Monica & Jacob's Guidebook
Food scene
This is the best pizza in South America. Napoli style with only the best ingredients. The line starts at 6:30
7 locals recommend
Pizzeria de Luigi
VeredaThis is the best pizza in South America. Napoli style with only the best ingredients. The line starts at 6:30
The highest quality steaks in Guatape. There’s a reason it has the most reviews and is the busiest - sit upstairs.
7 locals recommend
La Fogata Guatapé
31 - 32 Cra. 30The highest quality steaks in Guatape. There’s a reason it has the most reviews and is the busiest - sit upstairs.
Very high quality Indian food. Sam is a bit of an institution. We usually find the ‘special of the day’ is the best bet.
6 locals recommend
Donde Sam
28-29 Calle 32Very high quality Indian food. Sam is a bit of an institution. We usually find the ‘special of the day’ is the best bet.
The food is above average but you’re coming for the space. The service has really improved this year and they are very dog friendly.
Luxé by The Charlee
The food is above average but you’re coming for the space. The service has really improved this year and they are very dog friendly.
Sightseeing
This is obviously a must see but it really is amazing. If you go on a weekend, take a moto from the house to avoid parking and traffic issues.
187 locals recommend
El Peñón de Guatapé
This is obviously a must see but it really is amazing. If you go on a weekend, take a moto from the house to avoid parking and traffic issues.
It’s kind of a meant for kids but it’s really a lot of fun for adults too - the tobogán is truly scary. An absolute treat mid-week when there are few tourists.
10 locals recommend
Comfama
It’s kind of a meant for kids but it’s really a lot of fun for adults too - the tobogán is truly scary. An absolute treat mid-week when there are few tourists.
It’s not the most beautiful town but it’s more authentic than Guatape. Grab a beer on the square or do like the locals and have a picnic by the river.
28 locals recommend
San Rafael
It’s not the most beautiful town but it’s more authentic than Guatape. Grab a beer on the square or do like the locals and have a picnic by the river.
It’s very cute and maybe a bit touristy but there’s a reason it gets almost 1,000,000 visitors a year. Grab a beer on the square and a local dish and watch the tourists go by. There’s some nightlife as well and it can get crazy in January or 3 day weekends.
458 locals recommend
Guatapé
29-61 Cl. 32It’s very cute and maybe a bit touristy but there’s a reason it gets almost 1,000,000 visitors a year. Grab a beer on the square and a local dish and watch the tourists go by. There’s some nightlife as well and it can get crazy in January or 3 day weekends.
City advice
Getting around
From Medellin or the Airport
A car or taxi from the airport takes about an hour. 1:30 from Poblado. Let us know if you need a driver and we can help. 120,000-150,000 from the airport is about right.
Don't miss
Walking the new Malecón or city center of Guatape
Guatape is easily worth a few hours. Parking is just before town and puts you smack in the middle. Just wander around and then come back on the Malecón.
Book before you go
If it’s a 3 day weekend, come early.
Traffic can be a mess on 3 day weekends and Sunday nights. If you can leave Medellin by 9am you’ll save a lot of time. Or stay until Monday and get back in half the time.
What to pack
Swimsuits and sunscreen
We have our own bay for swimming - the water is very nice and calm. But we are at 2,000 meters and you’ll burn quickly
Travelling with kids
Colombians love kids and Confama is very fun
Colombia is very safe and kid friendly. Confama is 5 minutes away and is a great time for kids (and adults). We’ve met local kids every time and it’s always been a highlight.
Don't miss
Waterfall Hike
A great hike along a stream that takes you to 2 waterfalls. Your feet will get wet so dress appropriately. 3 hours rt from Guatape but you can drive to the start and it’s about 90 min to 2 hours return. We provide a map or check any of the tourist offices in town.
Don't miss
Kayak
We have 2 kayaks (single and a double) to use. You can go out for hours but bring a mobile phone with a satélite map - you can get turned around. This is a highlight
Don't miss
Cycling
Guatape is great for cycling. We can provide maps - there is everything from an easy spin to town to good mountain biking to a road ride to San Raf and back (1,200 meters of good climbing). Beyond Guatape there is very little traffic.
Don't miss
Two hikes from the property
There are 2 good walks from the house. We can provide a map - both are about 1.5 hours return and half gravel road / half path.
Don't miss
Renting a boat
The view from the Embalse is great and even better from a boat! Pontoons and speedboats are available - just ask.