Town Tour Guatapé: Colorful Zócalos

4.9(23 reviews of Remote Guatapé)Tours & ActivitiesRNT 172321

Walking tour group on a busy street of Guatapé

Painted steps of the Plazoleta de los Zócalos, Guatapé

Umbrella street in Guatapé with colourful houses

Colourful tuk-tuks (motochivas) parked in Guatapé's main square

Church of Our Lady of Carmen in Guatapé's main square

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Discover the fascinating family stories that have left their mark on this street and the amazing street art.

About this experience

What's Included?

Knowledgeable Local Guide: Our guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, eager to share insights into Guatapé's history, culture, and the significance of its zócalos.
Historical Insights: Learn about the origins of the town, its transformation over the years, and the stories encapsulated in its vibrant architecture.
Engaging Exploration: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the town's most emblematic streets, absorbing the lively atmosphere and colorful surroundings.

Itinerary

Departure Point: Meet at the main square of Guatapé, the heart of the town.
Exploring Iconic Streets: Wander through notable streets such as Duque, Zea, El Recuerdo, and the charming Zócalo Square. Each corner reveals unique zócalos and architectural details.
Local Narratives: Along the way, our local guides will share captivating anecdotes and lesser-known facts about the town's history and its inhabitants.
Zócalo Museum Visit: Discover the evolution and craftsmanship of the zócalos at the dedicated museum, gaining deeper appreciation for this artistic tradition.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with local artisans, witness their craft firsthand, and perhaps take home a piece of Guatapé's artistry.

Duration: Approximately 60 to 75 minutes.

Difficulty Level: Easy. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Recommendations

Comfortable Footwear: Wear walking shoes to navigate cobblestone streets with ease.
Weather Preparedness: Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection; a light rain jacket is advisable during the rainy season.
Hydration: Bring a water bottle to stay refreshed during the tour.
Camera: Capture the vibrant colors and intricate designs that make Guatapé unique.

Pricing & Booking Info

Tour Fee: one guide for every 12 people; a bigger group gets another guide, at the same price each
Big groups: up to 24 people book online (two guides); for more, write to us.
Booking: Reserve your spot in advance to ensure availability. Walk-ins are welcome based on capacity.

Note: Transportation to Guatapé is not included. Participants are responsible for arriving at the main square by the tour's start time.

Make the most of Guatapé

The story behind the zócalos: what the painted walls tell.
Electric scooter tour: the whole town in 30 minutes, with a guide.
Motochiva (tuk-tuk) tour: the town and its viewpoints on a colourful tuk-tuk.

Meeting point

In Guatapé's main square.

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.

*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
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

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All photos

Decorated motochiva (tuk-tuk) on a street in Guatapé

Visitors walking past colourful balconies in Guatapé

Painted zócalos telling local stories on a Guatapé house

Old photo of a street in Guatapé with wooden balconies

Historic photo of Guatapé's main square and church

Façade of the church in Guatapé's main square

El Peñol Rock rising over the hills and town of Guatapé

Old photo of El Peñol Rock and boats on the lake shore

Group of travelers with their guide on a colourful street in Guatapé

Local guide telling the story of the zócalos to a group in Guatapé

Colourful mural of flowers and birds on a wall in Guatapé

Small colonial chapel with blue doors in Guatapé

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance?

While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure your spot.

Is the tour suitable for children and elderly participants?

Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

What languages are the tours conducted in?

Our guides are fluent in both English and Spanish.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Absolutely! We encourage you to capture the beauty of Guatapé.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 48 hours before for a full refund; between 24 and 48 hours, 50%; with less than 24 hours there is no refund. See our cancellation policy.

Join us for a journey through color, history, and local charm in the heart of Guatapé!

How long does it take?

Between 60 and 75 minutes.

Can a translator come along?

Yes, in French: add the "French translator" extra when you book, COP 100,000 an hour. They are a translator, not an official guide.