If you know me, you know Colombia isn’t just another stop on my travel checklist. Nah, Colombia is one of those places that gets right up under your skin, in the best way. And no place does that quite like Guatapé. Imagine this: It’s an easy day trip from Medellin, but it feels like stepping into a postcard with all the colors, the blue-green lake stretching out, and that rock — El Peñol, standing there like it’s got something to prove. Let me take you through my latest Guatapé weekend — a mix of music, good people, and Colombian vibes so thick you could bottle it.
So here’s how it started. DJ Kubha — one of my absolute favorites — was setting up a lakeside party out in Guatapé. There was no way I was missing this, and I wasn’t about to roll up alone either. I hit up the group chat, and boom, just like that, we had the dream squad: three of my closest girls, all just as ready to dive into the adventure as I was. Now, after a night at a Ryan Castro concert (because why not go all in?), we were feeling way too lazy to drive. So we went with the best option: a driver. And yeah, it was around $125, but for two hours of just chilling and laughing as we rode from Medellin to Guatapé? Worth every peso.
We landed at our Cabaña around lunchtime and went straight for the essentials: food. We ordered burgers through a local app (yep, they’ve got that going in Guatapé, too). After kicking back, we started prepping the jacuzzi and just took in the peace. Compared to Medellin’s constant hum, Guatapé was like a deep breath.
Now, if there’s one thing you gotta know about me, it’s that I don’t just show up — I arrive. And with our Cabaña right on the water, we had the perfect setup to pull up to the party with some flair. I rented a boat, and let me tell you, cruising across that lake, with the turquoise water glistening and El Peñol rock towering above us, we were feeling the moment. Pro tip: if you’ve never climbed El Peñol, make it a priority. It’s 740 steps and about $6 to get to the top, and when I say the views are insane, I mean you’ll see Colombia in a way that makes you believe it’s got a little magic.
The party? Pure fire. DJ Kubha was killing it with Afrobeats, Amapiano, and house music that just kept the crowd on their feet. We danced like there was nothing else in the world but us, the music, and that wide-open Colombian sky. By the time we were heading back, we were running on good vibes and adrenaline.
Once the party wrapped, we got a ride back to the Cabaña and made a quick stop for pizza, thinking it would be a quick snack. But here’s a heads-up if you’re new to Guatapé: what takes 15 minutes by boat will have you on a 45-minute adventure by car. Lesson learned, but the pizza? Worth it. We made it back, crashed, and called it a night after a day that felt like three.
The next day, I woke up early, went through my morning routine, and took in the beauty of Guatapé one last time. For a writer, this place is pure inspiration — a mix of color and calm that gets the creative juices flowing. I got into my zone, knocked out a couple of posts, and even wrapped up a chapter in the novel I’ve been working on. Guatapé is a dream come true for anyone with a pen, a notebook, and a story waiting to be told.
On the drive back, on the drive back to Medellin, we went full tourist mode. Our first stop was CASA AL REVÉS de Antioquia, aka the “Upside Down House.” Picture this quirky spot, built to look like it’s flipped upside down, designed for those Instagram shots that make you look twice. After snapping a bunch of photos, we hit up a petting zoo-slash-restaurant, where the girls fed llamas, and I dove into some of the best Colombian soup of my life. These little spots? They’re what make Colombia feel endless.
So, if you’re thinking of going, here’s a quick run-down of what you need to know about Guatapé:
Explore the Zocalos: The town’s famous for its bright, painted panels on nearly every building — depicting everything from the history of the area to local life. Bring your camera and get lost in these colors.
Get on the Water: Whether you rent a boat like we did or go for a kayak, this lake is a dream. Spend a few hours just floating and letting Colombia do its thing around you.
Climb El Peñol: Like I said, the climb is 740 steps of pure leg burn, but once you’re at the top, you’re gonna see Colombia laid out like you’ve never seen it before. That view alone makes the trip.
Eat Local: From street arepas to sit-down meals, Guatapé is where you want to be a little adventurous. Try the cheese-stuffed arepas or any of the soups — they won’t let you down.
Take a Side Trip to San Rafael: It’s the next town over and came highly recommended. If you’ve got an extra day, San Rafael is worth the time.
Getting to Guatapé from Medellin is pretty straightforward. Head to Terminal del Norte, hop on a bus (about 1.5 to 2 hours), and let them know if you want to stop in Guatapé town or at El Peñol. Once there, transportation is easy — plenty of tuk-tuks and taxis to get around, and the town itself is walkable.
So listen, if you’re in Medellin, carve out some time for Guatapé. It’s Colombia’s little paradise, tucked away but worth every bit of effort to get there. You’ll thank me later.
Checkout my article on Medellin: Why Medellín Should Be Your Next Travel Spot