El Peñol rock climb from Medellín: Private tour with Guatapé

Climb a towering rock and see the lakes spread out below you.

A private tour from Medellín takes you to El Peñol, a massive rock formation in Guatapé where you climb to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and countryside. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional bilingual guide, entrance fees to the rock, and stops at the colonial town's main landmarks (the plaza, church, and authentic zocalos) over 7 to 8 hours. Lunch is at your own expense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit El Peñol and Guatape town

• Drive by Rionegro countryside
• Pass by Marinilla town
• Pass by El Peñol farmers town
• Climb El Peñol rock for views
• Enjoy lakes view from the rock
• Visit colonial colorful Guatape town
• Discover authentic zocalos and cobblestone roads
• Visit colonial church in Guatape
• Explore colonial main park

The experience

How do you get from Medellín to a rock you can actually climb? The tour picks you up at your hotel and drives through the countryside, passing through Rionegro and Marinilla on the way to Guatapé. The route itself is part of the day. You see the rural landscape change as you move away from the city, and the guide points out what makes each town distinct. By the time you arrive at El Peñol, you've already gotten a sense of the region beyond the usual tourist stops.

The climb itself is the centerpiece. El Peñol is a 220-meter rock with a staircase bolted into its face, not a hike, but a direct ascent that takes focus and steady legs. Once you reach the top, the view opens up: the lakes below, the patchwork of fields, and Guatapé's colorful buildings spread across the landscape. This is the moment most people come for, and the guide lets you spend time taking it in instead of rushing you back down.

After the rock, the tour moves into Guatapé's colonial center. You walk the cobblestone streets and see the zocalos (the ornate wooden balconies that frame the town's character), and visit the main church and plaza. The guide explains what you're looking at rather than just pointing. The town has a specific history and aesthetic that makes sense once someone shows you how to read it. You'll have time to explore on your own, grab a meal, or pick up souvenirs before heading back to Medellín.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Medellín.
• entrance fee to climb El Peñol.
• professional bilingual guide.
• private vehicle transport throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private Standard TourGuide in 4 languages · 7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Private tour lasting 8 hours to El Peñol and Guatape, with pickup included

Full tour with a waterfall upgradeGuide in 4 languages · 7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00Full tour plus a visit to a secluded three-tiered waterfall, where you can relax in tranquility and take striking photos. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese

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 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Medellin Travels

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want both the rock climb and town exploration in a single outing: the guided itinerary pairs them together rather than treating them as separate stops.

Traveler reviews

4.87★★★★★★★★★★

130 verified traveler reviews

5 ★120

4 ★5

3 ★3

2 ★2

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

How hard is it to climb El Peñol rock?

El Peñol is a steep staircase bolted into the rock face that takes sustained effort to climb, but the operator notes the tour suits all physical fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, take your time on the way up, and the view from the summit makes the climb worthwhile.

What's included in the private tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Medellín, entrance fees to climb El Peñol, a professional bilingual guide, and private vehicle transport for the full 7 to 8 hours. Lunch is at your own expense, and you'll want to bring Colombian Pesos for food, drinks, tips and any souvenirs.

What is Guatapé like as a town?

Guatapé is a colonial town known for its colorful architecture and ornate wooden balconies called zocalos. The tour includes the main plaza, the colonial church, and the cobblestone streets where you can walk and explore on your own between the rock climb and the drive back to Medellín.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear casual, comfortable clothing and sturdy tennis shoes with good traction for climbing the rock. Bring Colombian Pesos for lunch, drinks, tips and souvenirs: the operator recommends having cash on hand since not all vendors take cards.