Adriana's Bambu-Lodge

If stress and noisy cities are getting to you, give this place a chance. You can breathe fresh air and wander through the magical woods. There are dogs around too, and they really do enjoy spending time with guests.

The forest sounds are a big part of being here. We found it so relaxing that we sometimes preferred a hammock to heading out for activities in Guatape. The property has a marked walking trail, and local operators can arrange longer, more challenging forest hikes to a wildlife preserve, with swimming pools below live waterfalls. The setting is remote and heavily wooded, and it's a bird sanctuary, yet Guatape town and its recreational reservoir are close by. You avoid the lights and noise of hotels nearer the town. Each bungalow is built entirely by hand from bamboo, and you can see the care in the joints and corners. Don Jairo and Doña Adriana run the place as a family business. They serve a substantial breakfast each morning on their house patio, and room service can be ordered from local restaurants. The rooms have basic kitchens and hammocks. One has a private heated jacuzzi, where you can watch shooting stars and the Milky Way. There's also an outdoor recreation area with a jacuzzi and swimming pool, both filled with water from a live stream on the property. They have more cabins in progress, are upgrading the shared jacuzzi with a better, bigger heater and a roof, and are adding a second floor to the patio restaurant. It's a very restful place to stay.

Scam. I paid cash for a family bungalow, then was shown a dirty room that was falling apart. I told the owner, but they refused to return my money. Criminals.

We were looking for somewhere to properly unwind, and barely left the grounds for Guatape, despite it being a beautiful town. The nature, quiet, hospitality, care, and good facilities made us extend our three-night booking by one night in the tree bambu cabine. We also enjoyed a massage, jacuzzi, and sauna (temazcal), and spent a lovely evening by the bonfire with the hosts. Andres, Adriana and her husband made it feel special with their care and good food. Bring warm clothes for the evenings and nights.