About All ToursBoat ToursFrom Medellin ToursPiedra del Peñol ToursHelicopter Ride ToursPrivate Tours Directions Hours & Fees
Find Tours 
Experience the Guatapé reservoir and El Peñol Rock from above with a thrilling helicopter flight. Choose from quick scenic flights or full-day private tours that include boat rides and town visits.
Free Cancellation Explore Guatapé by land, air, and water with a private helicopter flight, boat cruise, and guided town walk.
Free Cancellation Fly over the Guatapé lagoon and circle the massive rock on a scenic helicopter tour with experienced pilots.
Free Cancellation Climb the 740 steps of El Peñol Rock and take a helicopter flight over the Guatapé reservoir and town.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Guatape — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A Guatapé helicopter ride tour offers an unforgettable vantage point of Colombia's most colorful town and its spectacular flooded landscape. You will soar above the sparkling Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, get a 360-degree aerial view of the iconic granite monolith, and then explore the vibrant, cobblestone streets on the ground.
Experience a thrilling 6-minute scenic flight over the sprawling man-made reservoir. Enjoy unmatched aerial views of the lush islands and a full 360-degree orbit around El Peñón.
Climb the 740 zigzagging steps of this 65-million-year-old, 220-meter granite monolith. The summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Antioquian landscape.
Wander through the town's vibrant streets, like Calle del Recuerdo, adorned with bright bas-relief tiles. These unique zócalos depict local history, trades, and family heritage.
Many full-day tours include a relaxing cruise on the lake. Glide past green peninsulas and catch a glimpse of La Manuela, Pablo Escobar's ruined estate.
Soak in the bustling local atmosphere at the main square. Sit on the brightly painted steps, enjoy a fresh Colombian coffee, and admire the colorful architecture.
Planning your Guatapé helicopter adventure requires a few logistical considerations to ensure a smooth trip. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
You can book a standalone 6-minute helicopter flight starting directly in Guatapé, or opt for a comprehensive full-day private tour departing from Medellín. Full-day options often bundle the flight with a guided town walk, a boat ride, and a visit to the rock.
Read the fine print carefully, as most full-day tours do not include the entrance fee for La Piedra del Peñol or your lunch. The standalone helicopter flights usually cover just the flight, ground safety instructions, and insurance.
Helicopter flights have strict weight limits for safety and balance. Passengers weighing over 130 kg (286 lbs) are typically required to pay an additional fee of around $80 USD.
Even on a private day tour from Medellín, the 6-minute helicopter flight itself is usually shared with other passengers. You can request a completely private flight for an additional cost, ranging from $100 to $300 USD depending on your group size.
While the helicopter rides and town center are suitable for most travelers, climbing the 740 stairs of La Piedra is physically demanding. These tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.
Most operators offer a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. If the flight is canceled due to bad weather, a partial refund of around $70 USD is usually provided.
Bring Colombian Pesos (COP) in cash, as the rock's ticket office and many local vendors do not accept US dollars or credit cards. The entrance fee for the rock is typically COP 18,000 to 20,000.
| Helicopter Flight Only | Full-Day Private Tour (Medellín Dep.) | Premium Private Tour + Boat Ride | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Approx. 30 mins (6-min flight) | Approx. 8.5 hours | Full Day |
| What's Included | Helicopter flight, safety briefing, insurance | Private transport, 6-min flight, bilingual guide, town visit | Private transport, 6-min flight, boat ride, farm visit, guide |
| Price From | $135 USD | $296 USD | $335 USD |
La Piedra del Peñol: The rock and its ticket office are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with some facilities staying open until 6:00 PM).
Helicopter Flights: Flights operate during daylight hours. If you book a standalone flight, you are typically required to arrive at the heliport (often located at Los Memories Hotel) 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for a safety briefing.
Pro Tip: To beat the heavy crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, plan to climb La Piedra del Peñol early in the morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Guatapé is located approximately 79 kilometers (49 miles) northeast of Medellín. If you book a full-day private tour, round-trip transportation with hotel pickup in Medellín is usually included.
The best months to visit Guatapé are January and from June until September. During these periods, the weather is highly favorable, providing ideal conditions for climbing the rock and ensuring clear skies for your helicopter flight.
