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Picture of Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia

Travel Guide for
Guatapé

Colombia

Temperate, mild, frequent rain

Introduction

Guatapé, a colorful lakeside town just two hours from Medellín, is famous for its vibrant streets and the towering El Peñol rock. Founded in the early 19th century, its charm lies in both its well-preserved colonial history and the lively local culture, with hand-painted zócalos adorning every building.

In late December, Guatapé enjoys mild, spring-like weather—perfect for exploring cafés with Wi-Fi or working lakeside. Digital nomads will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, affordable accommodation, and coworking-friendly spots. Guatapé’s scenic setting and welcoming community make it an ideal escape for productivity and inspiration.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates24-28 December 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house, villa

Interests and Activities:

gastronomyfestivals and eventsnightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuressightseeing and tours

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Picture of Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia

Key Facts

Location

Antioquia, Colombia

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

8,000

Language

Spanish

Electricity

110V, 60Hz, plug types A/B

Time zone

UTCColombia Standard Time (UTC-5)

Country code

+57

Internet access

Available, moderate speed, affordable

Climate

Temperate, mild, frequent rain

See More Colombia Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-tah es-to)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-as)
  • excuse me

    perdón (pehr-dohn)

Map

Logistics

To reach Guatapé, most travelers first fly into José María Córdova International Airport near Medellín. From Medellín, frequent buses depart from Terminal del Norte, taking about two hours to Guatapé at a reasonable cost—ideal for digital nomads on a budget. Private shuttles or taxis are also available for greater flexibility.

Guatapé isn't accessible by train or boat. Roads are generally in good condition, but traffic increases and buses fill up quickly during holidays like December 24-28, so book tickets early. Wi-Fi is readily available in many hostels and cafés, making it convenient for remote work while enjoying the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Weather

Guatapé enjoys a mild, temperate climate year-round, thanks to its elevation (about 1,900 meters/6,200 feet). Daytime temperatures typically range from 16°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F), while nights can be cool. The area receives regular rainfall, but showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine.

There are no distinct seasons like winter or summer; instead, Guatapé experiences a wetter season from April to November and a drier period from December to March. From December 24 to December 28, you can expect pleasant weather with mild temperatures and less rain, making it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Extreme weather events during this period are rare.

Food & Drink

Guatapé’s cuisine is rich in Colombian flavors, with traditional dishes like bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of meats, beans, and rice), fresh trout from local lakes, and arepas. Try local drinks such as aguapanela and Colombian coffee. Vegetarian options are available but less common, so check menus in advance.

Popular spots for digital nomads include Café La Viña for great coffee and Wi-Fi, Restaurante La Fogata for traditional meals, and Mirador de la Piedra for scenic views. For drinks and a lively atmosphere, try Don de Sam or Bar Mi Casa. Tipping around 10% is customary but often not included.

Most restaurants are casual, and you can find both street food and sit-down meals. During weekends and holidays, reservations are helpful, as Guatapé gets busy with local and international visitors.

A picture of Ajiaco

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian soup made with chicken, corn, potatoes, and a variety of herbs. It's a...

A picture of Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian platter featuring a generous serving of rice, ground beef, chicharrón, chorizo, black...

A picture of Arepa

Arepa

Arepa is a popular Colombian staple made of corn dough and often filled with cheese, meat, or eggs....

A picture of Sancocho

Sancocho

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian stew featuring a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, along with...

A picture of Lechona

Lechona

Lechona is a popular Colombian pork dish made by stuffing a whole pig with rice, peas, and a...

Accommodation

Guatapé offers a range of comfortable hotels, apartments, and villas ideal for digital nomads. Top choices include Hotel Los Recuerdos, with spectacular views of the lake, and Lake View Hostel for affordable private rooms. For home-like stays, check out available apartments and villas on Hotels.com, often within walking distance of the malecón and main square.

The most convenient neighborhoods are the vibrant town center, close to cafes and co-working spaces, or along the lake for tranquility and stunning scenery. Book well in advance for December 24-28, as accommodations fill up quickly during the holiday season. Opt for properties with strong Wi-Fi and quiet environments to balance work and leisure.

Itinerary

Settle into the vibrant atmosphere of Guatapé by exploring its colorful streets, sampling local cuisine, and getting acquainted with the town's blend of culture and festivity.

Stroll Along Calle del Recuerdo & Zócalos

Begin your stay by wandering Guatapé’s Calle del Recuerdo, famous for its vibrant zócalos (colorful bas-relief murals) and lively street life. This activity gives you a feel for the town’s artful character and a great photo opportunity. Ideal for exploring at your own pace and soaking in local vibes.

Try Traditional Antioqueño Arepas

Sample delicious arepas paired with fresh cheese at one of Guatapé’s family-run cafés. A must-try for a food-loving traveler, this meal introduces you to local flavors. Be sure to ask for your arepa 'con todo'—with everything!

Evening Festive Lakeside Stroll

As dusk falls, join locals along the Malecón for an evening walk. December often brings live music and festive lights to the lakeside, especially around Christmas! Enjoy street performers, holiday décor, and the festive spirit in the fresh mountain air.

12 Day Heart of Colombia Coffee and Culture

12 Day Heart of Colombia Coffee and Culture

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

This 12 Day Package will take you deep into the heart of the Colombian Culture, with an immersion into 3 very different zones, offering you the best tours and experiences available from the center of this great country. You will spend 4 days and nights in and around the capital of Bogotá. Including a night in the 400-year-old city of Villa de Leyva. You will enjoy 3 days and nights around the heart of the Coffee Zone. Spending a night on a traditional Finca, and 2 nights in the colorful town of Salento. Your last 4 days will be spent exploring Medellín and its surroundings. Including a night in Jardin de Antioquia and 3 nights in the heart of Medellín.

5.0 (1 reviews)

From $4198 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (251 reviews)
Private Tour To Guatape From Medellin

Private Tour To Guatape From Medellin

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Guatape , this eastern Antioquia municipality, located an hour and a half from Medellin, opens a world of color among its streets, adorned with baseboards that tell stories of the town and its people. They also call it the interior sea of Antioquia, the Acapulco of Colombia, the interior Cartagena, Paraíso Paisa, Remanso de Paz, the heart of Antioquia's East. It was named in honor of Cacique Guatapé, an inhabitant of this territory in the pre-Hispanic period. Another name he has had is the Ceja de Guatapé. The Rock of Guatapé or Piedra del Peñol, is a monolith 220 meters high located in Guatapé (Antioquia, Colombia). The Stone of El Peñol, composed of quartz, feldspar and mica, was climbed for the first time on July 16, 1954 by an inhabitant of the area, Luis Eduardo Villegas López. in the company of Ramon Diaz and Pedro Nel Ramírez until now the stone still belongs to the Villegas family. You can now access its summit by climbing 740 steps built in the monolith.

From $138 USD

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5.0 (20 reviews)
Jetskiing in Guatapé Antioquia

Jetskiing in Guatapé Antioquia

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

It is a great experience in Guatapé that cannot be missed where you will discover beautiful landscapes and incredible places on 1 jetski for 1 or 2 people. The jetski has all the comfort to provide the best service. It is a very refreshing adventure where you can tour a large part of the Guatapé reservoir.

From $105 USD

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5.0 (375 reviews)
Full-Day Guatape

Full-Day Guatape

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Full Day Tour. after one and a half hour driving along natural sceneries with your Camantours medellin professional guide you will arrive to el peñol to discover the fascinating story of the town that sits on the middle of the lake. the closest to heaven will be next, when you walk up the almost 700 steps of the el peñol rock, which offers pictures views of the region. As a final destination there is zocalo town or Guatape great place to enjoy lunch and take a pleasant walk around this vibrant village and relax around the soothing lake.

From $145 USD

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4.9 (46 reviews)
Private Guatape tour

Private Guatape tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest diversity on earth: species and landscape make this territory very comfortable and pleasant for travelers. Our customs are highlighted on the roads, the way we dress and how we interact. This is a trip through the landscapes and history of our country: Guatapé is one of the most visited towns in Colombia, and this is a space to take a tour without any rush, in a customized and personal way. In this trip, you will be privately with a certified guide, so you should not worry about waiting for other people, all the time is for you and we will take you to the most iconic and unique sites of this region. You will be able to enjoy one of the most colorful villages in Colombia and get to know its culture, the history of the old town, and the hydroelectric dam. The tour includes transportation and tickets to the rock, as well as a cup of coffee and travel insurance

From $135 USD

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4.9 (211 reviews)
Special Guatapé Experience

Special Guatapé Experience

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

With our bilingual speaking guide, you'll experience paisa culture like never before, the color of the towns, the amazing colombian flavors. You'll have access to an amazing swimming spot and have an authentic homemade buffet lunch in a local farm. You'll be super comfy on our van with aircon and a small group of pals.

From $72 USD

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5.0 (25 reviews)
Private Tour in Guatapé

Private Tour in Guatapé

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a day trip to Guatapé, picking you up at your lodging in a comfortable car with A/C, your tour guide will drive you for 2 hours through several small towns before getting there.  The entrance fee to the rock is NOT included, there you will enjoy its breathtaking view from the top, after that we will head to the "Zócalos" town, where you can try the Colombian gastronomy; then you'll walk around the town and will know all the history from the culture of Guatapé. At the end of the day we'll come back to the city, OR WE CAN DROP YOU OFF AT THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH NO EXTRA FEE.

From $120 USD

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5.0 (46 reviews)
Tour Santa Fe de Antioquia

Tour Santa Fe de Antioquia

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

It can be private or in dependent groups as the client decides since he can come with his family or excursion of friends

From $150 USD

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5.0 (26 reviews)
Guatape Full Day with Waterfalls

Guatape Full Day with Waterfalls

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Guatape is a true ‘Hidden Gem’ within Colombia. Be sure to bring your most comfortable walking shoes as you will be climbing 740 steps to the top of the magnificent “Rock Of Guatape” This is a destination that you will be talking about for years to come as the views from the top are truly breathtaking and stunningly amazing. After the walk back down, reward yourself with an authentic Colombian meal at a locally owned restaurant followed by shopping for souvenirs which are hand made by locals. WE can also take a short drive with a 7 min walk through the jungle and take a dip in some beautiful waterfalls !!!

From $70 USD

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4.8 (31 reviews)
Go Sailing Guatape

Go Sailing Guatape

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

get to know the lake from the inside living the experience of sailing a sailboat enjoying the breeze, nature and beautiful landscapes

From $100 USD

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4.9 (78 reviews)
Guatapé Tour

Guatapé Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

GUATAPE TOUR This tour will take you to one of Colombia's most see attraction. On this tour we will take you on a panoramic drive through the high lands of Antioquia and the surrounding area of Medellin. The 200 meters high and 10 millions tons monolith can be climbed through a staircase of 740 steps. Enjoy breath taking views over the fantastic surrounding full of green mountains and blue lakes.

From $231 USD

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