Guatape & El Peñol Private Day Trip with Boat Tour from Medellin

Summary

Colorful Guatape Walking Tour & El Peñol Rock Climb Experience

Stroll through Guatape’s lively streets, cruise around El Peñol dam by private boat, sample exotic fruits lakeside, and climb to panoramic views atop El Peñol rock—all with a local guide who brings each stop to life. This day trip mixes adventure with real Colombian flavors and stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out of Medellin, we left behind the city buzz and watched the hills roll by through the van window. The air felt cooler as we got closer to Guatape, and our guide started sharing stories about the villages along the way. Once we reached town, it was hard not to smile at all the bright murals—every house seemed to have its own personality. We wandered down narrow streets, passing locals chatting outside tiny shops, and stopped for a coffee that tasted richer than anything I’d had back home.

Later on, we hopped into a small motorboat and drifted across the lake. The water was calm except for the gentle hum of our engine and the odd splash from a heron taking off nearby. Our guide pointed out Pablo Escobar’s old mansion—just a shell now, but still full of stories. There was something peaceful about being out on the dam, with green hills all around and that big rock in the distance getting closer.

Lunch came just when I started feeling hungry—a spread of grilled meats and fresh fruit at a lakeside villa. I tried lulo for the first time; it’s tangy and sweet at once, kind of like citrus but not quite. After eating, we relaxed on the porch with a cup of Colombian coffee, watching boats glide past as clouds drifted overhead.

The last stretch was climbing El Peñol rock. It’s a lot of steps (our legs felt every one), but reaching the top was worth it. The view is wild—tiny islands dotting blue water in every direction. We lingered up there, catching our breath and snapping photos before heading back down, tired but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Guatape and Peñol

• Walk Guatape town and enjoy coffee
• Climb Peñol Rock and enjoy view
• Boat ride on dam and visit flooded town
• Relax with fruit tasting and lunch

Top questions

How long does this private Guatape & El Peñol tour from Medellin take?

The tour usually lasts a full day, with pickup in Medellin in the morning and return in the evening. Expect around 8-10 hours including travel time.

Is climbing El Peñol rock difficult?

The climb involves over 600 steps but is manageable for most people with average fitness. There are places to rest along the way and you can go at your own pace.

Are meals and drinks included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is provided at a lakeside villa along with bottled water, snacks, fruit tasting, and your choice of beer or wine depending on your booking.

Will there be an English-speaking guide during the tour?

A bilingual (English-Spanish) guide accompanies you throughout, sharing local insights and helping with any questions or needs during your visit.

What’s included

Your experience covers round-trip transport from Medellin, all entrance fees, a private motorboat ride on Guatape lake, plus fruit tasting and a full lunch at a scenic villa. You’ll also have bottled water and snacks along with your choice of beer or wine depending on your booking, and a bilingual guide will be with you every step of the way so you can just relax and soak it all in.