Discover the Glamping Experience Near Medellín, Colombia
Take a stroll through El Poblado, a boutique and cosmopolitan hotel-draped neighborhood in Medellín, Colombia, and this much becomes clear from the sporadic leaflet: The towns of Guatapé and El Peñol are the go-to day trips for locals and tourists alike.
Day Trips to Guatapé and El Peñol
Tucked approximately 90 minutes west of Medellín in the Colombian state of Antioquia, Guatapé is most renowned for its vibrant, neon building-filled town center. In nearby El Peñol, visitors can find a towering rock formation featuring more than 700 steps carved into its side for climbing. The trek to the summit rewards adventurers with stunning 360-degree views of the rugged Andes skyline and a sprawling human-made reservoir sparkling below.
What you likely won’t squint and see from the peak, however, are the numerous glamping establishments dotting the shores of the turquoise water. Indeed, there are now over 100 of them, transforming this day trip hotspot into an emerging multi-day glamping destination within the country.
“In Guatapé alone, we handle approximately 990,000 tourists and visitors a year,” Estefania Jiménez Herron, secretary of economic development and tourism of the municipality of El Peñol, shares. “The landscape stands out and makes these two municipalities an ideal glamping destination. This beautiful water reservoir resembles a lake, making it attractive for tourists and visitors, especially couples, due to the surrounding ambiance.”
Similar to Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Guatapé is a year-round destination. Throughout the year, temperatures hover in the mid-70s, while lows are in the upper 50s. On any given day, the reservoir is bustling with water sports, driven in part by jet-ski rentals and an inflatable water park.
The glamping sites along the water complement this active vibe. “It’s a landscape of romance… peace, perfect views, and total tranquility,” says Herron.
Popular Glamping Spots
Notable accommodations include Domus Glamping, where guests can enjoy kayak, water bicycle, and fishing excursions. Its grounds feature six igloo-shaped tents positioned on wooden decks overlooking the water. At Glamping La Cepa, each room is a wagon transformed into a luxurious, Western-inspired setup complete with a jacuzzi, private barbecue area, and open-air shower.
While the area near the reservoir showcases more popular glamping choices, there are also secluded options available. For instance, Grinta Finca y Glamping is located approximately 15 minutes south of El Peñol’s main square and is known as a “love hotel,” catering to couples with stunning views of the Andes, room service, and even an on-site coffee farm.
“Colombia serves as a wonderful destination for international travelers seeking unique and transformative experiences,” states Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the country’s tourism promotion agency. “Due to its rich natural resources, it is recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and an ideal place for nature tourism.”
According to statistics from ProColombia, roughly 17 percent of the country’s glamping establishments reside in the state of Antioquia, with Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis), along with the states of Cundinamarca (home to Bogotá) and Boyacá, also showcasing a growing number of glamping-centric businesses.
