Guatape is a gorgeous tourist town which is perfectly situated close to the famous Medellín city. This colorful Colombian town is well known for its amazingly decorated houses which have become iconic landmarks for in-town tourists. Even, better this place is famous for its water sports and Piedra del Peñol, a giant granite rock that consists of hundreds of steps to the top. While here, you can also enjoy the unmatched scenic views of the Marial Stone which has a superb overhang. If you are looking for stays that are close to nature, the glamping spots will superbly suit your speed. Similarly, some of the Airbnb vacation rentals here embrace the town’s natural scenery. Guatape also has a broad array of activities that will fulfill your thirst for an adventurous holiday. For a truly fun holiday break, check out these top things to do in Guatape, Colombia.
1. Order local dishes at Lake View Hostel
Indulging your palate in the local cuisine offered by sought-after restaurants is indeed among the best indoor activities in Guatape, Colombia. The Lake View Hostel offers one of the finest spots for guests to enjoy mouthwatering local delicacies. The on-site rooftop restaurant also offers some unmatched sweeping views of Guatape. This is a fantastic place to unwind after a busy day touring the area.
Order great food and enjoy the unique blend of local and Thai dishes. Unwind at this superb place in the company of your friends, family, or partner.
Book Your Stay: Lake View Hostel
2. Listen to live music at Plaza del Zocalo
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Listening to live music at Plaza del Zocalo in Guatape, Colombia, immerses you in the town’s vibrant atmosphere. The Plaza del Zocalo, also known as the main square, is the heart of Guatape, and it comes alive with music, dance, and festivities.
Throughout the week, the square becomes a hub of entertainment, with local musicians and bands performing a variety of music genres, from traditional Colombian tunes to contemporary melodies. The lively and energetic performances create a joyful ambiance that captivates locals and visitors. The Plaza del Zocalo is also a gathering place for community events and celebrations, adding to the sense of community and camaraderie.
3. Join an ATV tour
Joining an ATV tour in Guatape, Colombia, is an exhilarating and adventurous activity that promises to take you on a thrilling journey through the region’s picturesque landscapes. Guided ATV tours typically take you off the beaten path, allowing you to explore the scenic countryside, lush forests, and rolling hills around Guatape.
As you navigate through dirt trails and rocky paths, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The experience is a feast for the eyes and an adrenaline rush as you conquer challenging terrains and steep slopes.
4. Climb the famous El Penol Rock
The giant El Penol Rock, a famous place to visit in Guatape, presents a perfect challenge for hikers looking for the thrill of rock climbing. A climb to the top of the rock presents a good workout for visitors. It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach the summit. Once you have made it to the top, you will be able to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
If you are planning to go on this hike, remember to wear comfortable footwear and it is also important to be aware of your health and your physical limitations.
Book Tours : Guatape and El Peñol Day-Trip from Medellin
5. Book a thrilling paragliding adventure
Enjoy a breathtaking paragliding tour over the Cocorná Waterfall where you will witness some of the finest views of Guatape. During your paragliding experience, you will be guided by an expert instructor. Even better, the instructor is bilingual so you will find it quite engaging to converse with him as he shows you the surrounding area. This tour takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Indulge in an extreme paintball adventure
Play an amazing paintball game in the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s once-stately mansion. Reminisce about the lifestyle of this famous drug lord as you get ready for your paintball adventure. You will be met by an instructor who will take you around the various spots in Pablo’s home. After the tour, get down to business with an extremely high adrenaline paintball match. Guests are divided into groups so that they can compete with each other. This is a tour you will need to enjoy with your friends and family.
Escobar Paintballing
Website: Escobar Paintballing
7. Admire the uniquely colored Church of Our Lady of Carmen
Church of Our Lady of Carmen is perfectly located in the town square of Guatape. Admire the building which has a striking facade of gleaming white paint with red stripes. It certainly fits into the very colorful town with buildings painted in very bright colors. The paint and the images make Guatape very attractive. The interior of the church is mostly made of wood and even the religious figures are depicted in bright colors.
Apart from being among the cheap things to do in Guatape, Colombia, visiting this sacred spot offers guests time to reflect and spend some peaceful moments in contemplation.
Church of Our Lady of Carmen
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Spend a day at Comfama Park
Posted by Comfama Guatapé on Wednesday, July 19, 2017
This tourist attraction in Guatape is a recreational park run by Comfama and features a water park and soccer fields of varying sizes, as well as restaurants, picnic areas, and zip lines. If you are looking for a place to have a family day out, this is the ultimate spot. Give your kids a wonderful memory to remember this town.
There is a medium-sized train ride around the pond for children and adults as well as an antique village complete with people dressed in period costumes and playing various roles as the town’s make-believe inhabitants.
Comfama Park
Address: Embalse El Peñol - Guatapé. Kmt. 73, Embalse El Peñol, Guatapé, Colombia
Website: Comfama Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 - 30 USD
9. Enjoy a fun-filled kayak session
Enjoy a fun-filled kayak tour with a bilingual instructor who will take you on a most amazing journey through Guatape. You will get a comprehensive training lesson before you head out to the lake. Unwind in the warm Colombian weather and enjoy the amazing company of the locals. Make sure to carry a camera because there will always be something to take a picture of during this tour.
10. Book a thrilling secret waterfall tour
Enjoy a thrilling San Rafael tour where you will get to enjoy a quick plunge in crystal clear waters and admire a great waterfall. This is a tour where you will need to carry your swimming gear. San Rafael is a fantastic place to swim and relax after which you will have a light snack. The tour involves a lot of bike riding hence you need to carry light luggage to ensure you stay flexible. Also, don’t forget to carry a camera because this is one place you are going to take some memorable pictures!
Book Tours : Downhill Bike tour to secret waterfall (San Rafael)
11. Explore the colorful streets of Guatapé
Guatape is often described as the most colorful town in the world. Every building in town is painted in brilliant hues. The lower halves of the walls are decorated with murals. These are called zócalos and they depict beautiful tales of the village life. These vivid and resplendent buildings are the town’s most iconic feature. The town is now officially known as ‘Guatapé Pueblo de Zócalos’ and it has become a haven for traveling visitors, curious about its picturesque streets.
Book Tours : Guatapé Full Day
12. Visit the gorgeous Guatapé town square
Guatapé is known for its colorful buildings and the thematic tiles on every single structure. Some of them have more meaning than the others and are reflective of the people who live inside or the type of business. Guatapé’s town square, the Plazoleta de Los Zócalos is a great spot to enjoy some fantastic cafes, shops, and bars. They have been strategically located for your convenience and relaxation.
Book Tours : Private Full Day Guatapé Tour
13. Tour the scenic countryside of Guatapé
If you are a lover of thrilling excursions with great sceneries, this is the ultimate tour for you. Guatape’s countryside is one place you want to visit if you are seriously looking for a perfectly serene place to spend a weekend. With lush landscapes, bountiful nature and not forgetting the warm people of this town, you will absolutely love to come back again to this place.
Book Tours : Tour Guatapé
Travel to scenic Guatape
Guatape is the ultimate holiday destination! Make sure to check out this list of things to do in Guatape, Colombia for a great experience! Tag your friends, family or partner and enjoy the best vacation in this part of Colombia.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do in Guatape, Colombia
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