This destination was always on my Colombia bucket list: the stunning town of Guatapé. A quick one hour flight from Cartagena and we landed in the beautiful city of Medellin. I gladly welcomed the cooler temps and mountainous terrain. It was gorgeous to see all the finca’s on our way in and just drive with the windows down. Our first stop of this trip was La Piedra del Peñol.
Where is Guatapé?
Visiting Guatapé, a colorful town in Colombia’s Antioquia region, is a journey into both history and vibrant modern culture. Originally a quiet farming community, Guatapé changed dramatically in the 1970s when the construction of the Peñol–Guatapé reservoir flooded much of the old town, reshaping the area and creating the stunning lake landscape seen today.
Modern Guatapé is famous for its brightly painted zócalos—decorative panels that tell stories of local life—as well as La Piedra del Peñol, a massive monolith with 675 steps leading to panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and islands. The town is easily visited as a day trip from Medellín.
Visiting La Piedra del Peñol
The drive in from Medellin was windy, through farm land and country side and took a little over 1 hour. Once you arrive in Guatape, you see the statuesque rock standing tall in the distance. It’s nothing compared to seeing it up close. They say it’s 650 steps (they are numbered so you know how much progress you are making), but really there are about 25 more, so here goes nothing! Up we went.
The reward is well worth the climb. Some of the most beautiful sweeping views I have seen in Colombia. This mountainous region is stunning from every direction. The waterways give way to small islands, it almost doesn’t look real. There is a snack shack at the top but not much else. There are some chairs for people to rest, but most everyone is focused on the views, taking photos and taking in the scenery.
After some much needed water and some sugary treats, it was time to make our way back down. Which after the climb up, legs were a bit wobbly, so we took it pretty slow. I’m so glad we scheduled this into our trip to Medellin, well worth the beautiful drive and quieter pace. Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need.
What Else to Do in Guatapé
We didn’t have much time to spend the day in town, but I highly recommend you schedule that into your trip if possible. Guatapé is a feast for the senses, combining colorful streets, local culture, and beautiful lake views. For the best experience, wander the historic center to admire the hand-painted murals, then stop at a local restaurant or café near the plaza or waterfront to enjoy traditional Antioqueño dishes like bandeja paisa, for a simple arepa with coffee.
The best way to experience Guatapé is at a relaxed pace—arrive early or stay overnight, explore on foot, and take time to enjoy the food, music, and warm small-town atmosphere that make the city so special.
Many tours have a lunch stop in the city after visiting the La Piedra. For more adventurous travelers, an afternoon Canyoning Experience in the Guatapé River Reserve would be an amazing addition to your visit. Seeing the magnificent waterways and then being able to enjoy them up close would complete this experience.
Final Thoughts
While the big cities usually take center stage when visiting a foreign country, sometimes the regional smaller towns can bring the most authentic charms. Guatapé doesn’t disappoint, and it is a must-stop visit on your trip to Medellin. Don’t skip this Colombian bucket list destination.
Next up: the rest of our time in Medellin.
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