Nichole
- Jun 27

Family Adventures in Guatapé, Colombia

Discover the best family adventures in Guatapé, Colombia! Join our adventure-loving crew as we leave the hustle of the city behind to explore the Colombian countryside.

After an incredible 5 days filled with unforgettable adventures in vibrant Medellín, we decided to swap the bustling energy and fast pace of the City of Eternal Springs for the serene and picturesque countryside of Guatapé! We embarked on a thrilling journey a few hours northeast, winding through the breathtaking mountains until we reached our peaceful sanctuary at the Boato Hotel. Nestled along the tranquil reservoir, each family is treated to their own private Lare (or home), ensuring a truly exclusive and idyllic retreat experience.

Why Guatapé?

Colombia is bursting with vibrant experiences beyond what we've seen in movies and travel magazines! Medellín was absolutely incredible, but it was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Colombian wonders. Eager for a change of pace, we set out to uncover the hidden gems of this amazing country. And oh boy, did we hit the jackpot with Guatapé! This charming town may have a touch of touristy flair, but it's the ideal blend of convenience and small-town warmth. We were swept off our feet by Guatapé's colorful vibe and incredibly friendly locals!

Our Family Adventures In Guatapé, Colombia

After leaving the bustling streets of Medellín, we were greeted by a breathtaking landscape of vibrant green fields dotted with quaint homes and charming shops. Our journey took an unexpected turn when our driver suggested a spontaneous roadside stop for lunch. Eager to try local delicacies, we agreed and found ourselves at the delightful El Alto del Chocho. As soon as we arrived, the girls couldn't contain their excitement, squealing and jumping with joy at the sight of the outdoor restaurant where friendly llamas and goats welcomed us at the entrance. With buckets of carrots in hand, the girls gleefully fed the animals, hopping from one to another. This hidden gem offered not only mouthwatering Colombian cuisine, but also a warm and inviting ambiance, creating a truly unique dining experience. It quickly became one of Buttercup's most cherished memories from our Colombian adventure!

After finally managing to drag the girls away from El Alto del Chocho, we embarked on our remaining journey to the Boato Hotel. I must confess, I had no clue what to expect at this point. The online photos painted a picture of sheer elegance, but let's be real, we've been duped by decade-old photos before. Upon check-in, the hotel staff whisked away our luggage in a golf cart, while another team member guided us down a treacherous path to our humble abode, or as they called it, our "Lare." As we gazed upon the awe-inspiring views of the reservoir and its surroundings, a silent thought lingered in our minds, "How many times will we have to climb this mini mountain again? LOL!" Our Lare turned out to be a cozy haven with two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The space was airy and bright, with expansive windows, a generous back deck, and even a hot tub for some well-deserved relaxation. And the cherry on top? It was nestled amidst lush greenery, offering unparalleled views that made us feel like we were in our own little paradise.

We opted for dinner delivery and enjoyed a leisurely evening in the hot tub. The hotel features an on-site restaurant with limited dinner options. Despite its average quality, the restaurant's delivery service to our Lare was convenient. Due to limited nearby dining choices, we made use of the hotel restaurant for both breakfast and dinner throughout our stay.

Day 2 - Exploring the Town and Reservoir

We woke early the next day, bursting with excitement to explore the vibrant town of Guatapé! The reception arranged for local tuk tuks to whisk us away on our adventure. In no time, these charmingly decorated motorcycle-style taxis zoomed towards us along the dusty road. Local transportation is always thrilling, but these tuk tuks took it to a whole new level! With their open sides and just a small armrest-style bar separating us from the passing road, we squeezed one girl between two adults in separate tuk tuks and tried to buckle up for the ride. Our tuk tuk journeys, although sometimes frightening, became a highlight of our time in Guatapé, each trip one offering a heart-pounding yet unforgettable experience!

Guatapé truly lives up to its reputation as the "most colorful town" in Colombia. As you stroll through its streets, you are immediately captivated by the vibrant hues that adorn nearly every house, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that is a feast for the eyes. The intricate bas-reliefs adorning the lower parts of the walls are like pieces of art, each telling a unique story through colorful zócalos that reflect the rich history, beliefs, and interests of the area and its locals. Wandering the cobblestone streets of Guatapé is a delightful experience, where every corner reveals a new burst of color and a new story waiting to be discovered.

We finally made our way to Plaza de Zócalos, where we were absolutely captivated by the vibrant colors all around us! From the lively Plaza steps to the charming street adorned with colorful umbrellas, the whole scene was just bursting with joy and happiness. It was impossible not to break into a big, beaming smile!

After lunch, we decided to ditch the tuk tuks and opted for a boat ride around the reservoir instead. We knew the water level was playing hide and seek, leaving tons of extra shoreline around the reservoir, but as we walked into the marina area, I couldn't help but question our choice. We braved the sandbags and makeshift dock like true adventurers and signed our lives away on waivers. Surprisingly though, the boat was shipshape, and despite the initial doubts, the whole escapade turned out to be a highlight for Spider Monkey.

After a safe return to the hotel shores, we decided to keep the adventure going by further immersing ourselves in the beauty of the reservoir through kayaking and paddle boarding.

Day 3 - El Peñón de Guatape / La Piedra del Peñol

Our plan for our final day in Guatapé was to scale the peak of El Peñón! Well, the actual name of this massive rock depends on who you talk to. The towns of Guatape and El Peñol have been feuding over the ownership of it for years, fueled by the disagreement not only on the rightful name of the rock, with Guatapé residents calling it "El Peñón de Guatapé" and El Peñol residents referring to it as "La Piedra del Peñol", but also on which town it truly belongs to. The rivalry even led to a daring attempt by a Guatape resident to claim the rock with a massive graffiti of GUATAPE on its western face. The painter's enthusiasm was cut short by El Peñol protestors, halting the artistic takeover at the G and part of the U.

Regardless of its name, this iconic rock formation stands at an impressive height of over 650 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The journey to the top involves climbing a series of steep stairs built into the rock, each step bringing you closer to the summit and closer to the stunning views awaiting you. From the top, you can see the intricate network of islands and waterways that make up the Guatapé reservoir.

An indulgent soak in the hot tub melted away the day's climb. We topped off the evening by toasting marshmallows over the fire as the full moon rose in the sky. As we sat around the fire, enjoying each other's company and the simple pleasures of the moment, we shared our favorite memories and reflected on our journey. Our last evening was a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and camaraderie. It was a fitting end to our journey, leaving us with cherished memories that we would carry with us long after the trip had ended.

The Family Verdict

We loved our family adventures in Guatapé! In Guatapé, every moment is a celebration of color, culture, and creativity. It's a place where history comes alive through art, where flavors dance on your taste buds, and where every street corner holds the promise of a new adventure. Guatapé truly captured our hearts.

Follow along on the the first half of our Colombian adventures in Medellín and on our other amazing family adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.