How to get from Medellin to Guatapé
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to travel from Medellin to Guatapé.
If you didn’t already know, Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia! The weather is notoriously favourable, but if you want to make the most of your stay in the Antioquía region, you’ll need to get out of the city and see what else the department has to offer.
Medellin is one of the most important cities in Colombia, and not only can you enjoy spring-like temperatures all year round, but there are some great places to visit nearby.
That’s why I want to show you the best way to get to Guatapé from Medellin and share other useful advice, such as where to stay and tips based on my own time spent here.
Getting From Medellin to Guatapé
I did some backpacking in Medellin a few years ago and started to ask the locals for recommendations, almost all the people I spoke to suggested I go to Guatapé.
Guatapé is a small town you can visit, and if this is your first time in Colombia, or you are staying in Medellin, I’m pretty sure you will like the vibe Guatapé has to offer.
Note that you will need a full day for this trip! So depending on how many days you have in Medellin or the region itself, you will more than likely be set on visiting this town.
Depending on what you’d like to see there are more options than meets the eye here. If you have more than 24 hours to spend in Medellin, you can easily get to Guatapé and return on the same day. This special tour can take care of all the logistics for you.
For a more adventurous experience, I recommend you take the local bus to get yourself acquainted with traveling around Colombia by bus; if you haven’t already (of course).
Once you’ve seen all the most popular things to do in Medellin a trip to Guatapé offers a great opportunity to be able to connect yourself with a more rural setting.
However, don’t expect it to be too quiet here, Guatapé receives many visitors and tourists from all walks of life. Including many locals who love to visit, especially on Sunday’s.
Medellin to Guatapé Map
See the map to get an idea of the journey. Getting here from Medellin can take between 55 minutes and 1.5 hours. There are various ways to get here, whether by car or taxi.
Or, if you’re staying a hostel it’s common to travel here as a group, maybe you are thinking of going with the group tour that I mentioned earlier? It’s definitely worth checking out.
Many visitors choose to spend one or two nights here which I also recommend if you want to see more than just the town of Guatapé. You can even head out to San Rafael.
Where to Stay in Guatapé
If you have not already sorted out your accommodation in Guatapé. Here’s a great place to stay that I like which is a perfect option if you’re planning on staying overnight.
It’s a hostel that is popular with like-minded travelers. Famous for its spectacular views of the Piedra del Peñol and surrounding areas, not to mention the helpful staff.
Another great recommendation (if you were looking for a more luxury-style) for Guatapé hotel Bosko is a place with incredible views and a restaurant with some tasty food.
How to Get From Medellin to Guatapé
If you’re not in a rush, there are things to do in Guatapé such as the hike from town to La Piedra, or do something more relaxed, like having lunch in one of the many restaurants.
Whether you decide to go by bus to El Peñol or whether you think it’ll be more time-efficient to take the tour, note that going by public transport is relatively easy.
Allow me to show you how…
Getting to Guatapé by bus
All you need to do to be able to get to Guatapé from Medellin by bus is head to Medellin’s Terminal Norte. This is the bus terminal located in the north of the city.
To get to the north bus station in Medellin you have a few options:
- 1: take a taxi (best if traveling in a group or not on a budget).
- 2: take the metro.
- 3: take a bus (the longest depending on where in Medellin you’re staying).
For the Metro option: Head over to the Caribe station (the sixth station from north to south). Note that the bus leaves from here at various times of day. Since Guatapé is located to the east of Medellin you will find the buses leave from this terminal.
Once you have left the Caribe Metro station and crossed the bridge across to the station. You then need to walk down the stairs to the first floor.
The first floor is where you’ll find all the bus companies and ticket booths. For booking your ticket etc, I highly suggest that you learn some basic Spanish. You can even begin to practice with a book like this one well before you even arrive in Colombia.
Each kiosk at the bus station is home to a different company. They all offer transport to different places in Colombia, so look out for the company that says Guatapé.
Medellin to Guatapé Travel Tips & Advice
Below, I have listed some travel tips that you should find useful for arriving in Guatapé.
As I mentioned earlier, Guatapé is popular with people backpacking Colombia and a location that Colombians visit frequently — especially on a Sunday.
If you’re planning on staying here overnight, it makes sense to get a head start on the travel essentials such as accommodation and have an idea of what activities you can get involved with before you arrive. This can save you time and dissapointment.
An important thing to remember is that the bus to Guatapé is direct and you must pay by cash. The price should be around $14,000COP per person, each way.
As I said earlier, you’ll need to book your return ticket once you arrive in Guatapé. Then to prepare for the ride, you will find a food court where you can buy snacks and refreshments for the journey, also on the first floor of the bus terminal.
The bus will drop you off at the entrance to the town, or you can stay on the bus until you reach the terminal, if you choose. If staying at the Lake View Hostel as I recommmeded, contact them first as they have daily transportation from the town.
If you’re traveling to Guatapé for the day and you want to get back to Medellin at a certain time, buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive.
This is because: what usually happens is, at the moment that you want to return, the next bus will already be full. So you’ll have to wait to take the next available bus.
Medellin to Guatapé: My Personal Experience
Usually, the road to Guatapé from Medellin is straightforward, without complications.
However, you can always ask the person selling you the ticket if there is anything happening on the road that day. They typically have that information at hand and are happy to inform you about any delays if that’s the case.
To make your trip as smooth as possible, below are some pointers to keep in mind.
⤵️ Here are some crucial things you’ll need to know:
- You need to get to the North bus terminal.
- Buses can take slightly longer than advertised.
- You’ll have to wait for your bus to fill up before leaving.
- You can only pay by cash once at the bus terminal.
⤵️ Not so important but useful things to know:
- Always try to pick your seat at the front.
- Keep your luggage in your sight at all times.
- Try to book your return ticket as soon as you arrive.
- You can hop off the bus before arriving in the town.
If you plan to visit the rock, ask the bus driver to drop you off along the way to Guatapé. You’ll get to the rock before you arrive in the town of Guatapé so getting off the bus beforehand can save you money by not doubling back on yourself.
Guatapé is a colorful town with an attractive vibe. Timing it right to get there on a day when it’s not raining shouldn’t be difficult, depending on the time of year you’re visiting.
I highly recommend that you take a look at this guide that explains the best time to visit South America for more ideas on what to expect when it comes to the weather here.
However, if you have only a short time in Medellín and your day in Guatapé falls on a rainy day, don’t let that stop you, just remember to carry an umbrella or Poncho with you.
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How to get from Medellín to Guatapé
Guatapé is one of the most popular pueblos to visit outside Medellin and I believe that it is worth adding to your list of things to do while in this region.
Even if you only spend a short time in Colombia or only happen to have two nights in Medellin, you should easily be able to make it here (and back) with no issue.
For me, the bus is the best option and when you get back to Medellin you’ll appreciate the way of life and the tranquil vibe that can be found in places like Guatapé.
Lastly, as you travel around Colombia, I hope this guide has given you a better insight on how to get to Guatapé and you have a great time here.
While you’re still here, why not take a quick look at this 10 days in Colombia itinerary that features Guatapé so you can get some ideas on where to go from here?
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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