There’s a moment, about twenty minutes into the boat ride across the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, when the noise of the town falls away and all you can hear is water lapping against the hull. That’s roughly when the 5 Chalets come into view — five independent little houses tucked onto their own private peninsula, each one named after an element: Agua, Aire, Fuego, Tierra, and Espíritu.
If you’re planning a trip to Guatapé and want something quieter than a hotel in town, here’s everything you need to know about staying at 5 Chalets — how to get there, what to pack, and why you’ll want to bring your own groceries.
What Is 5 Chalets?
5 Chalets is a small private complex on a peninsula of the Guatapé reservoir, near the town of Guatapé in Colombia’s Antioquia region. Each of the five chalets sleeps up to five guests across roughly 64–70 square metres, and each has its own theme and personality — from the water-inspired calm of Chalet Agua to the earthy, grounded feel of Chalet Tierra.
The setup is designed for disconnecting: fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, garden and lake views, board games and puzzles, and free use of kayaks and paddleboards right off the dock. Jet ski hire, private boat tours, pontoon cruises, and even a helicopter tour over the Piedra del Peñol can be arranged for an extra cost. Pets are welcome at no additional charge, and there’s private parking nearby for around COP 30,000 per stay.
The closest airport is José María Córdova International (Rionegro), about 42 km away, and the famous Piedra del Peñol is roughly 21 km from the property.
How to Get There
Getting to 5 Chalets happens in two stages: first to Guatapé, then across the water to the peninsula itself.
Stage 1: Medellín to Guatapé
- By bus (cheapest): Head to Terminal del Norte in Medellín — the easiest way there is via the metro’s Line A to Caribe station, which connects directly to the terminal. Buses to Guatapé are run by companies like Sotrasanvicente and Sotrapeñol, depart roughly hourly, and cost around COP 20,000–25,000 one-way. The ride takes about two hours.
- By taxi or Uber: Expect to pay somewhere in the range of USD $40–70 for a private ride, taking around 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic.
- By private transfer or tour: Several operators run door-to-door shuttles or day tours from Medellín, which can be worth it if you’d rather not deal with the bus terminal.
- From the airport: If you’re flying into José María Córdova, a taxi direct to Guatapé takes about an hour. Alternatively, take a bus to Rionegro and pick up a shared jeep toward El Peñol, then another jeep on to Guatapé.
Stage 2: Guatapé to the Chalets
Because 5 Chalets sits on its own peninsula on the reservoir, the final leg is by boat — arriving “en lancha,” as guests often mention, is part of the charm rather than an inconvenience. The property team can arrange this transfer for you once your stay is booked, so it’s worth confirming your arrival time with them in advance via WhatsApp so a boat is waiting when you get to town.
What You Need to Bring
Bring your own groceries — this is the big one. Because the chalets are self-catered and sit on a private peninsula reachable only by boat, there are no shops, restaurants, or delivery options on-site. The kitchens come fully equipped with a fridge, stove, and microwave, but they come empty. Stock up before you head to the water:
- In Medellín: Larger supermarkets (like Éxito or Carulla) give you the widest selection if you’re driving or taking a private transfer.
- In Guatapé town: There are grocery stores and a local market near the main square — this is your last realistic stop before boarding the boat, so plan to shop here if you arrived by bus.
- Bring more than you think you’ll need for essentials like drinking water, coffee, and snacks, plus anything for the barbecue and outdoor dining area, since a return trip into town isn’t a quick errand once you’re settled at the chalets.
Beyond groceries, pack for:
- Swimwear and water shoes — you’ll want them for the kayaks, paddleboards, and hot tub
- Sun protection — sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, since much of the appeal here is time on the water
- A light jacket or layer — evenings by the reservoir can cool down, especially after sunset
- Cash in Colombian pesos — for parking, boat transfers, extras like jet ski hire, and any last-minute purchases in town, since card facilities may be limited
- Insect repellent — standard for the lake environment
- A dry bag or waterproof phone case — handy for the boat crossing and water activities
- Any medications and a basic first aid kit, given the remote, boat-access-only location
- Reusable water bottle — practical and better for the environment given there’s no on-site shop for restocking plastic bottles
A Few Practical Tips
- Confirm your boat transfer time with 5 Chalets ahead of arrival so you’re not waiting at the dock.
- Buy your return bus ticket early if you’re heading back to Medellín by bus, particularly if travelling on a weekend — the last bus out of Guatapé typically leaves around 7pm.
- Visit midweek if you can. Guatapé is a popular weekend trip for both tourists and locals from Medellín, so Monday–Thursday means fewer crowds, especially around the Piedra del Peñol.
- Pack out what you pack in. With no on-site shop and boat-only access, a little extra planning around food and supplies goes a long way toward a relaxed stay.
Between the boat ride in, the private peninsula setting, and five very differently themed chalets to choose from, this is less a hotel stay and more a small, self-sufficient retreat on the water — just remember the grocery run before you get on the boat.