Guatapé, El Peñol & El Retiro Day Trip with Private Pickup

Summary

Colorful streets, lakeside views and local flavors near Medellín

You’ll swap Medellín’s rush for quiet villages, lakeside views from atop El Peñol Rock (if you’re up for it), colorful streets in Guatapé, waterfall mist on your skin, and stories shared over coffee with locals. This day trip gives you real moments — not just photos — to take home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed on the 740 steps up El Peñol Rock — my legs were already grumbling at breakfast. But our guide, Andrés, just grinned and handed me a piece of pan de queso at Alto del Chocho (still warm, buttery, a little salty — I could’ve eaten five). By the time we reached the base of that massive granite rock outside Guatapé, clouds were drifting low over the water and some local kids were selling mango slices with lime. The climb was tough but weirdly fun; people cheered each other on in Spanish and English. At the top, wind in my face, I just stood there catching my breath and staring at the patchwork of islands below — it’s not something you forget soon.

Afterwards, wandering through Guatapé itself felt like walking inside a paintbox. Every house had these wild colors and those zócalos — little reliefs along the walls showing everything from llamas to guitars. Our guide pointed out which ones meant what (I kept mixing them up; he laughed and said locals do too). We stopped for coffee in Zocalo Plaza where old men played dominoes under bougainvillea. There was this moment where it all just slowed down — no rush, just people living their lives. I didn’t expect to feel so at home in a place so far from home.

The day trip also took us through El Peñol town — rebuilt after flooding decades ago. You can sense that grit in how people talk about their history; even the bakery owner who sold us guava pastries had a story about her family moving uphill when she was a kid. Later we drove to Tequendamita waterfall (no hiking needed), where mist cooled my face and birds made this racket overhead. Last stop: El Retiro, quieter than Guatapé but full of carved wooden doors and sleepy squares. We sat with our guide for one last coffee as rain started tapping on the awning — honestly, I still think about that view of green hills rolling away behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Guatapé, El Peñol, and nearby towns

• Pick up from your place
• Drive through South America's longest tunnel
• Stop at Alto del Chocho restaurant
• Pass by El Peñol town
• Visit and optionally climb El Peñol Rock
• Walk through colorful Guatapé Town
• Relax at Zocalo Plaza in Guatapé
• Visit Tequendamita Waterfall
• Explore El Retiro Town and its main square

Top questions

How long does the Guatapé day trip from Medellín take?

The full tour lasts about a day including all stops: Alto del Chocho, El Peñol Rock, Guatapé town, Tequendamita waterfall, and El Retiro.

Is climbing El Peñol Rock required on this tour?

Nope! You can enjoy views from below or browse shops if you don’t want to climb the 740 stairs.

What’s included in this private Guatapé tour?

Your booking includes private transportation with pickup/drop-off, snacks like pan de queso, travel insurance, and a bilingual guide.

Are meals or drinks included during the tour?

Snacks are included but meals or drinks like coffee are at your own expense during stops in towns.

Is there much walking or hiking involved?

No serious hiking is required; walks through towns are gentle and Tequendamita waterfall is accessible without trekking.

Can infants or small children join this day trip?

Yes! Infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap; it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

Does this tour run rain or shine?

Yes — tours operate regardless of weather conditions unless there’s an extreme event affecting safety.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in private transport with a bilingual local guide who shares stories along the way. Snacks like fresh pan de queso are provided between stops at Alto del Chocho, El Peñol Rock (climb optional), colorful Guatapé town, Tequendamita waterfall (no hike needed), and finally El Retiro for one last coffee before heading back to Medellín.