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Explore the colorful streets of Guatape and climb the famous Rock of El Peñol with these convenient day trips from Medellin. Choose from standard guided excursions, private door-to-door transfers, or adventurous additions like horseback riding, ATV trails, and paragliding.
Free Cancellation Paraglide over massive waterfalls in Cocorna with a scenic mountain lunch stop on this day trip from Medellin.
Free Cancellation Climb the 740 steps of the Peñol Rock and explore the vibrant, hand-painted streets of Guatapé on this day trip.
Free Cancellation Climb the massive El Peñol rock for panoramic lake views and explore the vibrant, colorful streets of Guatapé.
Free Cancellation A private 7-hour trip to Guatapé and El Peñol with a bilingual guide and optional airport drop-off.
Free Cancellation Ride through Andean trails and climb the Guatape rock on a 9.5-hour private tour of the Colombian countryside.
Free Cancellation Visit El Peñol and Guatapé on a day trip from Medellín to climb the famous rock and explore colorful village streets.
Free Cancellation Ride ATVs through forest trails before climbing the Guatape rock and exploring the town's colorful history.
Free Cancellation Private, air-conditioned transport between Medellín and Guatapé with a dedicated driver and assistant.
Free Cancellation Explore Guatapé and climb El Peñol Rock on a private, customizable day trip from Medellín with a bilingual guide.
Free Cancellation Travel in comfort with a dedicated local team managing every detail of your journey.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Guatape — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking a tour to Guatapé from Medellín offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, physical adventure, and vibrant local culture. You will leave the city behind to explore a massive 65-million-year-old granite monolith, cruise across a sprawling man-made reservoir, and wander through one of Colombia's most colorful colonial towns.
Climb the 740 zigzagging concrete steps built directly into the side of a 220-meter granite monolith. At the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding reservoir and islands.
Stroll the vibrant streets of Guatapé to admire the zócalos—hand-painted bas-relief tiles decorating the lower halves of homes and businesses. These beautiful artworks depict local trades, history, and community heritage.
Many tours include a relaxing boat cruise across the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. You will glide past lush peninsulas and get a glimpse of La Manuela, the ruined lakeside mansion once owned by Pablo Escobar.
Wander down the famous Calle del Recuerdo, known for its preserved historic architecture, or snap photos beneath the colorful canopy of Umbrella Street (Calle de los Paraguas) while sipping local coffee.
Enjoy an authentic local lunch by the waterfront. A must-try specialty is Trucha Frita (fried trout) caught fresh from the lake, served with rice, plantains, and avocado.
Planning your day trip to Guatapé is straightforward, but knowing a few practical details about tour logistics, physical requirements, and local currency will make your experience much smoother.
You can choose from budget-friendly group tours on large buses, flexible private tours with dedicated guides, or adventure combos that include ATV rides, horseback riding, or even paragliding on the way to Guatapé.
Check your itinerary carefully. While most group tours include transportation, lunch, and a boat ride, the entrance fee to climb La Piedra del Peñol is often excluded. Private tours are more likely to include the rock admission.
The ticket office at La Piedra del Peñol does not accept credit cards or US Dollars. You must bring Colombian Pesos (COP 18,000 to COP 20,000) in cash to pay for your climb, as well as extra cash for local souvenirs and tips.
Climbing the rock requires a moderate level of fitness to conquer the 740 steep steps. If you have poor cardiovascular health or severe mobility issues, you can still enjoy the views from the base and the boat tour, but the climb is not recommended.
The weather can change rapidly in the Andes. Wear comfortable tennis shoes (flip-flops are dangerous on the stairs) and bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket for sudden afternoon downpours.
Most full-day tours from Medellín last between 8 and 10.5 hours. If you are short on time, some private express tours can condense the highlights into a 6 to 7-hour window.
The vast majority of Guatapé tours offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund.
| Group Full-Day Tour | Private Standard Tour | Adventure Combo Tour | Private Transfer Only | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10.5 hours | 7 - 9.5 hours | 9.5 hours | Flexible |
| Best for | Budget travelers & solo backpackers | Families & couples wanting flexibility | Thrill-seekers | Independent explorers |
| Includes | Bus transport, guide, boat tour, lunch | Private transport, guide, hotel pickup, (often) rock entry | ATVs or Horseback riding, transport, guide | Door-to-door vehicle and professional driver |
| Price from | $31 | $130 | $194 | $82 |
La Piedra del Peñol: The rock and its ticket office are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with some days extending to 6:00 PM depending on the season). It is highly recommended to arrive early, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, to beat the heavy crowds and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Guatapé Town: The town itself is open 24/7, but most shops, cafes, and boat tours operate between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If you want to photograph the famous Calle del Recuerdo without crowds, try to get there before 9:30 AM.
