11 Exciting Things to Do in Guatape, Colombia in 2026
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This year, I finally booked my tickets to Colombia and checked off all the must-visit places on my list.
Colombia is home to many vibrant cities, but Cartagena and Medellin stands out as the most renowned. While most tourists flock to these cities and consider their Colombian adventure complete, there’s so much more to explore. Well, I decided to make up my mind to visit some lesser known Colombian cities. I discovered—and you should too—that Guatape is one place you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Guatape dazzles with its rich colors, lively culture, and touches of luxury. Its cobblestoned center is lined with brightly painted colonial buildings and offers countless picturesque spots perfect for wandering and photography. Spending a day here reveals a side of Colombia that many travelers overlook.
Everything that Medellin or Cartagena may lack as a bustling tourist hub is beautifully complemented by the charm of Guatape. This gorgeous town offers a refreshing, authentic experience away from the usual crowds. The community in Guatape is vibrant and creative, welcoming guests with genuine warmth and heartfelt hospitality.
Here are some of the most enjoyable things to do in Guatape to make the most of your Colombian adventure. Along with these activities, you will also find a few helpful tips to ensure your trip is smooth and memorable.
Table of Contents
My Favorite Activities In Guatape
1. Have A Taste Of Colombian Coffee
Colombian coffee is known for its exclusivity. It is medium-boiled with rich taste and citrus-like acidity. As you explore the city, you will find a lot of cafes to choose from. So, you can have your coffee at any corner and with any view you want.
Some of Colombia’s finest coffee farms are nestled in the lush hills surrounding Guatape. Freshly picked beans make their way straight from these farms to the local cafes, ensuring an authentic and aromatic coffee experience. As you stroll through the city, don’t be surprised if you catch the irresistible scent of roasting beans in the air—it might just be the batch destined for your next unforgettable cup of coffee.
You can also be a part of one of the most incredible and unique coffee tasting experiences. This is one of the coolest things to do in Guatape. Visit a private organic coffee villa perched upon the Andes mountain. Enjoy the coffee making process and the delicious coffee while admiring the beauty of nature. The villa is surrounded by exotic flowers and also boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Guatape.
2. Get Grooving On The Tunes Of Live Music Sessions At Plazoleta de Los Zocalos
Art is the heartbeat of a community, transforming even the most ordinary evenings into moments of joy and reflection. In Guatape, you can experience this magic during the live sessions at Plazoleta de Los Zocalos.
Whether you’re watching a performance or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the artistic spirit of Guatape is sure to leave a lasting impression.
You will also find several cozy eateries in the neighborhood, perfect for grabbing your favorite snacks or just relaxing as you take in the atmosphere. Be sure to stop by Café La Viña, where you can savor what might be the best coffee in all of Colombia—an experience not to be missed during your time in Guatapé.
3. Climb The La Piedra del Penol (The Big Guatape Rock)
One of Guatape’s most iconic landmarks is La Piedra, a massive rock formation located just outside the town and near El Penol. Visitors can ascend to the top by climbing 742 winding stairs, a journey that usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes—even though the number might seem daunting. The steps are small and convenient, making it an accessible challenge for most, and you can even race your friends to the summit for added fun!
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and countryside. There’s also a unique plant species found only on the summit, making the climb even more special.
The best thing I did during my stay in Medellin was to book this fantastic tour of Guatape which pretty much covered all the attractions. These tours not only include the historic center and the famous rock, but also a stroll along the idyllic boardwalk with a scenic lunch stop. You’ll have time to explore the vibrant town at your own pace and cap off your adventure with a relaxing boat cruise on the Guatapé Reservoir. It’s truly a win-win!
4. Float On The Colombian Waters
Kayaking and Paddle boating are the sports that are generally preferred on the beaches with high tides. However, you can enjoy these sports in Guatape. You can rent a kayak or a boat on an hourly basis or for an entire day. Take the boat, go on an unknown adventure to different places. Search for a different island, a different route, or find your mental peace around Guatape. This would be a ride to remember forever.
5. Walk Down The Cobbled Calla del Rucuerdo Neighborhood
One of the unmissable things to do in Guatape is to explore its vibrant Calle del Rucuerdo neighbourhood. It has cobbled streets and colorful walls on all the houses. The color combination and patterns on the walls are all a sight to behold.
The architecture of the street is more like a slope of the mountain. A walk here during discreet hours when the crowd is less not only offers you a time of inner peace and vibrant sights but also leaves you with some of the Insta-worthy memories.
