Glamping in These Colombian Villages with Igloo Tents Is All the Rage

As you travel around El Poblado, an area in Medellín, Colombia, that is adorned with boutiques and fashionable hotels, you may notice this leaflet here and there: For both inhabitants and tourists, the communities of Guatapé and El Peñol are the ideal day outings. 

Located in the Colombian state of Antioquia, about 90 minutes west of Medellín, Guatapé is famous for its neon-filled town center. El Peñol, a neighboring town, has a high rock structure with over 700 steps etched into its side that visitors can climb. The ascent is well-rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the rugged Andes mountain range and a large man-made reservoir that sparkles in the distance. 

However, the abundance of glamping spots scattered along the shores of the blue sea is probably not visible from the peak, even if you squint. There are currently over a hundred of them, transforming this once-popular day trip location into a new glamping hotspot in the nation. 

According to Estefania Jiménez Herron, who is in charge of economic development and tourism in the municipality of El Peñol, "In Guatapé alone, we handle approximately 990,000 tourists and visitors a year," who spoke to Travel + Leisure. Stunning scenery is what makes these two towns perfect for a glamping getaway. Tourists and visitors, particularly couples, are drawn to this picturesque water reservoir because of its lake-like appearance and the romantic aura it exudes. 

Just like Medellín, the "City of the Eternal Spring," Guatapé is a great place to explore year-round. All year round, you can expect highs in the mid-70s and lows in the upper 50s. Rentals of jet skis and an inflatable water park contribute to the daily whirlwind of water sports at the reservoir. 

The glamping spots along the water usually go well with the energetic atmosphere. A place of "romance... peace, perfect views, and total tranquility," as Herron puts it. 

You can go kayaking, water biking, or fishing at Domus Glamping, one of the most popular places. On the property, you can see six igloo tents set up on wooden decks with water views. At Glamping La Cepa, you may stay in a converted wagon that has been transformed into a Western-style tent complete with a private grill pit, outdoor shower, and jacuzzi. 

There are more crowded options close to the reservoir, but you may also find more remote glamping spots in the area. Grinta Finca y Glamping, a "love hotel" that serves couples, offers room service, vistas of the Andes, and a coffee farm on the premises; it is nestled about 15 minutes south of El Peñol's main square. 

"Colombia is a great destination for international travelers seeking unique and transformative experiences," says Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the country's tourism development organization, tells T+L. "Because of its natural wealth, it's one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and an ideal destination for nature tourism." 

Antioquia is home to around 17% of Colombia's glamping establishments, with a rapidly expanding glamping-centric business scene in Bogotá's Cundinamarca and Boyacá states, as well as Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis) in Antioquia. This data is sourced from ProColombia.