Medellin Guatape Day Trip: Is it Really Worth it? Review

Thinking about ditching the Medellin buzz for a day of bright colors and breathtaking views? Maybe you’re considering that Guatape day trip, the one they’re all talking about. You know, with that massive rock (El Penol), boat rides, and the town seemingly dipped in a rainbow? Perhaps you’re wondering if it really lives up to the hype? Well, I went, I saw, and now, I’m here to tell you everything, sharing every last detail so you can make up your own mind. Expect the honest scoop on everything, from the touristy bits to those genuinely magical moments, including the llamas – because, well, llamas.

First Stop: Climbing El Penol – All Those Stairs, Seriously?

Okay, let’s get one thing clear from the very start: El Penol. You might know it simply as “that rock”. It’s this gigantic monolith sticking right out of the landscape, like some ancient titan dropped it there just for kicks. You absolutely can’t miss it, and honestly, the views alone are enough to write home about. Yet, to get to those views? Three words: seven hundred stairs! That’s not a typo, I promise. You actually do climb a stairway built right into a crack on the side of this mega-rock.

So, how hard are those stairs? They’re more or less manageable, but let’s just say you might feel it the next day, or that’s at least very likely. At the very least, pacing yourself, maybe taking a water break or two, is generally the way to go. Plus, passing folks on the narrow stairwell adds to the fun in a weird, community sort of way. But reaching the top? Suddenly, the struggle seems like nothing. Seriously, the view that you get of the surrounding lake district, is in a way, stunning. It really feels like you’re on top of the place, so that’s awesome.

Is it a bit crowded up there? Yeah, often very much so. Yet, is it absolutely still worth doing? I would probably say so. Where else could you find views like that, after so much literal climbing? Bonus points: grabbing a “cerveza” at the top really just somehow hits different.

Guatape Town: More Colorful Than a Kid’s Drawing

You know, after your calf muscles are properly screaming from conquering El Penol, then the town of Guatape really is there to welcome you with, like, open, colorfully-painted arms. Almost every building sports these vibrant “zócalos,” which are basically decorated panels that tell stories or just show off cool designs. The colors are so intense, you could argue it looks like someone spilled an entire rainbow and the town just soaked it right up.

Yet, underneath all that exterior paint, does it feel like more than just a tourist trap? A bit, yes. Very certainly, you can tell that local people are making a living. Souvenir shops are definitely there, of course, because where else would you grab that alpaca wool scarf you didn’t know you needed? You can see past that by visiting the local church. Usually people enjoy having some awesome and extremely delicious street food. More or less everyone enjoys a relaxed stroll by the lake, too.

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Should you wander off the main tourist drag? Very much so. So, if you just dive into those side streets, you might discover some really sweet, unexpected finds. Maybe some charming cafes that only locals know about, or that is possibly something more. Possibly even an old woman weaving something really intricate, who is actually more than happy to chat with you even if your Spanish is awful.

Boat Tour Bliss (and Maybe Some Llamas): Lakeside Cruising

Fine, picture this: you’re resting your weary legs on a boat, and basically the sun is kissing your skin. I am guessing the breeze is in your hair. All around you? This massive, sparkling lake dotted with islands. In a way, this is where the Guatape boat tours really shine, arguably. Often you have options to go big – renting a private boat for a group of friends – or going a bit smaller with a shared tour. Anyway, I personally went the shared tour route, as I was traveling solo, and basically it suited me very well.

Do they blast music on these tours? Yep, very often, yes. Is the commentary always fascinating? Not always, that’s pretty true, that said it gives an overview of the place’s story, and a general sense of the submerged town that lies down below all that water. Most often you’ll get pointed to the mansion that Pablo Escobar used to visit in, so make of that what you will. It’s also pretty common to get taken past one of the islands to visit some Llamas that will very often feature in your photos of your adventure to Guatape.

Is the boat trip a must do thing? In general, yes. Really, after the stair climbing, and maybe after you do lots of wandering around town, then you totally just deserve that downtime on the lake. It makes everything a bit more calming and pretty nice.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Other Edible Adventures: Eating in Guatape

You know, food! Basically it is a super important part of any travel adventure. It really needs looking at in this guide, or I’d regret it. So, first things first, you won’t struggle to find places to eat, that is certain. From street food right on up to fairly fancy restaurants that have amazing views over the lake. Basically, it is available for you.

Should you try the local specialties? Absolutely yes, if you eat meat. Especially, if you’re remotely adventurous, I do recommend it. Bandeja Paisa will almost taunt you when you view it on menus. It basically will show with every bit of beef and pork possible in it, so you will love it, or won’t eat meat! It’s super popular, even for a very big portion to finish in one sitting!

How about vegetarian options? Alright, here’s where things get trickier, or so they can seem. Often you do need to search, but generally the arepas options, those grilled corn cakes, which very often contain cheese or other veggies, are the way forward. Maybe some local fruit? Because Colombia has crazy fruit variety going on and they sell smoothies all over.

As for prices? Often they are tourist-level. So, expect that you’ll very much spend more on lunch in Guatape when you compare this to lunch somewhere more local to Medellin. However, you’re really also paying for the view with that as well. Overall I think it is ok, really, and worth having.

Getting There and Getting Around: Transport Tips

You know, how to even reach this Guatape dream, is actually the bit people can be really unsure about. Very certainly there are very easy options that will depend on budget and taste. First thing that is absolutely true, you don’t need to book some fancy tour, just because that’s something people worry about beforehand.

So, should you take a bus? Yes, definitely so. This is arguably the most popular way. So, just get to Medellin’s Terminal Norte, which has loads of frequent departures straight to Guatape. What about ride-sharing or taxis? You totally can. So, it’ll cost way, way more when compared to the bus, but can certainly save you time, should that be key for you. Plus, there’s also the option of organized tours. I would have a solid look around to see what your options are and see if anything offers some kind of value you feel will be suitable.

What about getting around Guatape itself? It is easily walkable once you get there. So, your own two feet, that is really the best way. Walking along the lake shore? Basically go and enjoy it that way! In town, very certainly wandering everywhere and enjoy that paint!

So, there we are, you now know more or less all the tips needed, for Guatape transport that there is!

Guatape with Llamas: Is It Worth The Hype?

• El Penol Climb: Totally worth it for the views, despite the stairs.
• Guatape Town: A colorful experience; wander off the main streets for a deeper experience.
• Boat Tours: Relaxing and scenic, even with the sometimes loud music.
• Food: Embrace Bandeja Paisa or explore vegetarian options with arepas.
• Transport: Buses are affordable and frequent; the town is easily walkable.

In general it’s not an overstatement to say you could consider going to Guatape, to just be one more experience in Colombia. I feel there are places worth seeing and visiting.

So, you see, after experiencing it, Guatape does come off as one of those places worth penciling in to your plan. Sure, so there are a couple touristy bits, but honestly underneath it has charm to see too, not to mention the color and incredible views! Worth it!

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