Guatapé is bordered on the north by Alejandría, San Rafael to the east, and Granada and El Peñol to the south.

El Peñón de Guatapé, a large rock that visitors can climb, and the famous zócalos (murals) that adorn several buildings attract many tourists.

Before Spanish conquistadores reached the area in the 16th century, this territory was inhabited by indigenous groups, some controlled by a cacique named Guatapé.

In 1714, the indigenous people under Guatapé of this region were grouped into a shelter known as "San Antonio de Remolinos Peñol".

With two-thirds of its height below ground, the exposed vertical face is over 200 meters high and visible from throughout the surrounding countryside.