Guide to Visiting Guatapé in 2 Days: What to Do, Where to Stay, and How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Introduction

Guatapé isn’t just one of the most colorful towns in Colombia — it’s a hidden gem tucked between mountains, where water, art, and tranquility blend in the most magical way.

Many travelers visit as a day trip from Medellín: they climb the 740 steps of El Peñol Rock, snap the panoramic photo, have lunch overlooking the lake, and head back to the city. But let me give you a traveler’s tip: Guatapé is worth staying at least two days.

    “When the tourist buses leave and the afternoon light fades, the town grows quiet. The water mirrors the lights, the air smells of rain and pine — that’s when Guatapé shows its true charm.”
  

In this guide, I’ll show you how to plan the perfect 2-day trip to Guatapé: how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and how to enjoy every minute without rushing — soaking in all the details that make this corner of Antioquia so special.

Why Visit Guatapé

Guatapé blends nature, color, culture, and kindness like few places on earth. Every house is decorated with zócalos — colorful bas-reliefs that tell local stories — and the energy of the streets is infectious.

The vast Peñol Reservoir, surrounded by lush green hills, is the perfect setting for kayaking, boating, hiking, or simply relaxing with a coffee and a view.

Couples: looking for a romantic getaway surrounded by nature.
Families: who want to unwind without traveling far from Medellín.
Adventurers: who love hiking, views, and new experiences.
Groups of friends: who prefer renting a private villa to enjoy peace (and a jacuzzi, of course).

How to Get to Guatapé

Guatapé is located just 80 kilometers from Medellín, about a 2-hour drive. It’s the perfect weekend escape with well-maintained roads and breathtaking scenery along the way.

1. From Medellín by Bus

Departure: Terminal del Norte (Medellín).
Companies: Sotrasanvicente and Sotrapeñol.
Duration: around 2 hours.
Cost: 20,000 – 25,000 COP per person.
Frequency: every 30–40 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The bus stops at the old town of El Peñol and then in Guatapé. If you’re staying at a finca outside town, ask the driver to drop you near your road.

Tip: If you’re traveling on weekends or holidays, buy your ticket in advance — either online or directly at the terminal.

2. By Car or Motorcycle

This is the most comfortable option if you’re traveling with friends or as a couple. Drive along the Medellín–Bogotá highway to Marinilla, then take the road toward El Peñol and Guatapé.

Duration: about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Cost: two tolls (around 25,000 COP total).
Perks: flexibility and scenic stops along the way.

Local tip: stop at Mirador de La Cabaña for one of the best coffee-with-a-view experiences on the route.

3. Organized Tours

If you prefer not to plan logistics, several agencies in Medellín offer day or overnight tours that include transportation, a guide, and activities like climbing the rock and taking a boat ride.

Cost: from 120,000 COP per person.
Pros: convenient and hassle-free.
Cons: fixed itinerary and less flexibility.

4. From Other Cities

If you’re coming from Bogotá or the Coffee Region, fly to Medellín (José María Córdova Airport in Rionegro) and take a bus or rent a car from there. The drive to Guatapé takes about 1.5 hours.

5. Getting Around Guatapé

The town is small and walkable. To reach rural areas or El Peñol Rock, you can use tuk-tuks, motorcycles, or boats.

Tuk-tuk: 8,000 – 15,000 COP depending on distance.
Boat rides: from 50,000 COP per group.
Electric bike or scooter rentals are available in town.

Best Time to Visit

The weather is mild all year (18–25°C). The driest months are December–March and July–September.

Avoid crowds: Visit on weekdays and skip long weekends. The mornings after rain are the most magical — mist rising over the lake creates postcard views.

Where to Stay in Guatapé

If you’re staying for two days, choosing the right accommodation makes all the difference. Guatapé offers something for everyone — from cozy hostels with lake views to private fincas surrounded by lush nature.

But if what you really want is privacy, comfort, and a unique experience, private fincas and villas are the true gems of this destination. And among them, there’s one that stands out from the rest.

Finca Conejo Blanco: a boutique retreat between sky and water

Perched atop a private hill, Finca Conejo Blanco offers one of the most spectacular views of the reservoir and El Peñol Rock. From its outdoor jacuzzi, you can watch the sun shimmer over the water as the sky turns golden.

Its architecture blends wood, stone, and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a warm and modern ambiance. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for peace and comfort with a touch of natural luxury.

“The place is magical — the photos don’t do it justice. Watching the sunset from the jacuzzi was one of the best moments of our trip.”

“Everything was spotless, and you can feel the love they put into maintaining every detail. We’d come back in a heartbeat.”

Total privacy and stunning natural surroundings.
Outdoor jacuzzi with panoramic lake views.
Fully equipped kitchen and BBQ area.
Spacious gardens with hammocks.
Just 10–15 minutes from town.

Tip: Book in advance if you’re visiting on weekends or holidays — it’s one of the top-rated stays on Airbnb for its location and hospitality.

