Montane Hike in Guatapé: Eagle Route & Living Waters

4.9(23 reviews of Remote Guatapé)4 hoursTours & ActivitiesRNT 172321

Aerial view from the Eagle Viewpoint over Guatapé Lake and the river valley

Dog on a high mountain clearing with the hills of Guatapé behind

Hikers on a red-earth trail in the deep forest above Guatapé

Two hikers under a tunnel of vegetation on a Guatapé mountain trail

Sun over Guatapé Lake seen from a high viewpoint in the mountains

The longest of the Montane hikes: a guided walk through Cañada Fea, the forest that gives Guatapé its water, up to the Eagle Viewpoint, one of the highest in the area, with a view over the whole Guatapé river valley.

About this experience

What's Included?

A local guide from Montano for the whole hike (one guide for every 8 people).
Cañada Fea: a protected forest where much of Guatapé's drinking water is collected, explained on the way.
The Eagle Viewpoint, one of the highest in the municipality.
Start and finish at Montano, in the town of Guatapé.

Itinerary

Meet at Montano, in town, and head for the way into the mountain.
Through Cañada Fea: the trail goes deep into the montane forest where the town collects its water, with a talk on caring for the watershed.
Up to the Eagle Viewpoint (Mirador del Águila): a steady climb to one of the highest points around Guatapé, with a view over the whole Guatapé river valley, the villages and the town.
A gradual descent and back to Montano.

Duration

About 4 hours in all.

Difficulty Level

Moderate. It's the longest route, with the most climbing, on deeper forest trails. You need basic fitness and to enjoy walking; it suits keen hikers and active families.

What to Bring?

Trail shoes or boots with good grip.
Comfortable, breathable clothes, long trousers if you can.
A rain jacket or poncho: mountain weather changes fast.
A cap and sunscreen.
Your own reusable bottle with enough water for 4 hours.
A snack, and a small backpack.

What to Avoid?

Sandals or smooth-soled shoes: the forest trails are steep and can be muddy.
Starting without water or breakfast.
Leaving anything behind: Cañada Fea is the town's water.

Good to Know

Departures every day from 6am to 1pm, every 30 minutes. The morning usually has the clearest view from the top.
The guides are locals who speak very basic English: this is a guided walk, not a tour narrated in English.
The price is per person, for 2 people or more; groups of 6 or more pay less each, and groups of 12 or more even less.
If you don't start or finish at Montano, add the moto chiva: it picks you up or drops you off in town (up to 3 people per moto chiva).
Book by 5pm the day before.

Make the most of Guatapé

Cloud forest hike: orchids, birds and a spring of water, at a slower pace.
Memory trail and viewpoint hike: the easiest route, with a coffee at the top.
Coffee tour on a local farm: an easy afternoon after a morning in the mountains.

What's included

Local guide for the whole hike
Walk through Cañada Fea, Guatapé's water forest
The Eagle Viewpoint, one of the highest in the area

Not included

Transport to Guatapé
Moto chiva to or from the start (optional extra)
Food
Tips

What you need to know

Basic fitness: the longest route
Trail shoes with good grip
Guides speak very basic English
From 2 people; up to 32 per booking
Book by 5pm the day before

Meeting point

We send you the exact spot, with its map and directions, once your booking is confirmed.

4.9 · 23 reviews of Remote Guatapé

Across everything we run, on Google, GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor.

We had an excellent experience with Guatape Tours! We booked a sprinter van with them for 12 of us, which was super clean, very comfortable and with air conditioning, to go from Medellin to Guatape and back later that same day. Our driver Christian was wonderful. He was on time, knowledgeable about the area and activities and very friendly. He drove us to hike La Piedra del Penol and then recommended an excellent place for lunch afterwards which he took us too. Afterwards he dropped us off near the malecón to walk and tour the town. It was a great day trip and I appreciated Guatape Tours checking in with me throughout the day and even before to make sure that everything was going smoothly. I highly recommend booking any trip with them!
Jessica Z.on Google
*This is a late post - my friend and I went in August of 2025. The Guatape River and Waterfalls tour was the best excursion of my LIFE! Honestly, one of my favorite days I’ve ever had. Camilo brought my friend and me to a quiet and secluded area of a river outside Guatape, where there was a beautiful blue green swimming hole under a waterfall. As my friend and I started exploring the river, he set up a gorgeous brunch for us - sandwiches from a local shop, coffee, mimosas. He also set up chairs, mats to lay on in the sun, an umbrella, and binoculars for birdwatching. It was PARADISE. He told us he’d take some pictures of us enjoying the river so we wouldn’t have to worry about capturing the moment. she told us he’d be back in a few hours, and when he returned, he asked if we’d like to stay longer or wanted to go. We happily stayed. If I lived there, I would go there every day. Thank you Camilo!!
Kara C.on Google

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All photos

Aerial view of the forested ridge and trail above Guatapé

Valley view framed by trees from a trail in Guatapé

Frequently asked questions

How hard is it?

Moderate: it's the longest of the three Montane routes and the one with the most climbing. You don't need hiking experience, but you do need basic fitness.

What is Cañada Fea?

A forested ravine above Guatapé where much of the town's water is collected. It's a protected area, and the hike explains why.

Can children come?

Yes, from 10 years old if they're used to walking. For younger children, the memory trail is easier.

Where do we meet?

At Montano, Carrera 27A #30-71, in the town of Guatapé.

Do the guides speak English?

Only very basic English. They're local guides who know the mountain; if you need a full explanation in English, tell us when you book.

What if it rains?

It's mountain weather and a light rain is part of the walk. If heavy rain means the hike cannot go ahead, we move it to another date or time at no cost; the money is not refunded.

Which of the three hikes should I choose?

This one if you want the longest walk and the biggest view. The cloud forest hike if you love plants and birds; the memory trail if you want the easiest walk, with a coffee at the top.