Guatapé

A reservoir town with painted house bases, known for the climb up El Peñol and for day trips from Medellín.

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Guatapé is a small town in the Antioquia region of Colombia, about two hours by road east of Medellín. Its streets are lined with whitewashed houses, and many have a zócalo, a band of painted relief panels along the base of the walls, in bright colors and patterns. The town sits on the edge of Embalse El Peñol-Guatapé, a large reservoir, and most visitors come for the water.

The main sight is El Peñol, a granite monolith rising above the lake. A staircase of about 740 steps climbs to the top, where the view covers the water and its islands. Boats leave from the town for lake tours, and an overnight stay lets you do the climb and the boat ride without rushing. The trip suits travelers who want a short escape from Medellín with a mix of walking and time on the water. Go in the drier months, January, February, July and August, and plan a full day or two nights.

Guatapé in five

Carry pesos for small shops and mototaxisSmall shops and mototaxis in Guatapé often want cash, so withdraw Colombian pesos in Medellín before you travel.Money and costs
Take the bus or a private transfer from MedellínBuses to Guatapé leave from Medellín's Terminal del Norte, so confirm the departure bay and the operator before you board.Getting around
Climb El Peñol early in the dayThe rock is climbed by a long staircase, and the top gets hot and crowded by midday. Wear shoes with grip and carry water.
Set up an eSIM before you leave MedellínLoad data before you leave Medellín, so maps, bus times and bookings work once you reach the lake.Phones and eSIM
Get travel insurance before the road tripThe trip from Medellín runs by road, so cover delays and medical care with a policy bought before you leave home.Travel insurance

Things to do in Guatapé

See all attractions in Guatapé

aerial view of city near lake under cloudy sky during daytime

Landmark · GuatapéMalecón de Guatapé

Museum · GuatapéCasa del Arriero

Sight · GuatapéIglesia del Calma

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to GuatapéPut the places you like in Guatapé on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Colombian peso (COP)
Entry: Visa-free short stays for many passports; complete Check-Mig before arrival Read more
Emergency: 123 police, ambulance and fire; 112 also works
Tipping: 10% service charge often added to restaurant bills; tipping otherwise optional
Time: UTC-5, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryRain17 rainy daysHigh22°Low12°Dry, holiday crowds
FebruaryRain21 rainy daysHigh22°Low13°Dry, quieter
MarchRain27 rainy daysHigh22°Low13°Warming up
AprilRain26 rainy daysHigh22°Low13°Rainy season
MayRain25 rainy daysHigh22°Low13°Rainy season
JuneRain22 rainy daysHigh22°Low13°Drier, busy
JulyRain16 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh23°Low13°Dry, holiday crowds
AugustRain19 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh23°Low13°Dry, weekend crowds
SeptemberRain22 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh23°Low13°Green, fewer crowds
OctoberRain27 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh21°Low13°Rainy season
NovemberRain27 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh21°Low13°Rainy season
DecemberRain22 rainy daysHigh21°Low12°Holidays, busy

Average daily high and low in Guatapé, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Guatapé

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 22°
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 10 km/h
Chance of rain: 93%

Guatapé

04:57 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-5

Today25°17°93%Monday: Rain. High 25°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 93%.
Tue23°16°96%Tuesday: Rain. High 23°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 96%.
Wed23°16°96%Wednesday: Rain. High 23°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 96%.
Thu21°16°99%Thursday: Rain. High 21°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 99%.
Fri21°16°98%Friday: Rain. High 21°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 98%.
Sat22°16°94%Saturday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 94%.
Sun24°16°69%Sunday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 69%.

Updated 03:51 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 3,192 COP

Amount

Converted to

COP · Colombian Peso

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Guatapé

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

JulInternational Poetry Festival of MedellínMedellín, a day trip
AugFestival of the FlowersMedellín, a day trip

Day trips by train

Medellínabout 2 hours by roadA large city with a metro and museums, useful as a base if you want more than one day in the region.
El Peñola short driveThe town at the foot of the rock, the stop for the climb and views over the lake.
Santa Fe de Antioquiaabout 1.5 to 2 hours by car from MedellínA colonial town with a historic centre, worth a half day on a Medellín route.

Before you go to Guatapé

eSIM for GuatapéData for maps and bus timesRead the guide

Insurance for the road tripCover for delays and medical careRead the guide

Money and cards in ColombiaCash for small shops and mototaxisRead the guide

Stays in GuatapéTown centre or lakeside optionsRead the guide

Rules for Guatapé, checked

Complete Check-Mig online before you fly into Colombia and carry the confirmation with your passport. Check current entry rules on the Migración Colombia site.Source
Declare cash and goods above the customs limits on arrival, following the DIAN customs rules.Source

Plan around Guatapé

Medellín to Guatapé

Bus, private transfer and local rides

Read the guide Money and costs

Cash, cards and typical prices

Read the guide Visas and entry

Visa-free stays and Check-Mig

Read the guide Where to stay

Town centre compared with lakeside stays

Read the guide Tours and tickets

Lake boat rides and El Peñol entry

Read the guide All of Colombia

Cities, regions and entry rules

Read the guide

Guatapé FAQ

Is Guatapé worth visiting?

Yes for a day or a night if you want lake views, the painted house bases and the climb to El Peñol. It is a weak choice for a beach trip, since the lake has boats and viewpoints but no sand.

Can you visit Guatapé as a day trip from Medellín?

Yes, by bus or private transfer, which takes about two hours each way by road. Leave early to reach El Peñol before the midday crowds and heat.

Is Guatapé safe for tourists?

Check your government's current travel advice before you go. Keep valuables out of sight on buses and at the viewpoints.

How many days do you need in Guatapé?

One night covers the town and El Peñol. Two nights give time for a boat ride on the lake and a slower morning.

Do you need a car in Guatapé?

No. The town is walkable, and buses or private transfers from Medellín cover the trip. A car only helps if you plan to visit lake shore villages.

When is the best time to visit Guatapé?

January, February, July and August have the most dry days. April, May, October and November bring the main rains, so pack a rain jacket.