to visit in Colombia in this article.
Our Recommendation – Based on Experience
If you’re only visiting Guatape for the day and want it to be smooth, safe, and memorable, we highly recommend going with either a private tour (for comfort and flexibility) or a shared tour (for budget and convenience). Both options allow you to fully enjoy the bestexperience without the usual stress of planning and navigating.
That said, if you’re more spontaneous or traveling long-term on a budget, the bus is a perfectly good way to go – especially if you’re comfortable exploring independently.
No matter how you get there, Guatape is absolutely worth the trip – and how you arrive can shape how much you enjoy the journey.
Climbing El Peñol – A View Worth Every One of the 649 Steps
El Peñol isn’t just the main attraction in Guatape – it’s one of the most iconic natural landmarks in all of Colombia. You’ve probably seen it on postcards or Instagram already, but nothing compares to the moment you actually stand at the base of this giant granite monolith and look up. Rising over 200 meters above the lake, it dominates the landscape and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views we’ve ever seen.
To reach the top, you’ll climb exactly 649 steep, winding steps built directly into the rock. It’s a bit of a workout, especially in the sun, so we always recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is softer and the air a little cooler. Don’t rush – take your time, bring water, and enjoy the increasingly wide views as you ascend.
Once at the summit, the effort fades into the background. You’re rewarded with an unbelievable 360-degree view of emerald lakes, green hills, tiny islands and the rooftops of Guatape in the distance. There’s a small café where you can grab a drink and a snack, and several platforms to take photos – or simply pause for a moment to appreciate the silence above it all.
The entrance fee is currently 35,000 COP, and yes, it’s worth every peso.
Exploring the Streets of Guatape – Colombia’s Most Colorful Town
After climbing El Peñol, the town of Guatape awaits just a few minutes away by car or tuk-tuk. While the rock is what brings people here, it’s the town itself that often surprises them the most.
Walking through the streets of Guatape feels like stepping into a painting. Nearly every house is decorated with zócalos – vivid, hand-painted murals along the lower part of the buildings. These murals show local life, farming traditions, music, animals, and often just pure creativity. Some are playful, some are deeply symbolic, and all of them make this town truly unique.
There are a few spots we always go back to. Calle del Recuerdo, a narrow cobblestone lane lined with classic murals, is especially peaceful in the early morning when the town is still quiet. Plaza del Zócalo, with its colorful staircases and cafés, is the beating heart of Guatape and a great place to sit down, sip a coffee and people-watch for a while.
This part of the day doesn’t need an itinerary. Just walk, look around, and let the charm of the town guide you. But with our Guatape Travle Tips, you will definitly have the best time.
The Best Medellin Tours for Every Travel Style
We work with handpicked, trusted local agencies to offer both private and shared tours in Medellin and its surroundings. Whether you prefer exploring with a small group or want the comfort of a private guide and driver, we’ve got options for every travel style and budget – without compromising on quality or safety.
Our partners are certified, experienced, and truly connected to the communities they represent. You can also book a dedicated guide or private driver for the day, arrange transfers, or explore the city on your own terms – with someone who knows it well by your side. Guides are available in Spanish, English, and other languages upon request.
No generic packages, no tourist traps – just honest, well-organized experiences by locals who care.
A Scenic Boat Tour – Discovering Guatape from the Water
One of our favorite ways to explore Guatape’s natural beauty is from the water. The reservoir that surrounds the town was created by a hydroelectric dam and now offers a peaceful, scenic setting for short boat tours. These tours usually last around 30–40 minutes and cost about 25,000 COP, depending on the route and boat size.
As you glide across the lake, you’ll pass the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s abandoned mansion, luxury lakeside homes, and even the remains of villages that were submerged when the dam was built. Some tours also share stories about the region’s past and how it has changed over the years.
It’s calm, relaxing, and provides a completely different view of the landscape. Especially on a sunny afternoon, there’s something magical about watching the reflections of the hills dance across the water.
Lunch by the Lake – What to eat in Guatape
After a full morning of climbing and walking, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a long, satisfying lunch with a view. Guatape has plenty of restaurants near the waterfront, many of them family-run, where the food is homemade and the portions are generous.
The most popular dish is trucha – fresh local trout from the lake – usually grilled or fried and served with garlic or criolla sauce, rice, patacón, and salad. But don’t stop there. We also recommend trying a bandeja paisa, the region’s most iconic dish, which includes beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, avocado, arepa, fried egg, and plantain – it’s a meal and a half. For something a bit more comforting, a cazuela de frijoles or a sancocho (traditional soup with root vegetables and meat) hits the spot perfectly.
If you’ve still got room for dessert, don’t miss out on a merengón – a crispy meringue layered with strawberries and whipped cream – or a cup of crema de fresa. Both are local favorites, and trust us, they taste even better after a full morning of exploration.
Adventure Activities in Guatape – What else you can do
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to add a bit of adrenaline to the day, Guatape offers more than enough to keep you entertained. The surrounding landscape of hills, waterfalls and open skies has made it a small hub for outdoor adventure.
One of the most popular options is paragliding over the reservoir – floating through the sky with views of El Peñol and the winding lakes below is something we’ll never forget. It’s calm, safe, and absolutely surreal. Helicopter rides are also available for a different aerial perspective, usually lasting around ten minutes and offering a chance to see just how vast and beautiful this area really is.
🐾 This Guatapé tour is not your typical version – it adds a cozy farm visit, fancy boat and a chill pace.
Closer to the water, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards or jet skis by the hour and explore the coves and edges of the lake on your own terms. For those looking for a more guided experience, there are canyoning tours that take you through waterfalls and jungle trails – including rappelling, sliding and jumping into natural pools. And then there’s the flying boat – a lightweight aircraft that takes off from the water and offers a hybrid between boating and flight. It sounds wild, but it’s an unforgettable thrill.
All of these activities can be booked in town or in advance – and if you’re planning to stay longer than just a day, we definitely recommend adding one or two of them to your experience.
Is Guatape Worth It for a Day Trip – Or Should You Stay Overnight?
Most people rush in and out. But here’s our honest take: if you can stay, do it.
The best moments in Guatape aren’t always in the middle of the day. They’re in the quiet mornings before tourists arrive, when the lake reflects the first sunlight. Or in the evenings, when you’re sipping a drink by the water and the only sounds are birds and music drifting from a cafe.
Some of our favorite places to stay:
Hotel Bosko – glamping domes with lake views
Levit Glamping – floating eco-bubbles
El Viajero Hostel – social, budget, lakefront
Tau House – boutique comfort with an infinity pool
🧠 After nature, dive into Medellín’s urban culture – Comuna 13 – our everything you need to know before you visit guide.
Final Thoughts about your Day Trip to Guatape
Guatape is more than just a pretty postcard. It’s the kind of place that gives you that feeling – freedom, nature, color, good food, and real connection.
Whether you’re climbing the rock, laughing on a boat ride, or watching the sky turn pink over the lake, this trip will stay with you. So take the day. Or two. You won’t regret it.
About Medellín Insider
We’re Tati & Goran – a Colombian-Croatian couple who have called Medellin home for over seven years. This city is where our paths came together, and over time, it became so much more than just a place we live – it’s where we’ve built a life, created memories, and found inspiration every single day.
We started Medellin Insider because we believe this city deserves more than clichés and quick travel reels. Medellin is full of energy, color, resilience, kindness – and a lot more than what you see on social media. Through this digital platform, we want to share the city we fell in love with – honestly, deeply, and with the kind of real-world tips you only get from living here.
If you’re curious to experience Medellin beyond the headlines, we’re here to help.
