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Explore the vibrant town of Guatape and climb the iconic Piedra del Peñol on a guided day trip from Medellin. Choose from scenic boat rides on the reservoir, traditional coffee farm visits, and fully private excursions.
Free Cancellation Explore Guatapé’s colorful streets, boat through the reservoir, and visit a hilltop farm on this full-day guided trip.
Free Cancellation See Guatapé’s top sites at a relaxed pace, giving you the time to actually experience each location without rushing.
Free Cancellation Climb El Peñol, cruise the reservoir, and sample seven local Colombian snacks on this guided day trip from Medellin.
Free Cancellation Climb the 740 steps of El Peñol and cruise the reservoir before exploring the vibrant streets of Guatape.
Free Cancellation Explore Guatapé’s vibrant streets and climb the El Peñol rock on a small-group guided tour with boat rides and meals.
Free Cancellation Climb El Peñol, tour a local coffee farm, and explore Guatapé's colorful streets on this all-inclusive day trip.
Free Cancellation Climb the Peñol Rock, walk the colorful streets of Guatapé, and visit a historic estate and exotic animal farm.
Free Cancellation Climb the iconic Peñol Rock, cruise Lake Guatapé, and explore Colombia’s most colorful town on this day trip from Medellín.
Free Cancellation Climb the Peñol rock, work on a coffee farm, and explore the vibrant history and painted streets of Guatapé.
Free Cancellation Climb the 700 steps of El Peñol Rock and explore the colorful streets of Guatapé on this guided full-day tour.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Guatape — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A tour to Guatapé offers a perfect escape from the bustling streets of Medellín into the colorful heart of Antioquia. Expect a full day of stunning natural landscapes, physical challenges, and deep dives into local Colombian culture, from climbing a massive granite monolith to cruising a flooded reservoir.
Get ready for a serious leg workout. You'll climb the 740 numbered steps zigzagging up the side of the 220-meter-tall El Peñón de Guatapé for unmatched 360-degree views of the reservoir.
Wander through the incredibly photogenic town center, where the lower halves of the buildings are decorated with vibrant, hand-painted bas-relief tiles that tell the story of local families and trades.
Most full-day tours include a relaxing boat ride on the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir. You'll cruise past lush islands and even spot the ruins of Pablo Escobar's bombed estate, La Manuela.
Stroll down Calle de los Paraguas under a canopy of colorful umbrellas, or grab a fresh Colombian coffee while people-watching in the bustling Plaza de los Zócalos.
Many tours fuel your day with a traditional Antioquian breakfast and lunch. You might also get to taste local snacks like strawberries with cream or freshly caught fried trout.
Some private tours combine the Guatapé experience with a visit to a working coffee plantation, letting you pick beans and learn the entire process from crop to cup.
Planning your trip to Guatapé is fairly straightforward, but knowing the logistics of how tours operate out of Medellín will save you time and hassle.
You can choose between large group tours on buses (usually the most budget-friendly), premium small-group tours capped at around 18 people, or private tours. Private options offer flexible pickup times and often bundle in extra stops like coffee farms.
Most tour prices cover your transportation, guide, and meals, but exclude the entrance ticket to climb La Piedra del Peñol. You will need to bring cash (around COP 35,000) to pay for this on-site, as the ticket office does not accept credit cards or US dollars.
If you book a shared tour, hotel pickups are generally restricted to specific tourist neighborhoods in Medellín, namely El Poblado and Laureles. If you are staying outside these zones, you will need to meet the bus at a designated central point early in the morning.
The vast majority of full-day Guatapé tours include both a traditional breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available if you notify your guide in advance.
While the town of Guatapé is easy to walk around, climbing the rock requires a moderate level of fitness. There are 740 steep steps and no elevators. If you choose not to climb, you can easily wait at the base where there are shops and seating areas.
Guatapé sits at 1,890 meters above sea level, meaning the sun is strong but the weather can change fast. Bring sunscreen, a light jacket for the afternoon, and wear secure shoes like sneakers—flip-flops are dangerous on the rock's steps.
