Guatape & El Peñol Rock: Coffee Farm, Market & Town Day Trip

Summary

Medellin to Guatape with coffee farm stop and local flavors

You’ll taste Colombia’s wildest fruits in a real farmers’ market before exploring a working coffee farm near Guatape. Climb El Peñol Rock for views that stick with you, then wander Guatape’s painted streets with a local guide who knows every story tile by tile. This day trip isn’t just sightseeing — it’s color, sweat, laughter, and flavors you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed on the 749 steps up El Peñol when I saw them zigzagging up like some wild concrete ladder. But our guide, Andrés, just grinned and handed me a slice of guanábana from the market stop earlier (“energy food,” he said). That fruit — sticky-sweet, a little weird — still lingered on my fingers as we started climbing. By step 300 or so, I was bargaining with myself (“just to the next turn”), but the view at the top? It hit me in the chest. Water everywhere, green islands scattered like puzzle pieces. People laughing, wind in my ears. I didn’t expect to feel so small and happy all at once.

The drive out from Medellin was quieter than I thought it’d be — mist hanging over fields, vendors waving at us from roadside stalls. We stopped at this farmers’ market that didn’t look like much from outside (Andrés called it “the real deal”). Inside: piles of lulo, pitaya, fruits I couldn’t pronounce. Tried something called zapote — tasted like pumpkin and caramel mashed together. The coffee farm came next; we walked through rows of shiny red beans while Don Carlos explained how his hands know when they’re ripe (he let us try picking one — not as easy as it looks). The smell of roasting beans drifted out of the kitchen window and honestly made me wish breakfast had been smaller.

Guatape town is almost too colorful for my camera. Every house has these painted tiles — zócalos — telling stories about fishermen or parrots or just someone’s favorite dog. Our group wandered behind Andrés as he pointed out which ones were new (“that one’s only two weeks old!”), kids darting between our legs with ice cream cones melting down their arms. Lunch was noisy and good — I tried bandeja paisa for the first time and now understand why everyone talks about it like a rite of passage. Can’t say I finished it all though… portions are no joke here.

I keep thinking about that moment on top of El Peñol Rock when everything felt bigger than me but also kind of close — like you could see half of Antioquia laid out below your feet. If you’re looking for a day trip from Medellin that actually feels layered (not just checklists), this Guatape & coffee farm tour is probably it. Just bring water for those steps, trust me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guatape rock, coffee farm, and town tour

• Pick up from your place
• Visit farmers' market for exotic fruits
• Drive to coffee farm with scenic views
• Tour coffee production process
• Drive to Guatape rock
• Climb 749 steps of Guatape rock
• Enjoy views and rest at the top
• Drive to Guatape town
• Walking tour of Guatape landmarks
• Lunch at local restaurant (not included)
• Return to Medellin by private car

Top questions

How long does the Guatape & coffee farm day trip take?

The tour lasts around 10-11 hours including travel from Medellin and all stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

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

How difficult is climbing El Peñol Rock?

The climb is 749 steps up; most people can do it at their own pace but it requires moderate fitness.

What food is included during the tour?

An exotic fruit tasting at a traditional market is included; lunch in Guatape town is not included but recommended restaurants are suggested by your guide.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, professional bilingual guides (English & Spanish) lead the tour.

Can you buy souvenirs during the tour?

Yes, there are shops at El Peñol Rock and in Guatape town where you can buy gifts or local crafts.

Are drinks provided during the coffee farm visit?

Coffee and/or tea are provided during the coffee farm experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?

The tour suits most fitness levels but climbing El Peñol may be challenging for some; not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Medellin, an expert bilingual guide throughout the journey, exotic fruit tasting at a traditional farmers’ market, entry to a working coffee farm with fresh single-origin coffee to sample, plus plenty of time to climb El Peñol Rock and explore Guatape’s vibrant streets before heading back home full of stories (and maybe some local treats).