Before you go

Your trip to Guatapé.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Guatapé – Antioquia Destination Medellín and Guatapé about 80 km from Medellín

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova (MDE) Rionegro · 55 km
Terminal del Norte (ônibus para Guatapé) Medellín · 80 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before you buy. The nearest airport is José María Córdova, in Rionegro, about 55 km away. From Medellín, buses leave the Terminal del Norte and take about two hours to Guatapé, stopping before the entrance to the Piedra del Peñol. There are also full-day tours and taxis. By car, it's about 80 km on a mountain road.

How many days

A full day is enough to climb the Piedra del Peñol in the morning, have lunch and see the town and the reservoir in the afternoon. With one overnight, the visit is more relaxed: the town empties after the day-trippers, and you can climb the rock early.

When to go

The town sits at about 1,900 meters, with mild days and cool nights. The rainiest months are usually April to May and October to November, generally in the afternoons. On weekends and holidays, Guatapé receives many visitors from Medellín.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center is walkable, and mototaxis, tuk-tuks and taxis take you to the Piedra del Peñol, 3 km away. A car only helps to explore the reservoir area and nearby towns like El Peñol.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Guatapé

Morning
Piedra del Peñol
Leave early from Medellín or Guatapé and climb the steps of the Piedra del Peñol up to the viewpoint over the reservoir.
Afternoon
Town center and zócalos
Have trout for lunch in the center and walk along Calle de los Recuerdos and Plaza de los Zócalos, stopping at the church.
Late afternoon
Boat on the reservoir
Depart from the malecón on a boat tour through the islands and past the monument of the old El Peñol.
Evening
Malecón
Dine on the malecón or return by bus to Medellín.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Medellín to Guatapé by bus?

Buses depart from Terminal del Norte in Medellín and take about two hours. Ask to get off at the entrance to the Piedra del Peñol if you want to climb it before going into town.

Can you walk from the town to the Piedra del Peñol?

Yes — it's about 3 km, roughly 40 minutes, part of it uphill. Many people go by mototaxi or tuk-tuk.

What to eat in Guatapé?

Trout, farmed in the region, grilled or with garlic, plus Antioquian dishes such as bandeja paisa and arepas.

Are Guatapé and El Peñol the same town?

No. They are neighboring municipalities; the rock sits between them. The old El Peñol was flooded by the reservoir and rebuilt elsewhere.

Back to Guatapé