Keep an eye on the itinerary details. Some tours include quirky extra stops, like a visit to an animal farm with llamas at Alto del Chocho, or exotic fruit tasting at a traditional farmers' market.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Since these are full-day excursions starting around 6:30 AM, last-minute no-shows are strictly non-refundable.
| Standard Group Tour | Premium Small Group | Private Guatapé & Coffee Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Type | Budget travelers and solo backpackers | Travelers wanting less crowded buses (max 18 pax) | Couples and families wanting a personalized pace |
| Best For | Bus transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, boat ride | Transport, guide, meals, boat ride, llama farm visit | Private transport, coffee farm tour, fruit tasting, guide |
| Includes | $40 USD | $43 - $45 USD | $140 - $175 USD |
| Price From |
La Piedra del Peñol: The rock and its ticket office are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some local sources indicate the gates may stay open until 6:00 PM during peak season, but it is highly recommended to start your climb well before 4:00 PM.
Town of Guatapé: The town itself is an open municipality with no set hours. However, most boutique shops, cafes along the Plaza de los Zócalos, and waterfront restaurants operate from around 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. If you want to photograph the colorful streets without crowds, aim to arrive before 9:30 AM.
Tour Schedules: Full-day tours departing from Medellín typically start early, with hotel pickups beginning between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM, and return to the city around 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
By Bus from Medellín: Public buses run every 30 minutes from the Terminal del Norte (connected to the Caribe Metro Station). Go to booth 14 to buy a ticket from 'Sotrasanvicente & Guatape La Piedra'. The 79km journey takes about 2 hours and costs between COP 14,000 and COP 17,000 one-way.
By Tour: The easiest way to visit is by booking a guided tour. Most operators offer morning pickups from designated hotels in the El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods. If your hotel isn't on their list, you'll meet at a central point like Parque del Poblado.
From the Airport: If you are heading straight to Guatapé from José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), a taxi is your best bet. The scenic drive takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs approximately $40 USD.
Best Months: The most favorable weather occurs in January and from June through September. During these months, the climate is mild—neither too hot nor too cold—making it perfect for climbing the 740 steps and enjoying boat rides on the reservoir.
Months to Avoid: March through May and October through November are the rainiest periods. Heavy downpours can make the concrete stairs of La Piedra very slippery and hazardous, and thunderstorms may halt boat tours.
Time of Day: To beat the massive crowds of day-trippers and the intense midday sun, try to climb the rock between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Early mornings also provide the best lighting for photography.
Wheelchair Users: Guatapé presents significant challenges for wheelchair users. The town features hilly terrain, cobblestone streets, and steep slopes. The main attraction, La Piedra del Peñol, is entirely inaccessible as it requires climbing 740 narrow stairs. However, the flat waterfront malecon and some central town plazas can be navigated with assistance.
Elderly Visitors: The town center is compact and manageable for walking. Local tuk-tuks are readily available to give your feet a rest. Active seniors often climb the rock by pacing themselves and using the rest benches, but those with heart or severe mobility issues should stay at the base.
Families with Children: The town and boat tours are very family-friendly. If climbing the rock with young kids, hold their hands tightly—the stairs are steep and can be slippery.
At La Piedra del Peñol: The base of the rock has a large parking lot, a ticket office, and several souvenir stands. Once you conquer the 740 steps, you'll find fully functional restrooms for men and women at the summit, as well as small kiosks selling cold drinks, fresh fruit, and snacks to help you recover.
In Guatapé Town: The town is well-equipped for tourists. You'll find numerous ATMs (though they occasionally run out of cash on busy weekends), pharmacies, and a wide variety of restaurants ranging from street-food stalls to sit-down waterfront dining serving traditional Trucha Frita (fried trout).
On Tours: Most tour buses are modern and air-conditioned. When taking a boat tour on the reservoir, life jackets are provided and mandatory for all passengers.
Payment Methods: The most important rule to remember is that the ticket office for La Piedra del Peñol only accepts Colombian Pesos (COP) in cash. Credit cards, debit cards, and US dollars are strictly not accepted. Ensure you bring enough cash (around COP 35,000 per person) before leaving Medellín.
