Guatapé & El Peñol: Day Trip from Medellín with Boat Ride

Summary

Colorful streets, boat ride on the reservoir, climb El Peñol rock

You’ll start your day driving out of Medellín into green hills before climbing El Peñol’s legendary 740 steps for sweeping views of Guatapé reservoir. Taste local snacks in a recreated village square, glide by boat across blue waters, then lose yourself in Guatapé’s wild colors and lively plazas—all with a local guide leading the way.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling out of Medellín before I’d finished my coffee — I remember the city lights fading and then, suddenly, green everywhere. Our guide, Andrés, kept tossing little facts over his shoulder (“that hill used to be a whole village under the water”) and I half-listened, half-watched mist lift off the fields. The drive was about an hour and a half but didn’t feel long; maybe it was the playlist or just that weird excitement you get when you’re heading somewhere new.

The first stop was this replica square — a tiny version of old El Peñol before they flooded it for the dam. It smelled like fresh bread and there were women selling arepas right from their windows. Andrés introduced us to one of the shop owners (her name was Luz), who handed me a painted keychain and said something about luck. I probably looked confused but she just smiled wider. Then we saw La Piedra del Peñol for real — that huge rock jutting up out of nowhere. I counted maybe fifty steps before losing track; there are supposed to be 740 all together. My legs burned but honestly, reaching the top felt like stepping into another world. The wind up there is wild.

I still think about that view — blue water curling around all those little islands, boats moving like slow insects below us. We took a boat ride across the Guatapé reservoir after climbing down (my knees were not thrilled). The engine sputtered and kids waved from a floating dock; someone nearby was grilling chorizo so the air smelled smoky-sweet. It’s funny how quiet it gets out on the water compared to town.

Last part was Guatapé itself — every wall painted in colors that don’t really exist back home. There’s this street called Calle de los Recuerdos where people actually stop just to stare at doors. Andrés pointed out carvings on each zócalo (he tried teaching us what they meant but I forgot most of it). We wandered through Plaza de los Zócalos, ate something sweet I couldn’t pronounce, and watched old men play dominoes in the park as rain clouds gathered overhead. Didn’t even mind getting caught in a drizzle at the end — made everything smell like wet earth and paint.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Guatapé and El Peñol highlights

• Travel from Medellín to El Peñol
• Visit El Peñol town and monolith
• Climb 740 steps of La Piedra
• See replica of old El Peñol town
• Boat tour on Peñol-Guatapé reservoir
• Explore colorful Guatapé town
• Visit plaza de los zócalos and street of memories
• Walk the boardwalk and main park

Top questions

How far is Guatapé from Medellín?

It’s about an hour and a half drive from Medellín to Guatapé by car or tour vehicle.

How many steps are there at El Peñol rock?

There are 740 steps to reach the top of La Piedra del Peñol (El Peñol rock).

Is breakfast included on this day trip?

Yes, breakfast is included as part of your tour experience.

Do you need to be very fit to climb El Peñol?

The climb is suitable for all fitness levels but does involve 740 steps; take breaks if needed.

Is hotel pickup provided in Medellín?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking time.

What else do you see besides El Peñol?

You’ll visit a replica village square, cruise on Guatapé reservoir by boat, and explore colorful Guatapé town including its main plaza and boardwalk.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join—small children can use prams or strollers or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Medellín, breakfast to start things off right, entry to climb La Piedra del Peñol’s 740 steps if you’re up for it, a guided boat ride across the Guatapé reservoir, time exploring vibrant Guatapé with stops at its main plazas—and lunch is covered too before heading back in an air-conditioned vehicle.