Colombia · October 2023
Overview
Guatapé is one of the most colourful towns in Colombia: every house has a zócalo, a painted relief panel along the bottom of the walls, showing animals, flowers or the owner's job. Next to it, the giant Piedra del Peñol rises from a lake full of green islands, and the view from the top is one of the most beautiful in the country.
Guatapé was founded in 1811. Its tradition of zócalos started in the early 20th century, originally to protect the walls from humidity and animals, and later as decoration. In the 1970s a hydroelectric project flooded the valley, creating the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir (over 2,200 hectares) and covering the old town of El Peñol; a cross that marks it still rises from the water. The Peñol rock was first climbed in 1954 by Luis Villegas and friends, who took five days.
How long to stay: 1 to 2 days, or a long day trip from Medellín.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In eastern Antioquia, about 75 to 80 km (2 hours by bus) east of Medellín. The Peñol rock is 3 km from town.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | COP 50,000–90,000 ($15–28) | COP 200,000–350,000 ($61–107) | COP 500,000+ ($153+) |
| Food | COP 40,000–70,000 ($12–21) | COP 90,000–150,000 ($28–46) | COP 250,000+ ($76+) |
| Activities | COP 35,000 (El Peñol) | COP 80,000–150,000 | COP 300,000+ |
| Daily total | COP 125,000–195,000 ($38–60) | COP 370,000–650,000 ($113–199) | COP 1,050,000+ ($321+) |
Things to Do
A granite monolith about 220 m high. A zigzag staircase of about 700 steps, built into a crack in the rock, takes you to the top, with a 360° view of the reservoir and its islands. The towns of El Peñol and Guatapé both claim the rock, which is why someone once painted a giant "G" on its side before being stopped.
Price: COP 35,000 in 2026 · Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours · Tip: go at opening or late afternoon, and take water; there are shops at the top.
Walk the streets to see the painted reliefs. Calle del Recuerdo (the street of memories) and the Plazoleta de los Zócalos are the most colourful.
Price: free.
The main church on the square, with a white and red facade in a classical style.
Price: free.
Boats take you around the islands, past the cross of old El Peñol and the ruins of La Manuela, a mansion that belonged to Pablo Escobar and was bombed in 1993.
Price: shared boats about COP 25,000–40,000 per person, private boats more.
Kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis and a zipline over the water.
Price: kayaks and SUP about COP 20,000–40,000 per hour.
Transit Tips
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Fly into Medellín (MDE).
By bus: from Medellín's Terminal del Norte about every 30 minutes, about 2 hours. Ask to get off at "La Piedra" if you want to climb first.
Tour: many day tours from Medellín include the boat and El Peñol.
Walking: the town is small.
Tuk-tuks: from town to the rock in 5 minutes, about COP 10,000–15,000.
Keep in mind that weekends and Colombian holidays (puentes) are very busy; the queue for El Peñol can be long.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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