Other Recommended Options

Bosko Glamping: luxury meets nature under the stars. Transparent domes, jacuzzis, and stunning lake views.
Hotel Los Recuerdos: a more traditional option with a pool, restaurant, and easy access to El Peñol Rock.
Downtown stays: perfect if you prefer walking distance to cafés, restaurants, and the colorful main square.

“If you want to disconnect without giving up comfort, Guatapé gives you the best of both worlds: nature and serenity.”

2-Day Itinerary for Guatapé

Here’s a relaxed itinerary to help you experience the best of Guatapé without rushing. Ideal if you’re arriving from Medellín in the morning and returning at the end of the second day.

Day 1: El Peñol Rock, Strolling the Town & Sunset by the Lake

8:00 a.m. – Depart from Medellín (by bus or car). Enjoy the scenic drive along the way.
10:30 a.m. – Arrive in Guatapé and check into your accommodation.
11:00 a.m. – Climb El Peñol Rock. It’s 740 steps to the top, but the view is 100% worth it. Bring water and wear light clothing.
1:00 p.m. – Lunch with a view of the reservoir. Try local dishes like trout or the classic “bandeja paisa.”
3:00 p.m. – Explore the boardwalk and downtown area. Admire the colorful zócalos, street art, and coffee shops.
6:00 p.m. – Sunset at the dock or from your finca. The light over the lake is breathtaking.
8:00 p.m. – Dinner time. Try D’Luigi’s artisanal pizza or a cocktail by the water.

Day 2: Nature, Water & Relaxation

7:30 a.m. – Breakfast with a lake view (fresh coffee and local arepas).
9:00 a.m. – Boat tour of the reservoir. Visit the islands, the Monastery, or the remains of the old town of El Peñol.
11:00 a.m. – Free time for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing at your finca.
1:00 p.m. – Lunch in town or at your accommodation.
3:00 p.m. – Gentle hike through the countryside or coffee stop with a view.
5:00 p.m. – Return to Medellín (or stay one more night if you’re not ready to leave yet).

Pro tip: If you can stay a third night, dedicate it to total disconnection — jacuzzi, reading, and silence. In Guatapé, rest is also an experience.

Dónde comer en Guatapé

La gastronomía de Guatapé es tan colorida como sus calles. Aquí puedes encontrar desde comida típica antioqueña hasta opciones gourmet junto al lago. Te dejamos algunos lugares que valen la pena:

La Fogata: tradicional restaurante frente al malecón, famoso por su trucha al ajillo y jugos naturales.
D’Luigi: pizzería artesanal con horno de piedra y una terraza ideal para el atardecer.
Namasté Café: opción vegetariana con desayunos saludables y vistas al agua.
Thai Terrace: para quienes buscan algo diferente, con sabores asiáticos fusionados con ingredientes locales.

Consejo: si viajas en temporada alta, reserva mesa para la cena. Muchos restaurantes se llenan rápido, sobre todo los fines de semana.

Consejos de viaje para disfrutar Guatapé

Lleva ropa ligera y cómoda, pero también un abrigo: las noches pueden ser frescas.
Evita subir la piedra al mediodía, el sol es fuerte y el ascenso se siente el doble.
Ten efectivo a mano: algunos lugares fuera del pueblo no aceptan tarjeta.
Apoya el comercio local: compra artesanías hechas a mano por familias guatapenses.
Desconéctate: no todo el embalse tiene buena señal, y eso es parte del encanto.

    “Guatapé no solo se visita: se siente, se camina, se huele. Cada rincón cuenta una historia, cada casa tiene un color, y cada amanecer parece una pintura.”
  

❓ Preguntas frecuentes

¿Cuántos días se necesitan para conocer Guatapé?
Dos días son perfectos para disfrutar la piedra, el embalse y el pueblo sin prisa. Si puedes, quédate tres para relajarte completamente.

¿Cuál es la mejor zona para alojarse?
Si quieres tranquilidad, el área del embalse y la Piedra del Peñol es ideal. Para más movimiento, el centro del pueblo.

¿Cuánto cuesta hospedarse?
Desde COP 200 000 por noche en alojamientos sencillos, hasta COP 1 000 000 o más en fincas privadas con jacuzzi.

¿Es seguro viajar a Guatapé?
Sí, es uno de los pueblos más seguros y turísticos de Antioquia. Solo sigue las precauciones normales y evita manejar de noche.

¿Se puede visitar con niños?
¡Claro! Hay actividades para toda la familia: paseos en lancha, juegos, parques y fincas con amplios jardines.

Conclusión

Guatapé no se disfruta corriendo, se disfruta despacio: con café en mano, mirando el lago, o descansando en una finca mientras el sol cae. Si quieres vivirlo de verdad, quédate al menos dos días. Sube la Piedra, navega el embalse, camina por sus calles y duerme con el sonido del agua de fondo.

Y si me permites una recomendación personal: Finca Conejo Blanco es el lugar donde el descanso se convierte en experiencia. Después de verla, entenderás por qué todos se enamoran de Guatapé y prometen volver.