Guatapé is located approximately 79 kilometers (49 miles) northeast of Medellín.
Best Months: January and June through September offer the most favorable weather. These months are generally drier, making it much safer to climb the 740 steps and more enjoyable to take a boat ride on the reservoir.
Worst Months: March through May and October through November are the rainiest periods in the Antioquia region. Heavy downpours can make the concrete stairs of La Piedra very slippery and hazardous.
Time of Day: Early morning is best to avoid the intense midday sun and the massive influx of day-trippers that arrive around noon.
Wheelchair Users: Accessibility is highly limited. The 740 steps of La Piedra del Peñol are completely inaccessible for wheelchairs. While the waterfront malecon in town is flat, many side streets feature steep slopes and uneven cobblestones.
Elderly Visitors: The town center is manageable, and local tuk-tuks are available for cheap, scenic rides. Active seniors often climb the rock by pacing themselves and using the shaded rest benches, but those with heart or joint issues should skip the climb.
Families: Guatapé is very family-friendly. Children can easily enjoy the boat tours and colorful streets, though parents must closely supervise young kids on the steep rock stairs.
At La Piedra del Peñol: There are fully functional restrooms for both men and women located at the summit of the rock. You will also find small shops and vendors selling cold drinks, fresh fruit, and snacks both at the base and at the very top of the monolith.
In Town: Guatapé has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutique souvenir shops. Note that while upscale restaurants may take cards, smaller vendors and tuk-tuks operate strictly on a cash basis.
The entrance fee for a self-guided climb is between COP 18,000 and COP 20,000 (roughly $4.50 to $5 USD). Tickets must be purchased on-site using local cash unless you buy a skip-the-line ticket online in advance.
It depends on the tour. Most budget-friendly group tours do not include the rock entrance fee, requiring you to pay in cash upon arrival. However, many private or premium tours do include the ticket in the overall price.
There are exactly 740 numbered steps built into the side of the 220-meter granite monolith. The climb up and down usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stay at the summit.
No, the ticket office at the base of the rock does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or US dollars. You must bring Colombian Pesos (COP) in cash to buy your admission ticket.
A typical full-day group tour lasts between 9 and 10.5 hours, including the 2-hour drive each way. If you book a private tour, the duration is more flexible and can often be condensed into 6 to 8 hours.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited in most areas of the reservoir for safety reasons. You can, however, safely enjoy the water by booking boat tours, kayaking, or renting jet skis.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing and secure tennis shoes for climbing the rock. Since the elevation is 1,890 meters, the sun is strong, so bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket for sudden afternoon showers.
Yes, several tour operators offer combo packages from Medellín. You can book private tours that include 1.5-hour ATV rides, horseback riding through the Andes, or even paragliding before heading to the town of Guatapé.
Guatapé has very limited wheelchair accessibility due to cobblestone streets and steep hills. The climb up La Piedra del Peñol is entirely inaccessible for wheelchair users, though the flat waterfront area in town can be navigated with assistance.
Most group and private tours offer hotel pick-up and drop-off in the popular tourist districts of El Poblado and Laureles. If you are staying outside these areas, you may be asked to meet at a central landmark or pay a small surcharge.
