There are a few options for the Medellin to Guatape transfer, including transfers by a few bus companies and private transport services. The Daytrip private car service is the most comfortable and convenient way to visit this small town, offering swift door-to-door service with an English-speaking driver.
While there are taxis in Gautape, it may be better to choose a private driving transfer to customize your itinerary as much as possible. A tour operator or bus company will also limit your available departure times, making it harder to avoid crowds during peak travel times.
The Medellin to Guatape transfer covers approximately 50 miles (80 km) of stunning Colombian landscape, taking around 1 hour and 50 minutes of drive time. By choosing a Daytrip private transfer for your day trip, you can transform a simple journey into an exciting adventure with optional sightseeing stops that make the distance from Medellin to Guatape more enjoyable.
Stop by Rionegro, a quiet hillside city known for its sweets, or the Old Penol Replica that honors a sunken village square. They are the perfect way to break up your journey while experiencing authentic Colombian culture before continuing your travel to Guatape.
About Guatape
Guatape is a vibrant town located in Colombia's Antioquia Department, often referred to as the most colorful town in the country. The history of Guatape took a significant turn in the 1970s when the construction of a hydroelectric dam created the stunning artificial reservoir known as Embalse Peñol-Guatape. This engineering project dramatically transformed the landscape, creating the distinctive scattered islands and peninsulas that are now iconic to the region.
Before the dam's construction, Guatape was a small farming community. The area was flooded in 1978, submerging the old town of El Peñol and forcing residents to relocate. From this time of change emerged the distinctive Guatape we see today, with its renowned zocalos â colorful bas-relief decorations that adorn the lower portions of buildings throughout the town. These unique artistic expressions on the facades depict the history, traditions, and daily life of the locals.
The best time to visit this remarkable destination is during the dry season, when you can fully enjoy the outdoor activities available around the reservoir. Many travelers come for a day trip from Medellin, but staying overnight allows you to experience the town when the day-trippers have departed, revealing its authentic charm and relaxed atmosphere.
The town's proximity to Medellin (just 50 miles or 80 km away) makes it an accessible getaway that feels worlds apart from the busy city life. For those wondering how far Guatape is from Medellin, the distance can be covered in just a couple of hours by car, making it the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape the city without a long journey.
From Medellin to Guatape: travel tips
Make the most of your Medellin to Guatape transfer with these essential travel tips that will enhance your experience along this popular route.
Add sightseeing stops to your journey
Rather than just focusing on getting from point A to point B, enhance your travel experience by adding sightseeing stops along the way. With Daytrip's private car service, you can customize your trip to include visits to El Peñol Rock or Santa Fe de Antioquia. This turns your simple transfer into an enriching journey, allowing you to see more of Colombia without the hassle of figuring out public transportation schedules or rental car logistics. Daytrip makes it easy to add custom stops to your itinerary!
### Bring comfortable shoes
If you plan to climb El Peñol Rock during your journey, comfortable footwear is essential. The 740 steps to the top can be challenging, but the panoramic views of the reservoir with its 40+ islands make it worth the effort. Having the right shoes will make this memorable day trip much more enjoyable.
### Pack for changing weather
The weather can vary significantly between Medellin and Guatape due to differences in elevation. While Medellin is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" with consistent temperatures, Guatape can be cooler, especially in the evenings. Bring layers to ensure your comfort throughout your visit. Check the timetable of your transfer to plan appropriate clothing for the time of day you'll be in each location.
How to get from Medellin to Guatape
There are several ways to travel the distance from Medellin to Guatape. Here are the main transportation options ranked from most to least convenient:
Private transfer from Medellin to Guatape
The most comfortable and flexible way to make the Medellin to Guatape transfer is with a Daytrip private car service. Your journey will begin right at your accommodation in Medellin and end at your destination in Guatape, taking approximately 2 hours of direct drive time. The convenience of door-to-door service eliminates the need to navigate public transportation or car rental agencies.
With Daytrip, you'll travel with a professional, English-speaking local driver who ensures your safety and comfort throughout the trip. Unlike buses or trains that run on fixed schedules, you can depart at a time that suits your travel plans. The greatest advantage is the ability to add sightseeing stops along the way, making the journey itself a highlight of your Colombian adventure.
A private car service also offers the benefit of air conditioning, ample space for luggage, and the flexibility to stop whenever you need a break or want to capture photos of the stunning landscapes.
### Bus from Medellin to Guatape
The most economical option for getting from Medellin to Guatape is by bus. Buses depart regularly from Medellin's Terminal del Norte, with tickets costing around $4-6 USD. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, though travel time can increase during weekends and holidays when traffic is heavier.
While buses are budget-friendly, they don't offer the convenience of door-to-door service. You'll need to make your way to the bus terminal in Medellin and find transportation from the Guatape bus station to your final destination. Additionally, buses operate on fixed schedules, which might not align perfectly with your travel plans. During peak tourist seasons, buses can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to arrive at the terminal early to secure your seat.
### Car rental for the drive from Medellin to Guatape
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it comes with challenges. The roads can be winding and sometimes poorly marked. If you're unfamiliar with driving in Colombia, navigating the traffic in Medellin and the mountainous terrain can be stressful.
Things to do when you get to Guatape
Once you complete your Medellin to Guatape transfer, a world of colorful experiences awaits. Here are some must-do activities during your visit:
Climb El Peñol Rock
The iconic El Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol) is the region's most famous attraction and a must-visit during your trip. Rising 721 feet (220 meters) above the ground, this massive monolith offers unparalleled views of the reservoir and its scattered islands. The climb involves 740 steps built into a crack in the rock, with several rest stops along the way. While challenging, the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. The entrance fee is approximately $6 USD, and it's best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and midday heat.
The best time for your Medellin to Guatape transfer is during Colombia's dry seasons, which typically run from December to February and June to August. During these months, you can expect sunny days with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), ideal conditions for exploring both the town and the surrounding natural attractions.
Weekend visits, particularly during Colombian holidays, bring larger crowds as Guatape is a popular day trip destination for locals and tourists alike. Many travelers find that staying overnight in Guatape offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere during the day and experience the town's peaceful character after day-trippers depart.
The shoulder seasons of March-April and September-October can also be excellent times to visit, with fewer tourists and still favorable weather, though occasional rain showers are possible.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Rionegro
This quiet hillside city is known throughout Colombia as the best place for sweets in the country. Sweet SuburbsÂ
Old Penol Replica
Do a bit of shopping and take in the view at this faithful reconstruction of a sunken village square. The Resurfaced SquareÂ
