Guatape Colombia

9 Absolutely Unmissable Things To Do

9 Absolutely Unmissable Things To Do In Guatape Colombia 

Anyone interested in taking a day trip from Medellin to escape the hustle and bustle lifestyle of this massive metropolis will find Guatape Colombia to be pure Nirvana.

Taking a Guatape day trip or even spending a few days exploring this hidden gem is the perfect opportunity to step away from the monotony of the metropolitan lifestyle and connect with a distinctive and truly unforgettable landscape.

As one of the most alluring small towns in all of Colombia, Guatape is just one of those travel destinations that you will cherish forever.

In this blog, we will introduce you to the 9 Absolutely Unmissable Things To Do In Guatape Colombia that will make wish you booked a few nights longer than just a simple day trip from Medellin.

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Top Things To Do In Guatape Colombia

La Piedra del Peñol

This towering monument is the essential reason Guatape Colombia has gained such recognition in recent years.

Known by many Colombians as the “The Best View In The World” this whopping 721-foot soaring landmark is something you just have to witness with your own two eyes.

Upon hiking to the peak, you will be greeted with unbelievable panoramic views of the stunning landscape of Guatape.

Featured as one of our Most Instagrammable Places In Colombia, La Piedra Del Peñol is an attraction you simply cannot miss.

Click Here For Our Full Guide On La Piedra Del Peñol

Abandoned Pablo Escobar Mansion and Paintball War

Although it is often viewed with a bit of a negative connotation since being branded as a form of “Dark Narco-Tourism”, the Abandoned Pablo Escobar Paintball Tour is in my personal opinion one of the coolest and most unique adventures you can find in Colombia.

This tour takes you to one of Pablo Escobar’s 800+ homes in Colombia on the La Manuela Ranch where you will play 4 of the most epic rounds of paintball in your life.

All taking place on the ravaged part of the La Manuela property that was completely blown up during the war.

It literally feels like you are in the middle of a Call of Duty match!

For anyone who is not turned off by the stigma of Narco-Tourism, this was unquestionably one of the highlights of not only our Guatape tour, but the entire Colombia trip.

Explore Guatape Town

Rest assured while you tour Guatape, around every corner you will discover a place more beautiful than the last.

Like walking through a box of Crayons, you will not be able to put your camera down when galivanting through the remarkably beautiful streets of Guatape town.

Well except maybe to try some of the most delicious Cinnamon buns ever!

Devour Some Delicious Cinnamon Buns

Every so often during your Guatape tour, you will notice the pleasant aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Buns come dancing past your nose.

Don’t waste a single second and follow this alluring smell all the way to Guatape’s most delicious pastry.

All things considered, these are some of the best Cinnamon buns I have ever tasted in my life.

And this is coming from a self-proclaimed Cinnamon Bun connoisseur, so you know they must be good.

Pro Tip

Make sure you try a freshly baked batch loaded with oozing sugary icing.

Or do like we did, leave nothing to chance and go help out in the kitchen to actually bake the buns yourself!

Boat Tour Around Guatape Lake

Take in all the spectacular views of Guatape Colombia as you cruise through the most tranquil of lakes.

Your Guatape day trip will not be complete without this pleasant boat ride!

Exploring the beauty of Guatape Lake by boat is one the most scenic boat rides you will ever take.

Additionally, if you decide to do the Pablo Escobar Paintball tour this boat ride is already included in the price.

Plazoleta de Los Zócalos

This is the main square in the center of Guatape town, Plazoleta de Los Zócalos is like looking into one massive kaleidoscope.

No two buildings are the same color and every piece of artwork tells its own story.

With an assortment of boutique shops and delicious restaurants, do not leave Guatape Town until you’ve been here!

Pro Tip

Be on the lookout for some Cinnamon Buns, because this was where I stumbled upon my favorite bakery of them all.

Paragliding Guatape

Anyone on the hunt for what to do in Guatape Colombia is definitely going to want to look into this.

As one of the most exhilarating experiences of the trip, paragliding Guatape gives you a bird’s eye perspective on one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Colombia.

What makes this next level adventure even more tempting aside from the unforgettable panoramas is the unbeatable price!

Most Guatape paragliding tours offer prices around 120,000 COP which is approximately only 40 USD!

It would be the cherry topper for the perfect Guatape day trip from Medellin!

Souvenir Shopping

Scattered throughout Guatape town you will find the most unique souvenirs.

Loaded with an assortment of keep-sake items, clothing, jewelry, and other trinkets, you can practically find whatever souvenir you seek.

As like most places around the world, prepare to bargain a bit, but with a plethora of vendors, you can find pretty good bargains on most items there.

Feast On Some Delicious Thai Food

Thai Food in Colombia? Yes, you did indeed read that correctly!

Thai Terrace is one of the most delicious and acclaimed restaurants in all of Guatape, that it would almost be a crime not to eat here during your Guatape tour.

