Guatapé walking tour & city guide
The most colorful town in Colombia.
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Guatapé, near Medellín, is a lakeside town where every house is decorated with colorful painted reliefs called zócalos. Next to it, the giant rock of El Peñol rises above a reservoir of islands.
The town
The zócalos show animals, flowers and scenes of daily life. The Plazoleta de los Zócalos is the most colorful street, and boats cruise the reservoir.
El Peñol
Around 700 steps climb the granite monolith of El Peñol for a spectacular view over the lakes and islands.
A day in Guatapé
Climb the 740 steps up El Peñol, a giant granite rock rising 200 meters above the landscape, for a breathtaking view of the reservoir's islands and peninsulas. Then walk through Guatapé's streets, where every house is decorated with zócalos, colorful reliefs.
In the afternoon, take a boat on the lake.
Good to know
Guatapé is two hours from Medellín by bus. Weekends are busy.
Try trout from the lake.
Why it is so colorful
Guatapé's zócalos are painted reliefs on the lower part of the houses, showing scenes from daily life, animals, local trades or the family's story, and every house is different. The town's Plazoleta de los Zócalos is the most colorful corner. The town sits on the shores of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, created in the 1970s for a hydroelectric dam, which flooded the old town of El Peñol and created the maze of islands seen from the rock.
On a boat ride, guides point out the cross marking the drowned church of old El Peñol and the ruins of a former mansion. Guatapé is busy on weekends but peaceful during the week, and staying overnight lets you enjoy the plaza in the evening.
Top sights in Guatapé
- 1
El Peñol
A giant rock with 700 steps.
- 2
Plazoleta de los Zócalos
A colorful street.
- 3
Main square
The town's church and plaza.
- 4
Reservoir boat tour
Lakes and islands.
- 5
Malecón
A lakeside promenade.
Food markets & where to eat in Guatapé
Main square
Restaurants and cafés.
Malecón
Lakeside food stands.
Local restaurants
Trout dishes.
Food to try in Guatapé
Trucha
Trout from the reservoir.
Bandeja paisa
A hearty platter.
Obleas
Wafers with arequipe.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Guatapé
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in GuatapéCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Guatapé.
- eSIM for ColombiaStay online from the moment you land.
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