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How to get from Medellin to Guatape (and back)
Guatape is one of the main attractions located in the area surrounding Medellin. The cobblestone streets and colourful colonial houses of the town make it a cool spot for pictures and buying crafts. It is also the gateway to Piedra del Peñol, a major Colombian tourist site, which is a tall and unique monolithic stone with stunning panoramic views.
Guatape is one of the most popular day trips from Medellin but there are also plenty of nice accommodation options if you want to stay the night.
The best way to get from Medellin to Guatape is by bus. The distance between the two is 83 km (51 miles), which is about 2 hours on the road for a fare of only $3.20 (15,000 COP).
2 ways to get from Medellin to Guatape
It’s also possible to take a taxi. However, the rate for one way starts at $47 (215,000 COP). It’s an expensive option and given the good service of the buses, it doesn’t offer that much more comfort for the Medellin to Guatape route.
Medellin to Guatape by Bus
To get from Medellin to Guatape, you can take a bus departing from Terminal del Norte in Medellin.
The bus terminal can be easily reached from Medellin city centre using line A on the metro. The closest station, right in front of the bus terminal, is called ‘Caribe’.
Buses from Medellin to Guatape depart every half hour from 05:00 to 18:00 with the bus companies, Sotrasanvicente and Sotrapeñol, both of which are very similar in terms of quality.
You can buy the tickets directly at the bus station for $3.20 (15,000 COP), just look for counters #9 or #14.
Bus schedules from Medellin to Guatape
The bus will drop you at Guatape bus terminal, but you can also choose to get off in front of the Piedra del Peñol entrance, which is 10 minutes before you would arrive in the town. Just let the driver know you want to stop there beforehand.
Guatape to Medellin by Bus (the way back)
When travelling back from Guatape to Medellin, you have to go to the main bus terminal in Guatape. You can easily get to this bus terminal as it is walking distance from most parts of town.
If you are at Piedra del Peñol, you can go to the main road and just stop the bus. However, there is no guarantee you will get a seat, so it is better to go to Guatape first and take the bus from Guatepe to Medellin from the bus station.
Buses to Medellin depart every half hour from 04:00 to 20:00. You can buy the tickets at the bus station or pay directly to the bus driver if you board the bus from the road. The price is $3.20 (15,000 COP).
Bus schedule from Guatape to Medellin (the way back)
When arriving in Medellin, the bus will drop you at Terminal del Norte. To get to the city centre of Medellin, you can either take a taxi for around $1.70 (8,000 COP), Uber starting at $1.30 (6,000 COP) or the metro for $0.50 (2,650 COP).
The closest metro station, ‘Caribe’, is right in front of the bus terminal. You’ll need to take line A in the direction of La Estrella and get off at ‘San Antonio’ Station to reach the city centre.
Most popular routes in Colombia
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