Water Safety: Despite the inviting look of the massive reservoir, swimming is strictly prohibited in the vast majority of the water for safety reasons. Stick to permitted watercraft activities like kayaking, jet skiing, or the guided boat tours.
Dress Code & Behavior: While there isn't a strict dress code, practical footwear (sneakers or strapped sandals) is highly recommended for the climb. Flip-flops are a safety hazard on the stairs. Additionally, respect the local community by not defacing the historic zócalos.
While the base entrance fee is historically around COP 18,000 to 20,000, most current tour operators advise bringing COP 35,000 (about $9 USD) in cash to cover the admission. You must pay this on-site in Colombian Pesos, as foreign currency is not accepted.
Usually, no. The vast majority of day tours from Medellín cover your transport, guide, boat ride, and meals, but explicitly exclude the rock entrance fee. You will need to bring cash to buy your ticket at the gate.
There are exactly 740 numbered concrete steps built into the side of the monolith. Depending on your fitness level, the climb up and down usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours in total.
No, the ticket office at the base of the rock does not have credit or debit card machines. You must pay in cash using Colombian Pesos.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited in most areas of the reservoir due to safety hazards. However, you can safely enjoy the water via the boat cruises included in most tours, or by renting kayaks and jet skis.
Zócalos are the brightly colored, hand-painted bas-relief tiles that decorate the lower walls of the buildings in town. They depict local history, community heritage, and the specific trades of the families who live there.
If you book a shared group tour, pickups are generally limited to specific hotels in the El Poblado and Laureles areas. If your accommodation isn't on their list, you'll be asked to meet at a central location like Parque del Poblado.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing and secure footwear like tennis shoes for climbing the rock. Since Guatapé is at an elevation of 1,890 meters, the sun is strong but afternoons can get chilly, so bring sunscreen and a light jacket.
Yes, most tours include a boat cruise on the reservoir that passes by the ruins of La Manuela, Pablo Escobar's former lakeside estate which was bombed in 1993. You will view it from the boat as the guide explains its history.
The drive from Medellín to Guatapé is approximately 79 kilometers (49 miles) and usually takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic leaving the city.
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This full-day excursion begins with a drive from Medellín in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Along the way, a certified guide provides historical context and local stories while you enjoy a traditional Antioquian breakfast. The itinerary includes a boat trip across the Guatapé reservoir to see the surrounding islands and a guided walk through the town of Guatapé to see its famous hand-painted zócalos. You will also stop at the base of El Peñol Rock for a panoramic view of the landscape. While the climb to the top is optional and requires a separate fee, the stop is included for everyone. The tour also visits Alto del Chocho farm, where you can see llamas and take in the views from the hilltop. A full local lunch with several menu options and travel insurance are included in the package.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
We prioritize a handful of Guatapé’s most significant landmarks so you can spend your day actually seeing them, rather than just sitting in transit. Instead of trying to cram dozens of minor stops into a single day, we select the most impactful locations and give you the breathing room to explore them fully. Our itinerary is built around a steady, unhurried flow. By spending more time at each stop, you have the chance to learn the history of the area and enjoy the scenery without the stress of a strict countdown. It’s an approach designed for travelers who prefer depth over a surface-level checklist.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip from Medellin focuses on the landmarks and local flavors of Guatapé. The itinerary begins with a climb up the Stone of El Peñol for views of the reservoir, followed by a private boat ride across the water. In the town of Guatapé, you will walk through the streets to see the "zocalos"—the colorful, hand-carved tiles that decorate the base of the local buildings. Throughout the day, you will stop for seven traditional tastings. These include regional favorites like strawberries with cream, tree tomato, hot chocolate, and fresh pandebono. You will also try a traditional cold meat lunch, "seven leathers" cheese, and a "single" wafer snack. The tour includes round-trip transport and a local guide to manage the schedule and share the history of the region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Located 90 minutes from Medellin, this tour centers on La Piedra del Peñol, a 220-meter monolith overlooking the Peñol-Guatape reservoir. You can climb the 740 steps to the summit for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the dam system that provides a significant portion of Colombia's energy. The experience includes a boat trip across the reservoir to see the flooded terrain from the water. Afterward, you will visit the town of Guatape, known for its brightly painted buildings and decorative "zócalos" (stone reliefs). The walk covers the Calle del Recuerdo, the Plazoleta de los Zócalos, the lakeside boardwalk, and the main town square.