Colombia‘s rich history, beautiful jungles, and spectacular beaches can make planning a trip both exciting and intimidating, even for experienced travelers.
While there are many enchanting colonial towns to visit, Guatape is a city that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Guatape is Colombia’s vibrant and colorful city, offering a a once off-the-beaten-path destination, it has now evolved into becoming one of the most sought-after town in the country.
It is located two hours east of Medellin on the El Peñol reservoir, and is a popular day trip destination for visitors exploring the Antioquia region.
This once-small farming town now serves as a charming mecca and an eye-catching Colombian embellishment that travelers from all over the world come to explore and stare at in awe.
Our favorite hostels in Guatape are:
- Casa Encuentro Ecolodge - best for Couples
- Lake View Hostel - best for Solo Travelers
- Casa Kayam Hostal - best for Backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Casa Encuentro Ecolodge
2. Lake View Hostel
3. Casa Kayam Hostal
Thankfully, the world’s most colorful town has no shortage of hostels!
Travelers can enjoy the atmosphere that hostels in Guatape have to offer, each providing a temporary escape from the chaos of bigger Colombian cities.
Head to Guatape for a one-of-a-kind retreat of swimming, fresh air, and greenery, and see a different side of Colombia outside the major cities of Medellín and Bogotá (but if you like the chaos, you’ll be happy to note we have guides on them too).
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Guatape
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Guatape cost $6 – $19 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $48 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Weather and Best Time to Visit: Fortunately, Guatape can be enjoyed all year round, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius) on average.
The winter months of January and February, as well as the summer months of June to September, are ideal for visiting Guatape because of the warm, dry weather. The rainy season lasts primarily in the spring and autumn.
Photography: Guatape is a photographer’s dream, with brightly colored paint splattered across local homes and neighborhoods known as zócalos, adding to the city’s reputation as Colombia’s vibrant jewel.
The town is named the most beautiful in Colombia, and the tradition began with residents leisurely painting their homes, eventually coloring the entire city. For a spectacular view of the city, climb the famous Piedra Del Peñol.
How Many Days: Two days in Guatape are ideal, with an extra day or two added for much-needed R&R if necessary. A Guatape itinerary that is well-planned and fulfilling will have you falling in love with the city in no time.
Begin or end your day or evening by wandering the Plaza Zócalos, where you’ll hear live music as you make your way to unique hand-craft boutiques, Colombian cafes, and eateries (make sure to try the fish– it’s some of the freshest in the region!)
Day trips and Tours: San Rafael, another small town 17 miles away, is a nice alternative for some extra river swimming and waterfall visits.
If you prefer to stay in town, Guatape has excellent dinner cruise options on the El Peñol, the Yate Majestic being a popular choice among visitors looking to spice up their evenings. ATV jungle tours are available for the more daring travelers, and the city also offers helicopter tours.
Nightlife: During the week, the town sleeps, but popular hangouts like Jala Jala and Chronos come alive on weekends. Both day and night, the idyllic Guatape will not disappoint.
Safety: Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord, built one of his vacation homes on the shores of El Peñol. His lavish mansion, La Manuela, named after his daughter, not only served as an extravagant display of wealth for Escobar, but also as a hiding spot for large sums of money and cocaine.
The mansion was eventually bombed by rival cartels, leaving it in ruins. For old-school cartel fans, take one of the city’s guided boat tours to witness the scene of one of the most pivotal moments in Colombian history.
Nonetheless, despite the country’s turbulent past, Colombia continues to disprove its “dangerous” reputation as the tourist industry booms. Visitors have no reason to be concerned during their stay. Guatape is a welcoming and safe town for everyone.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Guatape are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Guatape.
- Casa Encuentro Ecolodge – best for Couples
- Lake View Hostel – best for Solo Travelers
- Casa Kayam Hostal – best for Backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Guatape. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Casa Encuentro Ecolodge
2. Lake View Hostel
3. Casa Kayam Hostal
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Casa Encuentro Ecolodge |
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Lake View Hostel |
| 🎒 Backpacker: | Casa Encuentro Ecolodge |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Casa Kayam Hostal |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Lake View Hostel |
1. Casa Encuentro Ecolodge
Casa Encuentro Ecolodge is the ideal hostel for independent backpackers and couples looking to escape Medellin’s hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the serene silence of Guatape’s flourishing flora and fauna.
The accommodations are suitable for all travelers; the hostel has a variety of private and double rooms, mixed rooms, and even a bungalow, all with private bathrooms and some with beautiful lakeside views to wake up to.
Despite the twelve-minute walk to town, guests will never be bored with the option to rent paddleboards, bikes, and kayaks—and, even better, the lake is accessible directly from the garden!
There are also daily yoga classes at the hostel. The hippie-like vibe of Casa Encuentro Ecolodge, like that of many hostels in Guatape, makes it an ideal resting place for cool, open-minded travelers looking for relaxation and good conversation.
In the evenings, guests typically unwind at the hostel bar and terrace, so you’ll never be without someone to talk to.