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We begin with a 70-minute drive from Medellin to the municipality of Cocorna. Once at the launch site, you will take a 10 to 15-minute paragliding flight over deep canyons and giant waterfalls. Flight duration is subject to wind conditions; while we aim for at least 10 minutes, favorable breezes may allow for extra time in the air. On the return trip, we stop at a mountain-top restaurant for traditional local food and 360-degree views of the Antioquian landscape. Please note that lunch is not included in the tour price. Weather in the Cocorna canyons is unpredictable and often differs significantly from Medellin. While our flight database shows a 95% success rate, safety remains the priority. If the flight cannot be completed specifically due to poor weather conditions, we provide a 50% refund of the tour cost.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Located about 90 minutes from Medellin, Guatapé is a town famous for its colorful streets and traditional 'zocalos'—hand-painted baseboards that decorate the bottom of every building. These carvings depict the history of the town and its people. Named after the pre-Hispanic leader Cacique Guatapé, the area is often called the 'Interior Sea of Antioquia' because of the vast reservoir that surrounds it. The main attraction is the Rock of Guatapé, also known as the Piedra del Peñol. This 220-meter monolith, composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, was first scaled in July 1954 by local resident Luis Eduardo Villegas López and his companions. The Villegas family still maintains ownership of the site today. Visitors can reach the summit by climbing 740 steps built into the side of the rock for a full view of the region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This 7 to 8-hour excursion begins with a drive through the scenic regions of Rionegro and Llanogrande as you head toward the lakeside town of Guatapé. The centerpiece of the trip is a visit to El Peñol, a massive granite monolith. You will have the opportunity to climb the stairs to the summit for a 360-degree view of the surrounding reservoir and its many islands. All entrance fees to the rock are included. Following the climb, the tour continues into Guatapé to explore its famously bright streets and colonial architecture. You will visit the Plaza de los Zócalos, the lakeside promenade, and the 'Phoenix' monument while learning about the local culture from your guide. The tour includes door-to-door transport with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Please note that while all site entries are covered, lunch is not included in the price, allowing you to choose a local restaurant that suits your taste.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish
This private tour offers a focused visit to Guatapé and El Peñol Rock, designed to fit into a six or seven-hour window. It is built for travelers who want to see these landmarks without committing to a full-day trip. We prioritize a relaxed but efficient pace, ensuring you see the highlights of the town and the monolith while still having most of your day free. We provide private transportation and a bilingual guide for every group, moving away from the rigid structure of large tour buses. This allows you to customize the stops and ask questions as we go. For those finishing their stay in Medellín, we offer the option to conclude the tour with a direct drop-off at the airport, combining your sightseeing with a convenient transfer.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This 9.5-hour private tour combines a mountain ride with a visit to one of Colombia’s most famous landmarks. You will spend the morning on horseback, following trails through the Andes to see the landscape from a perspective not possible by car. The horses are well-trained and the pace allows for a close look at the mountain scenery. Following the ride, the tour continues to Guatape to climb the massive El Peñol rock and explore the town’s colorful streets. Pairing these two activities into a single day is more cost-effective than booking them as separate excursions and ensures you see the region's main natural and cultural highlights in one trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour travels east from Medellín into the Antioquian countryside. After a 1.5-hour drive with your guide, you will arrive at El Peñol to learn the history of the original town, which now sits submerged beneath the reservoir. The tour continues to the El Peñol Rock, a massive monolith where you can climb nearly 700 steps to reach the summit. From the top, you get a wide view of the surrounding lake and islands. Please note that the entrance fee for the rock is not included in the tour price. Finally, you will visit Guatapé, a village known for its brightly painted buildings and decorative carved 'zócalos.' You will have free time to walk through the town and along the waterfront. Lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to choose a local restaurant that fits your preference before the return trip to Medellín.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The day begins with a brief training session to get comfortable with the ATVs before heading out on a 1.5-hour ride. You will navigate gravel roads and forest trails, taking in the local scenery along the way. After the ride, there is time to change clothes before we continue the drive toward Guatape. Our next stop is the massive rock of El Peñol. If you choose to climb the stairs to the top, you will have a clear view of the surrounding dam and islands. The tour ends in the town of Guatape, where a guide will lead you through the vibrant streets and landmarks while explaining the history and culture of the region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
We provide private door-to-door transportation between Medellín and Guatapé, tailored to your specific schedule. Each trip includes a professional driver and an assistant who will meet you at your chosen departure point to help with luggage and logistics, ensuring the journey is straightforward and efficient. All transfers are conducted in modern, air-conditioned vehicles designed for comfort on the roads of Antioquia. With flexible availability throughout the day, this service offers a reliable alternative for travelers looking for a direct and private way to reach their destination without the constraints of public transit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This private tour from Medellín focuses on the famous El Peñol Rock and the colorful town of Guatapé. Your guide and driver handle the logistics, including the entry fee for the rock so you can climb the stairs to the summit immediately. You will also stop at a replica of the original Peñol town to learn about the area's history before the valley was flooded to create the reservoir. In Guatapé, you will walk through streets lined with traditional zócalos, the hand-painted tiles that tell the stories of local families and businesses. The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to spend more time where you choose. Optional upgrades are available for those who want to get on the water or see the area from above, including private boat rentals, jet skiing, ATV tours, paragliding, or helicopter flights.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
We provide modern, well-maintained vehicles to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey between locations. By handling the logistics of transportation, we allow you to focus on the destination without the stress of navigating or coordinating transfers. Our professional team is committed to providing attentive service throughout the trip. From arrival to the final drop-off, our staff is on hand to assist with your needs and provide a reliable point of contact for a seamless experience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish