Guatapé
Colombia · Antioquia · 1900 m
Description
Guatapé is a colorful little town east of Medellín and is one of Colombia’s most famous tourist destinations. The town is famous for its houses, artfully decorated with bas-relief zócalos, the imposing granite rock El Peñón de Guatapé, and the unique lake landscape of the Embalse Peñol-Guatapé with its numerous islands and coves. The climb to the top of the 220-meter-high monolith consists of over 740 steps. From its summit, a spectacular panoramic view of the labyrinth of water unfolds. The reservoir, built in the 1970s, is ideal for boat trips and water sports, and the church tower of the former village of El Peñol, rising out of the water, serves as a reminder of the region’s history. Guatapé combines colorful architecture, impressive natural scenery, and the Colombian zest for life, and is considered one of the country’s most beautiful travel destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: January – February or July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Piedra del Peñol & Reservoir Panorama
- Guatapé's Zócalos & Colourful Streets
- Guatapé Reservoir Boat Tour
- Plazoleta de los Zócalos
- Calle del Recuerdo
- Guatapé Old Town & Plaza Principal
- Malecón & Reservoir Waterfront
- Kayaking & Water Sports on the Reservoir
- Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church
- Reservoir Islands & Flooded Old Peñol History
- Traditional Antioquian Cuisine
- Community History Museum
- Pantanillo Countryside
- Nuestra Señora de la Epifanía Abbey
- Réplica del Viejo Peñol(Day trip)
- El Peñol & Reservoir History(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- MDE