Guatapé & El Peñol day trip from Medellín: 702 steps, small group

Climb 702 steps to views that stretch across the reservoir and mountains

A small-group day trip from Medellín to Guatapé and El Peñol Rock, limited to 8 guests in a luxury vehicle with a bilingual guide. The morning starts with a traditional pandebono and coffee in the countryside before the climb up El Peñol's 702 steps to 360-degree views from 7,000 feet. After descending, you explore Guatapé's colorful streets and zócalos on foot, stop for lunch at a restaurant of your choice, and return to Medellín with a complimentary coffee.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 200 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Private van option (up to 8 people) 09:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 8 people Private service: an exclusive tour with private transport, a flexible schedule and personal attention for your group alone. Duration: 12 hours. Light breakfast snack: enjoy a local bite and fresh coffee at a countryside stop during the morning journey. Mercedes Sprinter or similar: a roomy, air-conditioned van offering a premium ride for groups. Pickup is included.

Private service – SUV (up to 3 people) 09:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 3 people Private service: an exclusive tour with private transport, a flexible schedule and personal attention for your group alone. Duration: 12 hours. Light breakfast snack: enjoy a local bite and fresh coffee at a countryside stop during the morning journey. Private SUV: travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV well suited to small groups looking for a smooth, stylish ride. Pickup is included.

Luxury small group, shared 09:00 Guide in English or Spanish Small group (up to 8 people): an intimate tour with a maximum of 8 guests, offering comfort, personal service and a local guide in a luxury vehicle. Duration: 12 hours. Light breakfast snack: enjoy a local bite and fresh coffee at a countryside stop during the morning journey. SUV or van (depending on group size): ride in an SUV or a Mercedes Sprinter or similar, always comfortable, air-conditioned and high quality. Pickup is included.

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What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Medellín.
• a traditional pandebono and coffee snack at a countryside café.
• entry to El Peñol Rock.
• a bilingual guide in Spanish or English throughout the day.
• a complimentary beverage in Guatapé after lunch.

Times

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• Every day 09:00

Information

Small-group day trip from Medellín to Guatapé and El Peñol Rock with hotel pickup, a 702-step climb to 7,000-foot views, and a bilingual guide.

Group Up to 8

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. See the pickup points

Ages Adult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

More information The pickup points, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 5 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The day runs 12 hours from hotel pickup in Medellín. A scenic drive takes you out toward the reservoir, where you stop at a countryside café for fresh-baked pandebono and locally brewed coffee: a genuine taste of Antioquia before the main event. Your guide, fluent in Spanish or English, travels with the group throughout and handles the logistics so you focus on the climb and the landscape.

El Peñol is a natural rock rising above the lake, and the 702 steps to its summit are the centerpiece of the day. The climb is steady and the views from the top are 360 degrees: the reservoir spreads below, the surrounding mountains roll outward, and on clear days the vista reaches far across South America's most photographed landscape. Your guide assists with photos and shares the history of the region as you catch your breath. The rock itself is the reason people book this tour, and the small-group format means you're not queuing with hundreds.

After descending, you walk through Guatapé's town center on foot. The streets are painted in bright colors, the zócalos (central plazas) are lined with locals and vendors, and the lakeside setting gives the place a distinct character. You choose where to eat lunch. The guide can recommend restaurants, but the meal cost is on you. Before the drive back to Medellín, the tour includes a complimentary beverage to wind down. Hotel drop-off closes the day.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many people travel in the group on this tour?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 guests, which keeps the group small enough for personalized attention from your guide and easier movement through Guatapé's streets and up El Peñol.

What is the 702-step climb up El Peñol actually like?

El Peñol is a natural rock formation rising above the reservoir, and the 702 steps are built into the rock itself. The climb is steady and takes most people 20 to 30 minutes to reach the summit at 7,000 feet, where the 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding mountains open up. Your guide assists with photos and pacing.

What do I do in Guatapé after climbing the rock?

Guatapé is explored on foot after you descend from El Peñol. You walk through the town's colorful streets and zócalos, which are the heart of the town's character. A lunch stop at a restaurant of your choice is included in the itinerary, though you pay for the meal itself.

Does the tour include breakfast and coffee?

Yes. Before reaching El Peñol, you stop at a countryside café for a traditional pandebono (a savory Colombian pastry) and locally brewed coffee. A complimentary beverage is also included after lunch in Guatapé before the return drive to Medellín.

Can I book this as a private tour instead of a shared group?

Yes. A private van option for up to 8 guests and a private SUV option for up to 3 guests are available at checkout. Both include the same itinerary, guide, and inclusions as the shared luxury small-group tour.

Operated by Chubit Travel. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago