Town in Antioquia, Colombia
Guatapé
Colorful lakeside town beside El Peñol rock, an easy day trip or quiet weekend from Medellín. Very touristy at weekends; limited nightlife and few places to stay long.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,150–1,810Comfortable, one person · $3.8M–6MDetails
- Value for money70/100Better value than 69% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJul–Aug, Dec–FebWarmest: Aug, 23°CDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but many visitors choose bottled or filtered; ask your hotel.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$21–42Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus from Medellín Terminal del NorteVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in some restaurants and hotels, but cash is needed for entry, snacks, boats and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Guatapé
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pueblo (Plaza and Calle del Recuerdo) | Colourful zócalos, restaurants and small hotels |
| Lakeside and El Peñol | Boat trips and views; quiet, car or tuk-tuk needed |
Apps that work in Guatapé
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: No ride apps; use tuk-tuks, local taxis and buses. Book return transport to Medellín early on busy weekends.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in some restaurants and hotels, but cash is needed for entry, snacks, boats and small shops. ATMs exist in town.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
Going to Guatapé solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.