Main park of Guatape
Often cited as one of the most popular tourist destinations near Medellín, Guatapé is a vibrant and picturesque town known for its numerous tourist attractions. From the towering El Peñón de Guatapé to the town’s iconic, brightly colored zócalos, which give the town its nickname—the most colorful town in Colombia, there’s no shortage of unforgettable sights and experiences to have in Guatape.
Sightseeing aside, Guatape has a lot to offer tourists looking for a more active day trip. There’s really a lot to do in this town, but if you are up for some real adventure, below are two must-dos in Guatape.
Experience the View from the Top of El Penon
This should go without saying, but if you ever find yourself in Guatape, you definitely should visit El Penon. Standing at approximately 220 meters, this towering granite monolith may not be among the tallest monoliths on the planet, but it certainly is one of the most iconic and visually striking. Rising dramatically out of the landscape, El Pénon strikes a stunning contrast against the surrounding lush green hills and the shimmering blue waters of the Guatapé reservoir. This otherworldly, breathtaking scenery has made El Penon one of the most photographed spots in Colombia.
But if you think the view looks breathtaking at the base of the monolith, you’re in for quite the surprise when you start climbing up the monolith. With every step up the 740 zigzagging steps carved into the side of the monolith, the scenery begins to gradually transform into something truly magical. At the summit is where the real magic happens, and you are greeted with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the fantastic scenery you are currently a part of. At the top of the monolith, you see everything—the sprawling Guatapé reservoir, its winding waterways glistening under the sun, and the patchwork of lush green islands and hills. It’s a scene that will be etched in your mind forever.
Explore Escobar’s Bombed Lake Mansion—La Manuela
During his reign, Escobar had lots of mansions and estates scattered all over Colombia. Following the collapse of his drug empire, many of these properties were confiscated by the Colombian government and repurposed to serve the public good. Many were turned into parks, police stations, museums, or community centers in an effort to reclaim spaces once tainted by narco violence. Not all of Escobar’s old properties received this rebranding, however, and many fell into disrepair and were abandoned completely. Of these modern-day ruins, La Manuela has to be the most infamous and intriguing.
Located on the shores of the Guatape reservoir, La Manuela was a spectacular lakeside retreat named after Escobar’s daughter. In its glory days, the mansion pretty much had everything: private docks, a swimming pool, horse stables, lavish interiors, and even a personal landing strip. It had been designed to be a luxurious hideout—a place where Escobar could lay low, far removed from the chaos of Medellín at the time. The mansion would go on to serve its purpose for a while until it’d be bombed by rivals in the 1990s.
Today, the once luxurious mansion stands in stark contrast to its former glory. All that remains now are crumbling walls, exposed rebar, and shattered tiles; an ironic end to what was once a symbol of narco excess. Take a boat trip to the mansion and explore its ruins. Walk through its halls and experience the surreal feeling of stepping into the ruins of a fallen empire, where every creaking floorboard and sunlit crack in the wall reminds you of how fleeting power can be, especially when built on fear and violence.
Some Other Things to Do In Guatape
There is a lot more to do in Guatape than just climb El Penon and explore La Manuela. Below are a few other things to try out on your tour of Guatape.
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Stroll Through Guatape’s Colorful Streets
The town of Guatapé is a living canvas. Here, every building is a piece of art that features vividly painted, colorful, decorative panels called zócalos. These works of household arts adorn the lower half of each facade in the town, creating a vibrant mosaic that tells the story of the town and its people. Stroll through these beautiful streets and experience a stunning blend of color, culture, and creativity that you’d find nowhere else.
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Watch the Sunset Over the Reservoir
Find a quiet spot along the waterfront, and you just might witness a truly magical scene where the sky transforms into a canvas of warm hues—vibrant oranges, soft pinks, and golden yellows—casting a golden glow over the stunning Guatapé landscape. The calm waters of the reservoir mirror the sky above, creating a perfect reflection that makes it feel like you are floating in a dream.
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Shop at the Local Market
No trip to Guatape is complete without something to take with you. And where better to get a unique souvenir or handmade treasure than at the local market? Here, you’ll find a colorful array of goods—handwoven bags, artisan jewelry, locally produced coffee, vibrant paintings, and zócalo-inspired crafts that reflect the town’s artistic spirit.
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Visit the Church of Our Lady of Carmen
One of Guatapé’s most iconic architectural landmarks, the Church of Our Lady of Carmen, is a beautiful colonial-style building standing at the heart of the town’s main square. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to reflect, the church offers a serene spot to step away from the bustle, soak in the town’s heritage, and admire the harmonious blend of faith and artistry.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: six things you just HAVE to do in Guatape. Looking for even more adventure? At Medellin Tours, we offer a two-day tour of Guatape with stops for all these activities and more. Get in touch with us today to book a tour or learn more about what we’ve got in store for you.