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip travels by shared bus, but we maintain a personal atmosphere by limiting each guide to a maximum of 18 guests. The morning starts with a traditional breakfast followed by a visit to the town of El Peñol and its historical replica. The journey continues to the Piedra del Peñol, where you can climb the 700 steps to the summit for a 360-degree view of the surrounding reservoir. After a local lunch, we take a boat ride across the water to see the landscape and nearby properties from the lake. In the town of Guatapé, a guide will walk you through iconic locations like the Calle de las Sombrillas, Plaza de los Zócalos, and Calle del Recuerdo. The trip concludes with free time to explore the central park at your own pace and a chance to interact with the local llamas.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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We handle all the logistics with door-to-door pickup and drop-off, starting your day at a traditional farmers' market for an exotic fruit tasting. From there, you’ll visit a working coffee farm to see the entire production process firsthand—from harvest to roast—concluding with a fresh tasting of single-origin coffee. The journey continues to the Peñol Rock, where you can climb the stairs for panoramic views of the surrounding reservoir. Afterward, we lead a walking tour through Guatapé, one of Colombia's most vibrant towns, known for its colorful hand-painted buildings and colonial history. Originally designed six years ago to combine the region's most essential experiences into a single day, this tour is backed by over 500 five-star reviews. It is a practical and thorough way to see the highlights of Antioquia, especially for those visiting Medellin for a short period.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip takes you through the highlights of Guatapé, starting with a climb up the 740 steps of the Piedra del Peñol. From the top of this massive granite monolith, you will have a panoramic view of the surrounding reservoir and its many islands. Afterward, we head into the town of Guatapé to walk through the cobblestone streets and see the zócalos—hand-painted tiles that decorate the base of every building with local stories and symbols. The itinerary also includes a visit to a former estate once owned by Pablo Escobar, providing a direct look at the region's complex historical narrative. To finish the tour, we stop at an exotic animal farm to see a variety of species in a natural setting. Throughout the day, you will have opportunities to try local food and learn about the area's culture from a guide who knows the landscape and its history.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion departs from Medellín for the lakeside town of Guatapé. The main highlight is the Piedra del Peñol, a massive granite monolith. You can climb the 742 steps built into the side of the rock to reach the summit, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding reservoir and islands. After the climb, the tour continues into the town of Guatapé, known for its vibrantly painted buildings and traditional cobblestone streets. You will also take a boat out onto the lake to see the area from the water. The cruise passes several notable landmarks, including the vacation estates of Colombian celebrities and the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s former holiday home.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
The day begins at a local coffee plantation, where you will learn the entire production process from planting seeds to brewing. You’ll have the opportunity to join the farmers in the fields to pick beans and experience the daily work behind Colombia’s most famous export. Next, we head to the massive El Peñol boulder. Climbing the 708 steps to the summit provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding reservoir and the hills of eastern Antioquia. After descending, we will move into the town of Guatapé for a traditional lunch. The afternoon is spent walking through the town’s colorful streets. You will learn about the history of the 'zócalos'—the unique, hand-painted reliefs decorating the base of every house—and the stories they represent. The tour includes stops at a local chocolate shop and time to browse artisanal handicrafts in the village stores.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day trip starts with a 90-minute drive through the mountains with a professional guide from Camantours Medellin. You will first visit El Peñol to learn the history of the town that was rebuilt on the edge of the reservoir. From there, you will head to the El Peñol Rock to climb the 700 steps to the top for a 360-degree view of the region. The final stop is Guatapé, where you can walk through the streets famous for their colorful "zocalos" and enjoy lunch by the lake before heading back.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish