Guatapé is about two hours by road from Medellín, and getting there is easy. There are four ways to do it: the public bus, a private transfer, a day tour, or a rental car. Here is what each one costs, how it works, and who it suits, so you can pick yours in a minute.

At a glance

  • Public bus: around COP 20,000 to 25,000 per person each way, about two hours from Medellín's North Terminal. The cheapest, best for solo travellers.
  • Private transfer: from COP $339,000 per vehicle, door to door. Best for couples, families and anyone with luggage.
  • Day tour from Medellín: from COP $165,000 per person, with El Peñol, the town and a boat ride planned for you. Best for a first visit with no planning.
  • Rental car: the price depends on the car and the season. Best if you want to explore beyond Guatapé at your own pace.

1. By public bus from Terminal del Norte

The bus is the cheapest way to Guatapé and it works well if you travel light.

  1. Get to Terminal del Norte (Terminal de Transporte Norte), Medellín's north bus station. It is next to Caribe metro station on Line A, or a short taxi or Uber ride from most neighbourhoods.
  2. Buy your ticket at the Sotrasanvicente or Sotrapeñol counters inside the terminal, or online on Redbus or Pinbus. Expect around COP 20,000 to 25,000 per person each way.
  3. Ride about two hours. Buses leave regularly through the day. On weekends and holidays they fill up, so buy early.
  4. Want to climb El Peñol first? Ask the driver to let you off at "La Piedra", the road to the rock, before the town. From there you walk up or take a tuk-tuk.
  5. Coming back, buses leave from Guatapé's terminal by the lake. On busy days, buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive.

Pros.

  • By far the cheapest option.
  • Many departures, so you can choose your time.
  • Guatapé's terminal is close to the main square, where a motochiva (the local tuk-tuk) or a jeep can take you to your hotel.

Cons.

  • You first have to get to the terminal, and then from Guatapé's terminal to your hotel.
  • Lines and full buses on weekends and holidays.
  • Less comfortable with big bags.

2. Private transfer, door to door

A driver picks you up at your hotel or Airbnb in Medellín and drops you at your door in Guatapé. Prices are per vehicle, not per person, so the bigger the group, the less each person pays. One way from Medellín: private taxi for up to 3 from COP $339,000, mid-size car for up to 4 from COP $399,000, van for up to 8 from COP $619,000 and Van L for up to 15 from COP $919,000.

Going and coming back the same day, with the driver waiting while you explore, starts at COP $679,000 by taxi. From José María Córdova airport (JMC) to Guatapé, a private taxi starts at COP $239,000. A stop of up to 15 minutes on the way is free, and longer stops can be added when you book.

You can book any of them on our transportation page. The site shows every price in your currency before you pay.

Pros.

  • The most comfortable way: from your door to your door, at the time you choose.
  • Great value for groups, who share one price.
  • Room for luggage.

Cons.

The most comfortable way: from your door to your door, at the time you choose.

  • If you travel alone, it costs more than the bus.

3. A day tour from Medellín

If you only have one day and want everything organised, a tour does the planning for you. The Guatapé day tour from Medellín is shared with other travellers and starts at COP $165,000 per person, with El Peñol, the colourful town, a boat ride and lunch. For your own guide and driver, the private day tour starts at COP $290,000 per person.

Pros.

  • No planning: transport, stops and lunch are arranged.
  • A local guide tells you the stories behind what you see.

Cons.

  • A fixed schedule, and on the shared tour, a group pace.

4. Renting a car

The road from Medellín to Guatapé is paved all the way and takes about two hours. Rental prices change with the car and the season, so compare them before you travel, and plan for paid parking in town.

Pros.

  • Total freedom to stop where you like and explore nearby towns.

Cons.

  • You drive, park and pay for fuel and tolls, and weekend traffic back to Medellín can be slow.

Which one should you choose?

Travelling alone on a budget: take the bus. As a couple, a family or a group: a private transfer takes you door to door, and the price is shared. First time, one day, no planning: book a day tour. Once you are here, see the best tours and things to do in Guatapé.

Here are some of the best things you can do while visiting Guatapé: