Planning your trip to Colombia and still haven’t decided where to stay in Guatapé?
Guatapé is one of the most visited towns in Colombia due to its proximity to Medellín. This small village is famous for its colorful streets, facades decorated with zócalos (the traditional reliefs on houses), and the grand Piedra del Peñol, the main attraction in the region.
The village is located on the shores of Embalse El Peñol, a large artificial lake that makes Guatapé’s landscape even more impressive.
Guatapé is a great destination for those who want to experience paisa culture (the name given to the inhabitants of the Antioquia department) and enjoy the local architecture and cuisine.
Most hotels in Guatapé are simple, but you will find some very charming and cozy accommodations. The more luxurious hotels are located in the countryside and near the El Peñol rock.
The best place to stay in Guatapé
Editor’s Choice
The best place to stay in Guatapé is the town center. The center is a beautiful area, with colorful houses and charming streets. This is where most of the village’s activity is concentrated, especially at night. There you’ll find good restaurants, little shops, and can be fully immersed in paisa culture.
Discover the best hotels in Guatapé
Best budget hotels: Hotel Chromatic and Hotel Portobelo.
Best luxury hotel: Tau House.
Best hotels in Guatapé for couples: Gretel Chalets Suizo and Tau House.
Best hotels for families: Hotel Zocalo Campestre and Serendipity.
Best hotels with a view: La Pausa Hotelbistro, Hotel Zocalo, and Tau House.
Where to stay in Guatapé, Colombia?
The main places to stay in Guatapé are the town center, the El Peñol area, and the countryside.
The town center is the best overall area to stay in Guatapé, especially if you’re visiting the village for the first time and want to experience paisa culture. It’s also the best area for those without a car, as most of the restaurants, bars, and shops are located there. From downtown Guatapé, it’s easy to book tours to Embalse El Peñol and even reach the famous El Peñol Rock, which is just 4 kilometers (2.485 miles) from the town. This is a beautiful, lively, and colorful area. Most of the hotels in downtown Guatapé are quite simple.
The El Peñol area has great hotel options and is an excellent choice for those looking for more comfortable accommodations and a strategic location, close to both the village and El Peñol Rock. In this area, you’ll find hotels that combine comfort, good service, and magnificent views. Our tip is to stay at a hotel with a view of the rock or the lake.
For those seeking a more immersive experience in nature, the countryside area of Guatapé is an exceptional choice. Surrounded by Embalse El Peñol and the region’s lush vegetation, this is an ideal area for those who want to relax and enjoy a more secluded environment. Some of the best hotels in Guatapé are located in the countryside, but they’re recommended for those traveling by car.
Best hotels in downtown Guatapé
1. Hotel Chromatic
This hotel is well located in the heart of Guatapé, in a building with typical regional architecture. The hotel’s decor is colorful and cheerful, featuring local elements. The service is welcoming, the rooms are comfortable, and breakfast is simple but tasty.
2. Hotel Portobelo Guatape
An affordable and well-located hotel, right in front of Guatapé’s Malecón (the village boardwalk). The hotel offers simple accommodations with rustic decor and balconies. Although breakfast is not included, it is close to many restaurants and cafés.
Best hotels in El Peñol
3. Serendipity Hospedaje Boutique
A cozy boutique hotel with great value for money, located 2 kilometers (1.242 miles) from El Peñol Rock. The hotel is right in front of the lake, and some rooms offer lake views. The service is excellent, the rooms are spacious and cozy, and both the decor and furniture are beautiful. The hotel also offers activities such as boat and kayak tours. The breakfast served is varied and exceptional.
4. Hotel Zocalo Campestre
Located about 600 meters from the rock, this charming hotel offers views of both El Peñol Rock and the lake. This rural hotel features large private bungalows with paisa architecture, cheerful decor, and excellent service. It offers great value for money, with a wonderful breakfast, restaurant, bar, and magnificent views.
5. Tau House
This is one of the best hotels in Guatapé. A contemporary hotel with outstanding service, breathtaking views, and a blend of comfort and luxury. The rooms are large, tastefully furnished, and tastefully decorated in light hues. Each room also has a balcony with a lake view. The hotel offers a fantastic breakfast, a good restaurant, a bar, a gym, and a spa.
6. Sotavento Cabañas
A cozy hotel located on the lakeshore with views of El Peñol Rock. The hotel offers charming cabins with views of the rock and a hot tub. Surrounded by nature, the property has a restaurant, offers car rentals, and serves a good breakfast.
7. The Rock Guatape
A budget hotel located at the foot of El Peñol Rock. The hotel is simple but provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay. It has friendly service and features a restaurant, spa, views of the rock, and breakfast.
8. Gretel Chalets Suizo
This hotel is located about 2 kilometers (1.242 miles) from El Peñol Rock, halfway between the attraction and the village of Guatapé. It offers Swiss-style chalets with lake views. The chalets are spacious, beautiful, well-equipped, and tastefully decorated. The à la carte breakfast served is excellent.
Best countryside hotels
9. La Pausa Hotelbistro
This hotel offers private chalets with lake views. The chalets are spacious, well-lit, and feature a balcony, bathtub, kitchen, and all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. They also offer lake views and a clean decor with beautiful furniture. In addition to having two restaurants, a spa, and a delicious breakfast, the property offers first-rate service.
10. Vivanti
A hotel with a pool and terrace, located on the shores of Embalse El Peñol. The hotel is 12 kilometers (7.456 miles) from El Peñol Rock and features a restaurant, bar, hot tub, and a good breakfast. The rooms are spacious, well-equipped, and some offer lake views.
11. The Boato Hotel
This 5-star hotel features private chalets equipped with hot tubs, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains. The chalets are beautiful, well-decorated, fully equipped, and offer great value for money. The hotel offers a good breakfast, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. On-site, you can relax, enjoy a massage, or engage in lake activities.
Checked out all our tips on where to stay in Guatapé, Colombia? Then take the opportunity to explore other villages in Colombia and check out our recommendations on where to stay in Jardín and where to stay in Salento.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO COLOMBIA
Ensure a stress-free trip by booking your hotel in Colombia ahead of time
For an unforgettable stay in Colombia, we recommend using Booking.com or Hotels.com, a platform we trust for all our travels. Offering a great selection of hotels at the best rates, you’re sure to find the perfect option for your stay, ensuring an amazing and affordable travel experience. Our favorite hotels in Colombia are:
- Hotel Marquee (Medellín)
- Tequendama Suites (Bogotá)
- Casa Jaguar (Cartagena de Indias)
- Hotel Royal Elim (Cali)
Make your trip easier by renting a car in Colombia
Colombia is a wonderful country to explore by car, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and picturesque cities. If you’re planning to visit more than one city and want to enjoy maximum comfort and freedom, renting a car is the perfect choice. We recommend using Discover Cars and Rental Cars for your car rental needs.
Book your tours and experiences
Booking your tours ahead of time can save you valuable time during your trip. Just imagine booking all your activities from the comfort of your home and paying with your credit card. We love and recommend using Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide for booking tours and tickets.