15 Best Things To Do In Guatape Colombia This 2025

Looking for an amazing day trip just a hop, skip, and a jump from Medellín? Visit this picturesque lakeside town with its colorful zócalos (traditional street murals), vibrant nightlife, and more! Here’s a list of breathtaking places to go and exciting things to do in Guatapé Colombia.

If you’re seeking activities in Medellín, consider a side-trip to Guatapé, just a two-hour drive away. This vibrant pueblo boasts a rich culture and stunning natural wonders, offering endless experiences whether you stay for a day or several nights. Guatapé welcomes visitors with warmth and hospitality, showcasing Colombian culture amidst its colorful streets and picturesque landscapes.

Nestled within the Antioquian countryside, Guatapé is a small farming community that has embraced tourism, sharing its culture and heritage with the world. Its colorful houses, cobbled streets, and quaint antique shops contribute to its charm, making it a must-visit destination near Medellín.

15 Best Things to Do in Guatapé Colombia 

Let’s look at some sightseeing activities, outdoor adventures, and bucket-list experiences to give you trip ideas in this quaint old town, Guatapé. 

1. Climb the La Piedra or “The Rock” 

La Piedra del Peñol or El Peñón de Guatapé is a gigantic rock, located between the towns of Guatapé and El Peñol in Antioquia, Colombia. It is one of the largest monoliths in the world, one of the most prominent attractions in Guatapé, and considered a national monument in Colombia. 

La Piedra del Peñol stands 200 meters above the earth and is assessed to be around 10 million tons of granite. You can go on foot by walking down the road to the rock; it will take you 30 minutes. You can also go by tricycle taxi, costing you around 10,000 Colombian Pesos (COP). 

The next task is to climb the 650 stairs built in the vertical crack along the length of the La Piedra. You can also book a rock-climbing tour online before coming. You need to pay an entrance fee of 20,000 COP per adult to climb La Piedra del Peñol. 

The staircase is located at the right of the ticket booth. There are restaurants and souvenir shops at the base as well. 

2. Taste the Colombian Coffee 

Guatapé is surrounded by some of the best coffee farms, and you must not miss out on experiencing the authentic taste of Colombian coffee. 

If you want an authentic experience, visit an organic coffee villa in the Andes, observe the coffee-making process, and indulge in the exotic coffee flavor. 

3. Explore the Guatapé Zocalos 

An activity that you shouldn’t miss is a stroll around the town. It will have you marveling over the colorful homes, painted with themed borders, termed Zocalos. You will observe different types of themes painted along houses and shops. 

While some themes are centered on favorite pets or characters, others feature interesting renditions of La Piedra del Peñol and other symbolic characters or images. 

As you walk along the vibrant and lively cobbled pathways of Calle del Recuerdo, take a close look at the architecture. One cannot help but be amazed at the creativity of the locals. 

Explore this great place during the discreet hours when there is no rush on the streets, and you will find a sense of peace and tranquility. 

4. Explore the Colombian Waters

Are you fond of water adventures like kayaking or paddling? Get on a kayak or paddle on the high tides of the Colombian waters. Kayaks, jet skis, and boats are available for rent on the beaches on an hourly basis. 

You can opt for one of the commercial boat tours or go on a self guided excursion. There are plenty of tour guides that can take you along Guatapé Lake. 

5. Go Hiking 

Guatapé features some of the best hiking trails that take you through scenic villages, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and coffee farms. 

You can join a guided tour to experience nature in its finest form. 

6. Dive at the La Cazuela Waterfall 

The La Cazuela Waterfall is a 2.5 meters tall waterfall located around 40 minutes away from Guatapé. The serene spot with its freshwater waterfall is ideal for a day trip out of Guatapé, where you can recharge by diving, swimming, or relaxing in the lush green surroundings. 

You can get to the waterfalls on motorbikes on your own or join a guided tour as it suits you. If you’re planning to swim in the water, remember to pack the necessary swimming gear or an extra pair of clothes. 

7. Join an ATV Tour 

Adrenaline junkies are bound to get a rush out of an adventure tour around Guatapé. If you are fond of or want to ride an ATV, join a private tour that offers an ATV ride. 

These bikes are built to help you tread on rough terrains with ease and make for an exciting adventure. 

8. See Guatapé From Above

If you’re adventurous, you will find many forms of attractions in Guatapé. Paragliding is one such activity that will allow you to see the town from above. All the water and air-based activities receive rave reviews from tourists. 

Another way you can view the city from above is by taking a helicopter ride, enabling you to view the panoramic landscape of beautiful greenery and river beds from a bird’s eye view. 

9. Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen 

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen is the main church of the city, located in the main park. The church is hundreds of years old with beautiful architecture. 

If you are fond of history and architecture, you will enjoy exploring the church and looking at the interesting sculptures within the place.

10. Explore the Guatapé Dam 

The Guatapé or the Punchina Dam is located on the Guatapé River, around 11 miles east of San Carlos. It was built in the 1970s to provide electricity to Medellín. 

