The Guatapé Reservoir in Eastern Antioquia is experiencing a notable recovery after a prolonged drought. Recent rains have raised the water level by more than a meter, restoring navigability to the region and bringing renewed hope for the local economy and tourism.
The drought, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, left scenes of desolation with cracked earth and dangerously low water levels, severely affecting tourism in Guatapé. The water level dropped to a concerning 32.8% on May 7th, according to Ideam reports. However, it has since risen to 38.5% over the past 30 days, a 5.7% increase that has revitalized the hopes of local merchants and tourism operators.
Before the drought, Guatapé didn’t know low seasons, welcoming up to 50,000 visitors on a normal weekend and up to 70,000 during high seasons like Easter and December. With the reservoir’s recovery and new strategies in place, tourism is expected to flourish again, but this time in a more sustainable and orderly manner.
The community of Guatapé is working hard to become a vibrant tourist destination once more, and with institutional support and nature playing in its favor, the future looks promising.