The rainiest months are March through May and October through November. Afternoon rain showers are common during these times, which can make the 740 concrete stairs of the rock highly slippery and may cause weather delays for helicopter tours.
Accessibility in Guatapé is a mixed bag. The helicopter flights are generally accessible, though infants are required to sit on an adult's lap, and passengers must be able to board the aircraft safely.
La Piedra del Peñol: The iconic climb is entirely inaccessible for wheelchair users, as it consists of 740 steep, narrow stairs. It is also not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.
Town Center: Wheelchair accessibility is highly limited due to the hilly terrain and cobblestone streets, though the flat waterfront malecon can be navigated with some assistance.
At the Rock: There are fully functional restroom facilities for both men and women at the summit of La Piedra. You will also find small shops selling cold drinks, snacks, and souvenirs at both the base and the top.
In Town: Guatapé offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Don't miss the chance to try traditional Trucha Frita (fried trout) at a waterfront restaurant.
Heliport: Departure points for standalone flights (such as Los Memories Hotel) offer private parking and comfortable waiting areas for your pre-flight safety briefing.
The standard scenic helicopter flight over the Guatapé reservoir lasts approximately 6 minutes. This is enough time to do a full 360-degree orbit around the rock and get incredible aerial views of the flooded landscape.
Most full-day helicopter tours do not include the entrance ticket for La Piedra del Peñol. You will need to purchase this separately on-site for COP 18,000 to COP 20,000 in cash.
Unless you have a group of 5 or pay an additional fee (ranging from $100 to $300 USD), the 6-minute helicopter flight is typically shared with other passengers, even if the rest of your day tour is private.
If your helicopter flight is canceled due to poor weather or force majeure, operators generally provide a partial refund (around $70 USD) for the flight portion of the tour.
Yes, there are weight restrictions for safety and balance. Passengers weighing over 130 kg (286 lbs) are usually required to pay an extra fee of approximately $80 USD.
There are exactly 740 numbered concrete steps built into the side of the 220-meter granite monolith. The climb takes most people about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip depending on fitness levels.
No, the ticket office at the base of La Piedra del Peñol does not accept credit cards or US dollars. You must pay in cash using Colombian Pesos (COP).
No, swimming is strictly prohibited in the vast majority of the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir for safety reasons. However, you can enjoy boat rides and other watercraft activities.
Helicopter flights and the strenuous climb up the rock are generally not recommended for pregnant travelers or individuals with poor cardiovascular health.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring a light jacket, as the weather can change quickly. Secure footwear like tennis shoes is highly recommended for climbing the rock, as the stairs can get slippery.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
This private day trip provides a comprehensive look at Guatapé from three distinct perspectives. The itinerary begins with a helicopter flight over the reservoir, offering a wide-angle view of the islands and surrounding mountains. Afterward, you will visit El Peñol Rock to climb the stairs to the summit for a panoramic view of the region. The experience continues on the water with a private cruise across the lake, allowing for a quieter pace away from the main tourist docks. Back on land, your guide will lead a walk through the town of Guatapé to explain the history of its colorful zócalos and vibrant architecture. This tour is structured to provide a direct, personalized experience without the typical crowds of a group excursion.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Take to the air for a unique view of the Guatapé reservoir and its surrounding landscapes. This flight covers the entire lagoon area and passes over the main town, providing a perspective you can't get from the ground. The highlight of the trip is a full 360-degree orbit around the Guatapé Rock, allowing you to see the massive monolith from every angle. The flights are conducted by pilots with over 20 years of experience in the industry. You will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of the region throughout the journey. We offer both shared and private flight options to suit your group's needs.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour takes you to Guatapé to climb the 740 steps of El Peñol Rock. From the summit, you can see the entire reservoir and the surrounding hills. It is a physical climb that provides a 360-degree view of the landscape from one of the highest points in the region. After descending the rock, you will board a helicopter for a flight over the area. This aerial route covers the man-made lake, the colorful buildings of Guatapé town, and the rural countryside, showing perspectives of the terrain that are not visible from the ground.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish