Val’s lowdown on Guatapé
Sightseeing
Things to do in and around Guatape.
Of course, everyone know about that rock. We recommend that you visit it before 10am as it tends to ger super busy afterwards, especially so in the weekend.
To get there from Casa Dodo, take a mototaxi (tuktuk) from here. It takes about 8 minutes to arrive, then about 20 minutes to climb up the 700+ steps. The effort is well worth it; you will be blown away by the view.
Entry fee (2023) is 20000 pesos per person.
187 preporuka/e lokalaca
Guatapé stijena
Of course, everyone know about that rock. We recommend that you visit it before 10am as it tends to ger super busy afterwards, especially so in the weekend.
To get there from Casa Dodo, take a mototaxi (tuktuk) from here. It takes about 8 minutes to arrive, then about 20 minutes to climb up the 700+ steps. The effort is well worth it; you will be blown away by the view.
Entry fee (2023) is 20000 pesos per person.
Guatape is a cute colourful lakeside town. It is worth exploring it's streets and taking photos of it's trademark zocalos. Completed in September 2019, it's new waterfront is also a pleasant stroll at any time of the day. A good place to shop for Colombian souvenirs and there are a handful of good restaurants around.
458 preporuka/e lokalaca
Guatapé
29-61 Cl. 32Guatape is a cute colourful lakeside town. It is worth exploring it's streets and taking photos of it's trademark zocalos. Completed in September 2019, it's new waterfront is also a pleasant stroll at any time of the day. A good place to shop for Colombian souvenirs and there are a handful of good restaurants around.
On a hot sunny day, there is nothing better than visiting the next village, San Rafael for a dip in the river. There are numerous "balnearios" (natural river pools) where you can swim in crystal-clear water. Some charge an entry fee but most are free. It is around 700 metres lower in altitude than Guatape, so quite a bit warmer. It is a 30 min bus ride and you may need to take a tuk tuk to go to the river.
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San Rafael
On a hot sunny day, there is nothing better than visiting the next village, San Rafael for a dip in the river. There are numerous "balnearios" (natural river pools) where you can swim in crystal-clear water. Some charge an entry fee but most are free. It is around 700 metres lower in altitude than Guatape, so quite a bit warmer. It is a 30 min bus ride and you may need to take a tuk tuk to go to the river.
Boat ride and nautical sport. Numerous aquatic activities are available on the lake such as kayaking, sailing, pedal boating, jet-skiing etc. Or if you do not fancy too much exercise, you have the option of hopping on a boat for an hour or two. Boats come in various categories, from small speed boats to large "planchon" (comfortable luxury boats) and the standard duration is an hour. On the trip, you get to see the houses of famous Colombians, the ruins of Pablo Escobar's house, the site of the old village of El Peñol that was flooded when the reservoir was created. It is a pleasant trip if the weather is good.
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Embalse Peñol-Guatapé
Boat ride and nautical sport. Numerous aquatic activities are available on the lake such as kayaking, sailing, pedal boating, jet-skiing etc. Or if you do not fancy too much exercise, you have the option of hopping on a boat for an hour or two. Boats come in various categories, from small speed boats to large "planchon" (comfortable luxury boats) and the standard duration is an hour. On the trip, you get to see the houses of famous Colombians, the ruins of Pablo Escobar's house, the site of the old village of El Peñol that was flooded when the reservoir was created. It is a pleasant trip if the weather is good.
Two young women from Guatape offer free walking tours from Monday to Saturday at 2pm and 4pm. The tour, either in English or Spanish, starts opposite the church in the main square and lasts about 60-90 minutes. It is very informative and you will learn about the history and culture of our village. Tipping is of course welcomed.
They also offer other tours; hikes, coffee and chocolate farm, local gastronomy, etc. You will find information on these tours in the folder located in the apartments.
Guatapé Free Walking Tour
Two young women from Guatape offer free walking tours from Monday to Saturday at 2pm and 4pm. The tour, either in English or Spanish, starts opposite the church in the main square and lasts about 60-90 minutes. It is very informative and you will learn about the history and culture of our village. Tipping is of course welcomed.
They also offer other tours; hikes, coffee and chocolate farm, local gastronomy, etc. You will find information on these tours in the folder located in the apartments.
You can take a relaxing stroll on the waterfront promenade. It starts right opposite our building. There you will also be able to find all types of water activities such as boat tours, jet ski, kayak, etc.
If you fancy a drink or a coffee, there are various cafe and bars. For children, you will find a playground where they can play and meet other children.
Malecón de Guatapé
You can take a relaxing stroll on the waterfront promenade. It starts right opposite our building. There you will also be able to find all types of water activities such as boat tours, jet ski, kayak, etc.
If you fancy a drink or a coffee, there are various cafe and bars. For children, you will find a playground where they can play and meet other children.
Food scene
Our favourite places to eat in Guatape. The village is full of Colombian restaurants but if you are tired as we are of the local fare, these are our recommendations.
