Guatapé Tour: Climb the Monolith, See the Lakes

740 steps to views that stretch across three valleys.

A full-day tour from Guatapé takes you up a 200-meter monolith via staircase, then through the colorful town and past the replica of the old peak, with a guide in English or Spanish, transport and all fees included. The 8-hour itinerary moves at a pace suitable for most fitness levels, and pickup is arranged as part of your booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guatapé tour and sightseeing

• Drive through Antioquia highlands
• Stop at View point Las Palmas
• Visit The New Peñol
• See Replica of the Old Peñol
• Climb The rock (monolith)
• Explore The Colorful town of Guatapé

The Experience

The tour starts with a panoramic drive through the highlands of Antioquia, moving toward the monolith itself. You'll stop at the viewpoint Las Palmas before reaching the rock—a 10-million-ton formation that rises 200 meters from the landscape. The staircase has 740 steps, and climbers reach the top to stand above the surrounding green mountains and blue lakes. The ascent is the centerpiece of the day, and the views from the summit are what the tour is built around.

After descending, the route takes you to the replica of the old Peñol and then into the colorful town of Guatapé itself, where the buildings are painted in bright geometric patterns. The guide walks you through the stops and handles the logistics—transport, entry fees and timing all fit inside the 8-hour window. A live guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your group, and the pace works for all fitness levels, though the 740 steps are the main physical demand of the day.

Pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the starting point. Groups run either 1–4 persons or 5–7 persons, and the operator confirms which size applies to your booking at checkout. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one.

What’s included

• Transport from pickup.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to the monolith and all other stops.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Travel Medellín Guide

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a half or full day free and want to see the highlands from a vehicle and on foot—the drive covers the panoramic route while the 740-step climb to the monolith's top gives you the high vantage point.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

82 verified traveler reviews

5 ★80

4 ★0

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How many steps are there to climb on the monolith?

The monolith has a staircase of 740 steps leading to the summit, where you stand 200 meters above the surrounding landscape and see the lakes and mountains in all directions.

What's included in the Guatapé tour price?

All fees, taxes and transport are included; the guide meets you at pickup and stays with the group through all five stops—the viewpoint, the monolith, the replica, the town and back.

How long does the full tour take?

The tour runs 8 hours from pickup to return, covering the drive, the climb, the town walk and the other stops without rushing any of them.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or Spanish, and you choose which one when you book; the operator assigns the guide based on your group's preference.

Can I bring a small child or infant on this tour?

Yes; infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you request one at booking.

Is the monolith climb difficult?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the 740-step staircase is the main physical demand of the day; the pace is steady and you can rest at the top as long as you need.