6. Soak In Views From A Helicopter Flight
Amongst the most enthralling things to do in Guatape is taking a helicopter tour over this scenic town. The way Guatape is located, it feels like nature has filled the city with all the beauty possible. There are patches of green here and there with water from the lake and then there stands tall the rock that divides the beautiful land.
All of this and more can be watched from a helicopter as you book a ride to watch one of the picturesque cities in the vicinity. The chopper flying towards the horizon with the city at the bottom is one hell of an experience.
7. Take the Pablo Escobar Boat Tour
Pablo Escobar once had a home on the outskirts of Guatape, using it as a base for his operations during the height of his infamy. While Netflix documentaries have covered much of his story, in certain parts of Colombia, Escobar is remembered by some as a Robin Hood figure rather than solely a drug lord. Taking a boat tour on the Guatape Reservoir is an intriguing way to explore the places associated with his legacy.
The boat tour offers insight into the local legends and stories that are woven into the fabric of Guatape’s history. However, the tales shared by guides and local villagers along the way will fill you in on fascinating details and perspectives you might otherwise miss.
8. Go for Antique Shopping
Buying a souvenir is something that every traveller loves. Tourists have collections from every place, ever visited. Guatape has history and its traditions, and the culture that it has practiced all these years gets reflected in living every day. And if you want to have a little Colombian culture all to yourself, then Antique shopping is a must.
There are some traditional shops on the streets of Guatape. You will find some amazing, well-crafted, and jaw-dropping things there. The intricate details in the handicrafts are beyond amazing. The color and detailed crafts by Colombian artists can be easily seen in some of the traditional tapestries, wood work, ceramic things, and other objects which would leave you spellbound.
9. Take a dive at La Cazuela Waterfall
Looking for an offbeat adventure near Guatape? Head to La Cazuela waterfall, a hidden gem set a short distance from the town. This freshwater waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you choose to rent a motorbike for a scenic ride or book a guided tour, the journey to La Cazuela is as invigorating as the destination.
Once there, you’ll be amazed by the vibrant landscape and the way the waterfall blends seamlessly into the natural environment. On hot days, the cool, clear waters are irresistible—perfect for a swim or a quick dip. Be sure to pack some extra clothes so you can fully enjoy this memorable experience.
10. Go for wild ATV Tour
There are multiple adventure tours available at Guatape. In these tours, they take you to explore the best of the green that this picturesque place offers. But a certain part of this tour consists of ATV bikes. The best adrenaline rush filled with excitement and zeal.
Treading through the rough roads via these monster bikes is a great way to spend your vacation. These tours are also bundled up with paragliding and other adventure sports. So, be ready to get your mind blown through these. You can check out more information on an ATV tour in Guatape here.
11. Have Your Dinner At The lake
Yes, you can enjoy a luxurious dinner at the lake near Guatape. The dinner and the lake are not the only best parts, the dinner on the cruise through the lake is the cherry on the cake. Yate Majestic is one of these luxury cruises that offers a memorable experience sailing over the lake. You can enjoy delicious Colombian food, live entertainment, and dip into one of the hot tubs on the cruise ship. It is worth the experience. You can witness the small villages and the people living around the lake.
How To Get To Guatape
Guatape is one of the most popular and fun day trips from Medellin. The distance between the two cities is just 82 kms (90 minutes journey). You can either reach Guatape by an organized tour for a day trip or by getting aboard a public bus from Terminal del Norte in Medellin for an easy weekend getaway.
Traveling to Guatape by bus from Medellin is very simple. Take a metro ride to Caribe station. Walk to Terminal del Norte. Buy your tickets to Guatape from this bus terminal. Buses depart every 30 minutes for Guatape; you can board one of these buses. The journey will last for no more than 2 hours. From your stop in Guatape, you can find tuk tuks that will take you to the place you want to visit or to the hotel you are staying at.
If you have only a day to spend in Guatape, I highly recommend checking out this guided tour. It is a great option to explore the best of the city.
Where To Stay In Guatape
Boato Hotel — For a dreamy escape, Boato Hotel offers elegant rooms set among Guatapé’s natural beauty. Guests can indulge in fantastic views, calming surroundings, world-class service, a spa, outdoor fireplace, BBQ area, water sports facilities, and a hot tub.
How To Get Around Guatape
There are tuk-tuks available on the streets of Guatape, and they are the best mode of transportation in the city.
Which attractions in Guatape are your favorite? Let me know in the comments section below.