If you are after some South-East Asian spiciness, this place should be on your food itinerary. The food is delicious and pretty authentic considering we are quite far from Thailand.
Thai Terrace
29b1 Cra. 22If you are after some South-East Asian spiciness, this place should be on your food itinerary. The food is delicious and pretty authentic considering we are quite far from Thailand.
Best pizza in the village. I would go as far as saying best pizza I have eaten in Colombia. Italian-style thin base pizza made by Luigi, and he only makes pizza. Unfortunately, during the pandemia, he closed the restaurant in town but the good news is that he now operates from his house in the countryside, about 20 minutes by car. Reservations only and only on weekends.
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Pizzeria de Luigi
VeredaBest pizza in the village. I would go as far as saying best pizza I have eaten in Colombia. Italian-style thin base pizza made by Luigi, and he only makes pizza. Unfortunately, during the pandemia, he closed the restaurant in town but the good news is that he now operates from his house in the countryside, about 20 minutes by car. Reservations only and only on weekends.
Our favourite restaurant in town, Koi Cocina Asiatica serves great Asian cuisine; it is delicious and as authentic as you will get in this part of Colombia. It offers Chinese, Korean and Japanese fare. They will also deliver to your apartment if you prefer to stay in, and they offer our guests 10% discount off the food menu.
Koi Cocina Asiática
31-24 Carrera 32Our favourite restaurant in town, Koi Cocina Asiatica serves great Asian cuisine; it is delicious and as authentic as you will get in this part of Colombia. It offers Chinese, Korean and Japanese fare. They will also deliver to your apartment if you prefer to stay in, and they offer our guests 10% discount off the food menu.
2 minutes walk from us is Don Oscar. If you wish to eat a good steak, this is the place we would recommend. Beef tends to be tough in Colombia but this place uses imported beef. You can also sit on the balcony and watch life on the Waterfront.
Don Oscar
2 minutes walk from us is Don Oscar. If you wish to eat a good steak, this is the place we would recommend. Beef tends to be tough in Colombia but this place uses imported beef. You can also sit on the balcony and watch life on the Waterfront.
Although the name may make you think this place is only for cyclists, don't worry, it's open to all. It's a bakery and coffee shop. They make the best bread in town, and the best croissant and millesfeuilles. They filled pastries are pretty good too.
They open at 7, so it's a good place to have breakfast. Their menu is very extensive so everyone will find something at their taste.
Casa de Ciclistas Guatape
Although the name may make you think this place is only for cyclists, don't worry, it's open to all. It's a bakery and coffee shop. They make the best bread in town, and the best croissant and millesfeuilles. They filled pastries are pretty good too.
They open at 7, so it's a good place to have breakfast. Their menu is very extensive so everyone will find something at their taste.
If you wish to get out of town to see a bit of the country-side, and want to eat healthy vegan food, go to Paola's farm. She serves lunch between 12:30 and 14:00. From there, you can also hike to the Alto de San Jose or even further. She has goats and a pig at the farm you can play with. Ask us for her phone number.
At The Farm - Vegan Lunch ( by reservation only)
If you wish to get out of town to see a bit of the country-side, and want to eat healthy vegan food, go to Paola's farm. She serves lunch between 12:30 and 14:00. From there, you can also hike to the Alto de San Jose or even further. She has goats and a pig at the farm you can play with. Ask us for her phone number.
Lokalne preporuke
Kretanje gradom
Modes of transport
The village is small and you will not need transport to get around other than your two legs. If you wish to go further out, there are various modes of transport. If you wish to travel anywhere along the main El Peñol-Guatape road, you can hop on the red buses (the ones that go to/from Medellin) or on a chiva (jeep). If you need to go anywhere else, you can take a tuktuk which is a 3-wheeler and can take 3 passengers.
Što možete rezervirati prije odlaska na putovanje
Getting here from the MDE airport
Guatape is located about 75 minutes from the MDE airport, and about 2 hours from Medellin. The cheapest but not direct way from the airport is to take the airport bus to Rio Negro, then find the shared taxis that go to El Peñol, then hop on a bus or chiva to Guatape.
There are official taxis at the airport who will take you to Guatape. The fare is posted but do confirm the rate before you enter as the driver may decide to charge you a higher price. It is currently about COP 150,000.
If you let us know ahead of time, we can collect you from the airport (4 people max) for COP 120,000.
Što možete rezervirati prije odlaska na putovanje
Getting here from Medellin
Most economical but not unpleasant way to go to/from Guatape is by bus. Buses leave from the north terminal (by metro Caribe) and is a 2 to 2.5 hour ride. Fare is COP 18.000.
You can find taxis or private chauffeurs that would take you to Guatape but best to book a day or two in advance as they may not be easy to find. Rates will vary depending on the provider.
We can collect you from Medellin (4 people max) if you let us know ahead of time at a cost of COP 180,000.