About
Guatapé is a town in Colombia, set beside a large reservoir in the hills of the country's Antioquia region. It is best known for two things that visitors tend to talk about afterwards: the painted house fronts that line its streets, and the great rock that rises above the water nearby.
The town and its walls
The houses of Guatapé are decorated with bright, patterned panels called zócalos, which run along the lower walls of the buildings. Their colours and designs change from street to street, so a stroll through the centre is a steady series of small surprises. The town is compact and easy to walk, and the decorations make even a short visit feel full.
El Peñón
A short distance from the town stands El Peñón, a massive rock formation. Visitors can climb the stairs cut into its side to reach the top, where the view opens out over the reservoir and the green hills around it. Many people plan their day around this climb, and it is the main reason the town draws day-trippers from larger cities nearby.
What to plan
- Allow time to walk the streets slowly and look closely at the zócalos.
- Set aside time for the climb to El Peñón, and bring comfortable shoes.
- Consider spending a few hours on or beside the reservoir, which gives the town much of its character.
Guatapé suits visitors who enjoy colour, scenery and a relaxed pace. It works well as a half-day or full-day trip, and its lakeside setting makes it a pleasant break from busier places.