Located on the top floor of Lake View Hostel, this place is always crowded but well worth the wait.

Where To Stay In Guatape Colombia?

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Lake View Hostel

Located directly on the waterfront of Lake Guatape, Lake View Hostel is one of the most perfectly situated and popular hostels for backpackers.

Featuring boutique style dorms and private rooms, this amazing hostel is conveniently located directly within Guatape town.

As the epicenter for all tourist excursions, this is the perfect place to book all of your day tours such as Guatape paragliding, Pablo Escobar Paintball, horseback riding and so much more!

Did we mention there is an enchanting Thai restaurant located on the top floor?

Click Here To Check Prices On Hostelworld.com

Hotel Benjamar

Located directly on the waterfront of Lake Guatape, Lake View Hostel is one of the most perfectly situated and popular hostels for backpackers.

Featuring boutique style dorms and private rooms, this amazing hostel is conveniently located directly within Guatape town.

As the epicenter for all tourist excursions, this is the perfect place to book all of your day tours such as Guatape paragliding, Pablo Escobar Paintball, horseback riding and so much more!

Did we mention there is an enchanting Thai restaurant located on the top floor?

Click Here To Check Prices On Agoda.com

Guatape Colombia FAQs

How To Get From Medellin To Guatape?

Traveling from Medellin to Guatape should take you only around 2 hours and has two different reliable modes of transportation.

Either method you choose will require you to depart from terminal Norte which is located on the outskirts of Medellin.

Chances are you will be staying in the neighborhood of El Poblado Medellin, therefore you will need to catch a taxi or metro to Terminal Norte.

Although you can make the effort of reaching Terminal Norte via the metro which might save you a little bit of money, we suggest taking a taxi or an Uber.

A taxi/Uber should cost no more than 20,000 COP which is approximately $7 USD.

Click Here if you need help finding the best place to stay in Medellin.

Medellin To Guatape By Bus

Upon reaching Terminal Norte head to booth 9-14 on the lower level to purchase your tickets to the town of Guatape which will only cost 15,000 COP for a one way.

By bus, the trip takes around 2 hours.

Medellin To Guatape By Taxi (Recommended Option)

This is probably one of the only scenarios that taking a taxi is actually more cost effective than deciding to take the bus for a long-distance day trip, so you might want to make the most of this opportunity.

However, be advised, you are not going to simply grab a random taxi off the street, otherwise, you will get charged a massive amount of money in order to reach Guatape.

Instead, follow the same directions listed above and head to Terminal Norte booth 9-14.

Once you have arrived simply ask about the taxi option.

The taxi option will only cost you 18,000 COP which is just 3000 COP more than the bus.

However, the taxi should manage to get you to Guatape 45 minutes quicker than the bus, depending on traffic conditions.

Nonetheless, be aware this is not a private taxi but more of a rideshare method similar to Uber pool.

The taxi will be taking passengers who are either headed to Guatape or are to be dropped off along the way.

The only way to make it a private taxi is to book it with a group of four people.

Either way, I much prefer this method as opposed to squeezing shoulder to shoulder on a crowded bus that is constantly stopping and picking up passengers along the way.

Should I Stay At The Happy Buddha Hostel In Guatape?

That’s a hard NO for me dog.

This was by far the worst hostel we have ever stayed at and was actually the very reason we decided to depart Guatape a day early.

From bedbugs and fumigation (while the guests were still booked to stay in the hostel) to blood on the sheets and towels, used band-aids hidden amongst the covers, Happy Buddha Hostel is just one relentless comedy of errors.

Located in the most inconvenient location, this fustercluck of a hostel could barely manage to organize transport for its own guests down the mile-long completely broken road that eventually leads to this so-called “hostel”.

Instead of that broken-down excuse for a truck that literally broke down three times in the short 36 hours that we were there, they should seriously consider investing in a horse and cart.

Legitimately anyone that decides to stay here after reading this blatant cautionary tale, deserves every disastrously mishandled situation that comes crashing their way.

How Long Should I Stay In Guatape?

So, the big question here is should you simply take a Guatape day trip from Medellin or should you spend a few extra nights in this cozy little countryside town?

As you can see from above there are plenty of exciting activities and unforgettable things to do in Guatape that could completely justify staying longer than just one night.

However, most of these activities can be paired together by taking a Guatape day tour from Medellin, there are several items on that list that would require some extra time.

So What Do We Recommend? 

Medellin will still be there when you get back, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Guatape that merit at least a one-night stay.

Plus, if you choose to only stay for the day, then you will be forced to leave before sunset and won’t be able to experience the beauty of Guatape Town by night.

Is Guatape Colombia Safe?

Guatape Colombia is by far considered to be one of the safer parts of Colombia.

We experienced no issues during our visit, nor have we heard of negative situations with other backpackers.

ARE WE MISSING SOMETHING?

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