Full-Day Guatape Tour from Medellín: El Peñol Rock & Zocalo

A town flooded for a dam now sits underwater, and you climb the rock that towers above it.

This full-day tour from Medellín takes you 69 kilometers to El Peñol and Guatape with a private guide, hotel pickup, and transportation in a private vehicle. You climb the 220-meter Peñol rock via 740 steps to panoramic views of the region, visit the replica of the old flooded town, explore Guatape's colorful colonial architecture and zocalo square, and enjoy a morning snack along the way. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours and includes rock entrance and all transport. A boat ride on the lake is available separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour to El Peñol and Guatape

• Pick up at hotel in Medellín
• Drive 69 km to El Peñol
• Visit replica of old Peñol town
• Optional boat ride on hydroelectric lake
• Climb 740 steps of El Peñol rock
• Enjoy panoramic views from the rock
• Visit Guatape town and colorful houses
• Walk around Zocalos square and promenade
• Relax by the lake in Guatape

The experience

Hotel pickup in Medellín starts the day, then a 90-minute drive through natural scenery brings you to El Peñol municipality. Your guide explains the story of the original town that was submerged when the hydroelectric dam flooded the valley to create a 2,260-hectare lake. You'll see the replica of the old settlement on the shore. The Peñol rock itself rises 220 meters from the water. The 740 steps climb the face of it, and the views from the top stretch across the lake and the surrounding region. The ascent is steady but manageable, and most travelers take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the summit.

After descending, you move to Guatape, the colonial town on the opposite shore. The municipality is known for its brightly painted houses and the zocalo square, where you'll walk around the waterfront promenade and have time for lunch (your choice of restaurants). A morning snack is included earlier in the day. The guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference, and the entire route is covered in the private vehicle, so navigation and timing are handled for you.

The tour suits travelers without a car in Medellín or those staying in the city center who want to see both the geological landmark and the town in a single day without arranging their own transport. If you want to add a boat ride across the lake to see the landscape from the water (including the remains of Pablo Escobar's former farm), that ticket can be purchased separately on the day. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a stroller or car seat.

What’s included

• Private guide and driver.
• hotel pickup and return transportation in a private vehicle.
• entrance to the Peñol rock.
• morning snack.
• visit to the zocalo square and Guatape's colonial streets.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Camantours

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Medellín means you don't need a car or navigate the 69-kilometer route yourself. The guide handles the drive, timing and both stops, so the full day holds together without planning. Choose the English or Spanish guide option at checkout depending on which language suits you.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

394 verified traveler reviews

5 ★390

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

How long is the drive from Medellín to El Peñol?

The drive takes approximately 90 minutes each way through natural scenery. El Peñol municipality is located 69 kilometers from Medellín.

What is the Peñol rock and how many steps does it have?

The Peñol rock is a 220-meter-high formation rising from the lake. It has 740 steps carved into its face that lead to a summit with panoramic views of the region and the water below.

Is the boat ride on the lake included in the tour?

The boat ride is not included in the tour price, but it is available for separate purchase on the day. The boat navigates the lake and passes landmarks including the landscape where the original flooded town once stood.

What is Guatape and what will I do there?

Guatape is a colonial municipality on the lake known for its colorful painted houses and vibrant architecture. You'll visit the zocalo square and walk the waterfront promenade, with time to choose a restaurant for lunch.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in Medellín?

Yes, hotel pickup in Medellín is included. Your guide will collect you in the morning to begin the drive to El Peñol, and return you to your hotel at the end of the day.