Unlock 3 Ways To Explore Towns From Medellin To Guatape

Are you planning to go on a day tour outside Medellín? The most popular destination and one of Colombia’s most colorful and beautiful places are only about two hours away. Here are a few pieces of advice to make the most of your excursion from Medellín to Guatapé. 

Climbing La Piedra del Peñon (the Rock of Peñon) is one of the main reasons Guatapé is on many tourists’ must-visit list. A day trip to this quaint pueblo may not be sufficient to experience everything this charming, postcard-pretty town can offer. 

This article will provide important information about preparing to escape from the hustle and bustle of Medellín and travel to Guatapé. 

Let’s begin so you can plan your trip itinerary! 

Medellín as Your Travel Springboard

Home to beautiful parks, gardens, museums, and hiking trails, the city has it all; whether you are a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or history buff, you will not run out of enjoyable things to do in Medellin.

Nestled in the Andes, Medellín is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and majestic mountains with beautifully pleasant weather all year round. It’s not every day that you visit a place like Medellín. If you are already staying in one of the best places in the city, it is best to make the most of your trip and explore all its beauty, including its vibrant nightlife. 

However, the hustle and bustle of the city also tend to wear down the tourists who are eager to explore all the sites and attractions of Medellín. 

So, if you are looking for more adventurous or tranquil activities outside Medellín, we have the right idea. Whether you want to climb the national monument La Piedra del Peñon, do horseback riding, go on an ATV tour, or just do a chill walking tour and marvel at the ornate architecture of an old town, the only answer is a side trip to Guatapé. 

Let’s find out why and how to get to this town.

Traveling from Medellín to Guatapé 

Traveling out of Medellín for a day trip or two to explore neighboring towns or areas, recharge, and then return to the city may be a good idea. Guatapé is one such town that is easily accessible from Medellín. 

If you want to steal a day away from one of the most vibrant cities of Colombia and explore natural beauty at its finest, a stress-free quick trip to Guatapé is exactly what you need. 

The little Andean resort of Guatapé is located on the shores of the mighty Guatapé reservoir, almost 47 miles (75 kilometers) from Medellín. This picturesque city is touted as the most colorful city in the world. A stroll will reveal the reason through the Guatapé zocalos, colorful bas-relief designs on most buildings in the town’s historical center. 

Here is your chance to learn all you need to know about visiting Guatapé for a short day trip, including how you can hop on a bus from Medellín to enjoy all the sightseeing opportunities in this lovely town. Listed below are your public transportation options.

1. Traveling to Guatapé by Bus

Buses to Guatapé are the most economical option to travel from Medellín. For excursions to Guatape, departures from the terminal happen regularly between 6 am to 7 pm after every 20 minutes or so. The journey from Medellín to Guatapé lasts from 90 minutes to 2 hours. 

Here is what you need to do:

• Getting to the Bus Terminal

Terminal del Norte is the main bus station from Medellín to Guatapé. The bus service is available round the clock so that you can purchase a ticket anytime. Since bus routes to Guatapé are very common, you do not need to make bookings (or even get round trip tickets) and know the bus schedules. Just simply get on the next bus. 

Easily reachable (285 meters or 935 feet) with a 4-minute walk, Terminal del Norte is right across the Caribe Metro station. You can also get to the bus terminal via a taxi that will drop you off at the Metro’s top floor, which connects to a bridge to the terminal. 

• Purchasing Your Ticket

There are different booths for different buses, and you must locate the right booth to purchase a ticket to Guatapé. The booth is managed by Sotrasanvicente & Guatapé La Piedra, the most popular company on that route. The booth is easily accessible, and you should have no trouble finding it. 

It is important to note that the bus makes various bus stops around Guatapé, and you need to inform your driver beforehand where you want to be dropped off. 

For instance, if you want to be dropped off at the Peñol de Guatapé, the entrance to the La Piedra del Peñol comes 10 minutes before the Guatapé bus station, so you will need to tell the driver in advance. A one-way ticket to La Piedra or Guatapé costs 17,000 COP per person (around $4).

• Reading a Colombian Bus Ticket

The bus tickets issued in Colombia are usually in Spanish, so you must learn to decipher them correctly. Two important terms are puesto and rampa, which confuse many tourists. Puesto means seat number, and rampa means gate number.

If you’re unfamiliar with the language, it’s easy to confuse the words. Avoid this common mistake if you do not want to miss your bus or sit on the wrong seat. The bus will make a few stops in between to pick up locals who are headed east. 

2. Traveling to Guatapé by Taxi

If you’re traveling with a small circle of friends or do not want to go by bus to Guatape, you may prefer a more private option like taxis. Usually, taxi drivers charge between 173,000 COP ($40) and 216,500 COP ($50) for a one-way trip to Guatapé. 

You may have to negotiate a little before settling for the rate.

3. Going Back to Medellín

Once done with your trip to Guatapé, you can head back to Medellín the same way you came. You can hop on the same buses you arrived on or get a taxi. You can also ask the hotel management to get you a tuk-tuk, which will take you to the bus area. 

Buses are always available and leave once they are full, so there is no exact departure time. You do not need to book or purchase a ticket in advance. Simply pay the driver and get on the bus that is ready to leave.

Important Tips for Enjoying Guatapé

We hope the above information was useful in helping you plan a trip to Guatapé. Here are some tips to help you make your trip memorable and enjoyable:

• Suppose the main purpose of your trip to Guatapé is to get a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Medellín. In that case, avoiding traveling to Guatapé on weekends or public holidays is better. The place will be packed with local and foreign tourists, particularly the popular tourist sites.
• As suggested above, if you are unfamiliar with Spanish, remember not to mix puesto (seat number) with rampa (gate number) mentioned on your ticket.
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb the almost 700 stairsteps of La Piedra. These could be runners or walking shoes that can help you climb easily.
• Remember to get sunglasses and a hat to help you move around easily during the daytime when the sun is shining.
• Also, apply sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt.
• Take your camera along to capture unforgettable moments, and get headphones so you can listen to music when you are on the bus or taxi on your way to Guatapé.
• If you plan to stay in Guatapé for more than a day, you will need to find a good hotel that suits your budget, offers quality services for the prices, and is present at a convenient location. Here are some of the best accommodation options in Guatape. 
• Keep local currency with you for local commute, hotel stay, food and drinks during your stay in Guatapé, adventure sports, and activities, including a ticket to La Piedra, and return via bus or taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions – Medellín to Guatapé

Is It Worthwhile to Visit Guatapé From Medellín?

Guatapé is a great place to visit with beautiful sights and many tourist attractions. If you are in Medellín, plan a short trip to Guatapé for at least a day or two. 

A day excursion may be a great fit for your trip to the area.

How Do You Get From Medellín to Guatapé, Colombia?

You can go to Guatapé via bus from Medellín. You can also hire a taxi to take you.

How Far Is Guatapé From Medellín?

Guatapé is almost 75 km (47 miles) away from Medellín. The bus ride can take anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours.

How Many Days Do You Need in Guatapé?

While many tourists plan a day trip to Medellín, spending 2 days or at least 2 nights exploring Guatapé and experiencing the tourist attractions and activities are suggested. 

Conclusion – Medellín to Guatapé

There are a lot of breathtaking places to visit that you have to see once in a lifetime. So, getting around these destinations must be part of your trip planner.

Whether you only have time for a day trip or can spare a night or two, visiting Guatapé from Medellín is a must-do detour you won’t regret. The charm of the Guatapé pueblo and the challenge of climbing El Peñol alone will make the two-hour trip more than worth it.

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