You can visit the site for some amazing photography. When viewed from La Piedra, you can witness some spectacular views. 

11. Take the Historic Boat Tour 

There is a mansion just outside of Guatapé that belonged to Pablo Escobar. It was once the center where he used to carry his drug operations. 

You can take a boat tour, which takes you along the mansion. While you cannot go inside the mansion, your tour guide will tell you all the tales about that time. 

You will also learn more about the lake and the rock. 

The ticket price is 50,000 COP, and the tour will last around 11 to 12 hours. 

12. Antique Shopping 

Souvenir shopping is an exciting part of any trip, and if you are also fond of the activity, you will have a ball shopping in Guatapé. You will find a bit of culture and history reflected in every antique piece you find at the souvenir shops in Guatapé. 

There are many traditional shops along the streets of Guatapé where you will find a large variety of handcrafts, including ceramic objects, wooden crafts, and tapestries.

13. Enjoy Music at the Plazoleta de los Zocalos 

The town of Guatapé comes alive at night with live music sessions in the Plazoleta de los Zócalos. The local community has not only strived hard to make the houses and business centers vibrant and colorful, but they have also made this part of town the liveliest area with their exciting music. 

So, if you too want to experience a joyful evening, grab a bite or coffee from one of the local eateries or cafes and enjoy your food or beverage as you listen to the music. 

14. Dinner on the Cruise 

Luxury cruises on the Guatapé Lake offer a premium experience, including delicious food and live entertainment. As the cruise sails around the lake, you will also see small villages and the locals going about their day around the lake. 

15. Have an Ice Cream in Antioquia 

Ice-cream shops in Antioquia are known for offering some of the most amazing flavors of ice cream, including coconut, cheese-caramel, chocolate peanut butter, passion fruit, etc. Try these exotic flavors, and do not miss out on the delicious experience. 

Guatapé by Night 

During the week, the nights are very quiet in Guatapé, but it all changes on the weekends as many bars open up to a full house with packed dance floors. Here are some of the most popular bars you can visit to enjoy your night in Guatapé. 

The Bar Baroja features theme nights, while the overall ambiance is quite serene. You will find a mix of locals and tourists at the bar and enjoy some nice music. 

Another club you can check out is Casa Cuba. It is a salsa club where you can enjoy good food and drinks and have fun dancing well into the night. 

If you are in the mood for loud, exciting music, go to the Jala Jala Disco bar. Popular among young tourists, the establishment with its neon light bar and loud music is almost always full. 

How To Stay Safe In Guatapé Colombia

When traveling to Guatapé, Colombia, prioritize safety by familiarizing yourself with the area and choosing accommodations in reputable neighborhoods. Keep valuables secure and remain mindful of your surroundings, particularly in crowded tourist spots.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

How to Enjoy Your Guatapé Visit 

Guatapé is a wonderful place to visit with many places to see and explore. While many tourists opt for a day trip to Guatapé from Medellín, we highly recommend you invest more time in exploring the town, depending on the length of your trip. 

If you want to make the most of your time, you can consider some of the many activities provided in the earlier section. 

Moreover, if you want to enjoy your trip to the maximum and ensure it is comfortable, here are a few suggestions:

• If you want to easily get around Guatapé, you can easily rent a tuk-tuk and drive around with independence. 
• Carry a sunscreen and bug repellent ointment to make sure you don’t get sunburns or bug bites when out and about. 
• Bring an extra set of clothing if you are going for a water-based activity. 
• Keep your precious belongings safe in a locker in your hotel or apartment where you are staying. 
• Exercise caution when you are out at night and do not go venturing out alone in deserted areas. 
• If traveling alone, do not leave your drinks or food unattended, and keep your family and friends aware of your whereabouts. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Things to Do in Guatapé Colombia

Is It Safe to Travel to Guatapé? 

The region entailing Medellín and other nearby areas is considered safe for tourists. So, if you plan to see the sights in Guatapé, you can do so without any worries. 

What Is Guatapé Best Known For? 

While there are so many sites to visit and explore in Guatapé, it is most famously known for La Piedra Del Peñol, the largest monolith in the world. 

Is Guatapé Expensive? 

Guatapé can get pretty crowded on weekends as people seek to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, so rates may go up. Prices vary according to the area as well. 

For instance, if you stay in an area around the lake and have food at waterfront restaurants, you will find the prices higher. 

However, the town around the square has low-cost food and accommodations.

How Long Should I Stay in Guatapé, Colombia? 

While many people opt for a day trip to Guatapé, we recommend at least a 2-day trip to the area so that you can easily visit all the attractions. Do not spend most of your stay standing in queues or commuting from one place to the next. 

Conclusion – Things to Do in Guatapé Colombia 

These are just a few fun things to do in Guatapé, but rest assured, these are just scratching the surface. Explore this unique town and experience everything the enchanting pueblo offers.

We hope this guide helps in planning your itinerary to make the most of your time in marvelous Guatapé.

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