In the mornings, the hostel serves a hearty English or Italian breakfast as well as coffee to all guests, making early sunrises on the hostel terrace a pleasant way to start the day.
The airport shuttle service to and from José Mara Córdova International Airport is also available.
The best choice in Guatape for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Lake View Hostel
Lake View Hostel , one of Guatape’s first backpacker hostels is a short ten-minute walk from Plaza Zócalos.
This popular and conveniently located hostel allows guests to immerse themselves in the energy of the town while also escaping into nature.
Lake View Hostel is quite large, with all rooms catering to the needs of all travelers. Dormitories with four to eight beds are available, and the three private rooms are ideal for couples, individuals, and groups of friends traveling together.
While Guatape is usually only visited for a day, many visitors regret not staying longer, especially because of the stunning lake view from the terrace.
The hostel makes it easy to rent various equipment to explore the surrounding areas both inside and outside of town, with the option of joining organized tours provided by the accommodating and friendly staff.
And while Colombian cuisine is the obvious choice for tourists, visitors praise the hostel’s Thai restaurant, Thai Terrace, which has been dubbed the best Thai food in Colombia!
Lake View Hostel guests are always satisfied, well-fed, and leave with fond memories and new friends.
A great choice for
- Solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Casa Kayam Hostal
Casa Kayam Hostal is the furthest away from the town of the three, a thirty-minute walk to the main plaza, so plan on arriving by tuk-tuk if the walk is too long.
Casa Kayam Hostal, another hippie-styled hostel, is the best in Guatape for a more rural, quiet stay. Guests frequently come here to meditate and unwind.
The hostel is treated as a beautiful mural by its artist owners, Jerome and Loren, and it certainly reflects the Casa Kayam spirit, serving as a meeting point for carefree individuals to come together and take in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
This hostel is popular with backpackers because of its proximity to many hiking trails and waterfalls.
Casa Kayam Hostal offers 4 and 8-bed dormitories, privates, and double rooms for booking. The picnic area and shared lounge are the hostel’s main social areas.
The hostel’s location makes it a popular choice for visitors looking to participate in many of the outdoor activities popular in Guatape, such as horseback riding, paragliding, climbing, and others.
In the mornings, there is free coffee and a low-cost breakfast. Be sure to book in advance— this hostel sells out quickly during the high seasons.
This is one of the best hostels in Guatape for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Guatape for Solo Travelers?
The best hostel in Guatape for solo travelers is Lake View Hostel . It is very well located near all the attractions and sights around the town.
Here, the atmosphere is that of warmth and familiarity, which promotes easy bonds to be formed between travelers.
You’ll also have the choice to book a dorm with the number of beds of your choice or a private room if that’s more your style.
The friendly and accommodating staff will also help you if you encounter any problems during your stay.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Guatape?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Guatape.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Guatape
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
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How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Guatape best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Guatape?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Guatape put on a map + sights
The El Peñol reservoir is lovely from any viewpoint, but you’ll get the best sights with a kayak.
These three hostels, as well as other places around town, make renting a kayak a breeze.
Swimming near the reservoir’s shores is not advised due to boat traffic, so head inward for the best swimming and fishing spots. Kayaks are typically 5 USD per day.
We’ve included all the hostels we mentioned in this list to help you determine which one suits your travel style and needs. The map also includes some of our favorite sights in Guatape.
Any questions about hostels in Guatape? 🤔
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Guatape, Colombia?
The best hostels in Guatape are:
- Casa Encuentro Ecolodge – best for Couples
- Lake View Hostel – best for Solo Travelers
- Casa Kayam Hostal – best for Backpackers
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Guatape, Colombia?
The best hostel for solo travelers in Guatape is:
Lake View Hostel
Are hostels in Guatape safe?
Not all hostels in Guatape are necessarily safe, especially the ones that offer cheap prices in sketchy areas. They might be illegal hostels or ones without the proper licenses and safety measures put in place.
In all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Guatape. You can find backpacker hostels with top ratings here! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
What is the best hostel for couples in Guatape?
The best hostel for couples in Guatape is:
Casa Encuentro Ecolodge
Any questions about hostels in Guatape?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Guatape?
Guatape has no airport, so you will need to take public or private transportation to get there. The nearest airport is Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE), around 30 km away.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Guatape.
As you know by now, Colombia has awesome backpacker places to stay. So, we have more guides for you:
- 43 Best Hostels in Colombia – full country guide + map
- Best Hostels in Cartagena
- Best Hostels in Cali
- Best Hostels in Medellin
- Best Hostels in Bogota
- Best Hostels in Salento
- Best Hostels in Santa Marta
- Best Hostels in Taganga
- Best Hostels in San Andres
- Best Hostels in Palomino
- Best Hostels in Minca
- Best Hostels in Popayan
Party hostels in Colombia:
- coolest party hostels in Cartagena de Indias
- coolest party hostels in Bogota
- coolest party hostels in Medellin
And near Colombia:
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Guatape guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
