• Carry Cash. While some restaurants take cards, many smaller shops and tuk-tuks don’t.
• Book in advance on weekends. Guatapé is a big hit with locals from Medellín.
• Bring a light rain jacket. Weather can change quickly, even in the dry season.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Between climbing El Peñol, wandering cobblestone streets, and exploring the lakeshore, you’ll do more walking than you think.
• Plan your visit around golden hour. The late afternoon light over the lake and colorful streets is magical for photos. And watching the sunset from the top of El Penol is amazing.

This 200-meter-high granite monolith is over 65 million years old, and it’s the icon of Guatapé. Built right into the rock is a 708-step zig-zagging staircase that looks intimidating from the bottom but is surprisingly doable with a couple of water breaks. At the top, you’re rewarded with a 360° view of the sprawling lakes, tiny islands, and rolling hills that stretch out for miles. There are multiple lookout platforms, plus little shops selling snacks, ice-cold drinks, and souvenirs. The climb is busy but fun, and the vibe at the top is celebratory like we're meeting at the finish line. If you can, time your climb for golden hour. The late-afternoon light over the lakes is magic, and sunset from the summit is an experience you won’t forget.

If you are taking a tuk tuk back to town stay as long as you like, but if you’ve rented a scooter you might want to consider heading down before the light is fully gone. The roads are dark at night and reckless driving is common. We drove home in the dusk and it wasn’t too bad but if a nervous driver to begin with keep this in mind.

Guatapé isn’t just about climbing the rock! It’s also about getting out on the water. The lakes here are calm, winding, and dotted with little islands and hidden inlets that are perfect to explore by kayak. You can rent one right from the lakeshore for just a few dollars an hour, or if paddling isn’t your style, hop on a jet ski or join a small boat tour instead.

On a sunny day, being out on the water gives you a completely different perspective of the landscape, with El Peñol rising dramatically in the distance. It’s also a peaceful way to escape the busy town center and enjoy some quiet surrounded by nature. If you’re staying overnight, mornings on the lake are especially beautiful. The water is glassy, the light is soft, and you’ll probably have it all to yourself.

Guatapé might be one of the most colorful towns you’ll ever see. Nearly every building is painted in bright blues, yellows, reds, and greens, with hand-carved zócalos (decorative panels) running along the bottom of each wall. These zócalos aren’t just pretty. They carry cultural and historical meaning, often reflecting the lives of the people who live and work inside the buildings. Many depict farming traditions, trades, or crafts. Almost like a visual business sign. Others honor local legends, family heritage, or the Indigenous history of the region. Over time, the practice evolved from functional storytelling into an art form, and now the zócalos are symbols of identity and pride for the community.

The best way to appreciate them is on foot, camera in hand. If you can, stay overnight so you’re not fighting through the day-tripper crowds. Early mornings and evenings are when the town feels magical: cobblestone streets are quiet, shopkeepers are opening or closing their doors, and the light is softer, making the colors glow even more. Every corner feels like it was designed for photos, from the vibrant doorways to the flower-filled balconies above.

Don’t just stick to the main square. Wander the backstreets too. You’ll find hidden murals, quirky door knockers, and locals chatting outside their homes. It's a safe town that’s great for a wander. Even if you’re not a photographer, Guatapé is so photogenic that you can't take a bad photo.

Instead of grabbing a Tuktuk straight to El Peñol, we rented a scooter and cruised the lakeside ring road. It was easily one of the highlights of our trip. The road winds past little villages, hillside farms, and quiet coves where you can pull over to take in the view or snap photos of the rock from different angles. It’s scenic, peaceful, and gives you a feel for Guatapé beyond the main tourist streets.

Scooters are easy to rent in town, and most shops include helmets and a quick rundown on the controls. Traffic outside the town center is light, so even beginners should feel comfortable once they’re out on the open road. Renting plus gas cost us under $15 for a few hours, making it one of the most affordable and flexible ways to explore.

If scooters aren’t your style, tuk-tuks are readily available and fun too, but having your own vehicle gives you freedom to stop wherever you want. Whether it’s for a lakeside photo, a roadside snack, or just to enjoy the breeze.

We skipped the guided tour and took a local bus from Medellín. From Terminal del Norte, buses leave every 30 minutes (check booths 9 and 14). Tickets cost around 17,000 COP (~$5.75 CAD).

Day trips are common, but we stayed overnight and were glad we did. It gave us time to explore at our own pace and enjoy the town in the early morning and evening light. Once the day trippers have gone back it's way quieter and better for photos.

Guatapé enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the dry season (December to March) has the most reliable weather for climbing El Peñol or taking a boat out on the lake. Weekdays are far less busy than weekends, and if you can arrive mid-morning and stay overnight, you’ll get the golden hours all to yourself.

Knowing a handful of Spanish phrases will go a long way here. Locals appreciate when you try, even if your accent is rough. Here are some essentials:

Starting with these will help with ordering food, asking directions, or just making friendly small talk.

Guatapé was founded in 1811 and was originally home to the Indigenous Tahamí people, who farmed the fertile land long before Spanish settlers arrived. The town’s name comes from the Indigenous chief Guatapé. In the 1970s, the construction of the massive hydroelectric dam flooded much of the surrounding valley, creating the sprawling lake everyone climbs El Penol to look at.

The colorful zócalos that are now iconic in Guatapé started as a way for shop owners to decorate and identify their businesses. Each panel told a story or symbolized the trade inside. Over time, the tradition became an art form, and now nearly every building in town is covered in vibrant, hand-painted reliefs.

Namasté Vegan Food: This cute little spot serves wraps, burgers, and smoothies, and has a chill rooftop patio overlooking the street below.

Restaurante Vegano Zona Prosalud: Right in the center of town, this place has a big daily menu and a ton of options. Everything we tried was tasty and super affordable.

Guatapé isn’t a late-night party town, but that’s part of its charm. Once the day-trippers leave, the streets slow down and the town feels cozy. You’ll still find a handful of bars and cafés with live music, plus lakeside restaurants where you can sip a beer or cocktail while watching the lights reflect on the water. Lots of tourists stay the night during peak season so there will be a fun international community giving the bars and cafes some energy.

Walking through the quiet, colorful streets at night is also a vibe in itself. Everything feels safe and relaxed. If you’re looking for more energy, weekends tend to have a livelier buzz with locals from Medellín filling the patios.

Pack light but smart. The weather is mild but can shift quickly, so layers are your friend. Here’s what you’ll actually use:

• Comfortable shoes for climbing El Peñol and wandering cobblestone streets
• Light rain jacket or poncho. Sudden showers happen year-round
• Sun Protection. Sunscreen, hat, and reusable water bottle for the rock climb and lakeside activities
• Light sweater or jacket. Even in the summer there are cooler evenings
• Camera or phone with lots of space. You’ll take more photos than you expect. The main sights are stunning but so are all the details etched into every ancient alleyway and mural.
• Cash for tuk-tuks, small shops, and food stands
• Snacks. There are shops in Gutape but there is better selection and prices in Medellin. If you’ve discovered your favourite Colombian grocery-store-find by this point in your trip, load up in the city before you come.

You don’t need much and you won't want to bring a big bag on the bus, but these essentials make a big difference.