Horseback Riding in Guatape from Medellin: Ride & Climb the Rock

Two hours on horseback, a 749-step climb, and a colonial town in one morning

This private horseback riding tour from Medellin combines two days' worth of Guatape into one 9.5-hour outing: you spend two hours riding well-trained horses through mountain terrain with a local guide, then climb the massive rock and walk through the town's landmarks. Hotel pickup and drop-off, guide, horses and insurance are included; the rock entrance fee is optional. Children are welcome from age 10.

The Experience

You start at the stables near Guatape, where you meet your horse and get instructions if you've never ridden before. The guide adapts the route to your comfort level—you can take a slow, scenic path or push into wilder off-the-beaten-track terrain with cantering and galloping if you want it. Either way, the ride runs two hours through Andean mountain scenery, and the guide handles the pace and the route so you're not navigating or making decisions about where to go.

After the horses, you climb the rock itself: 749 steps to the top, where the view opens across the reservoir and the surrounding hills. The climb is steep and takes real effort, but it's the single most photographed spot in the area and the reason most people come to Guatape. Once you're down, the guide walks you through the town's colorful buildings and explains the history and landmarks—it's a working colonial town, not a museum, so you're moving through actual streets and plazas where locals live and work.

The whole day is door-to-door from your Medellin hotel, with the same driver and guide throughout. You don't arrange transport between stops, book entry tickets separately, or figure out timing—it's all built into the 9.5 hours. Lunch isn't included, so you'll eat in town on your own, which also gives you a break between the ride and the climb.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Medellin.
• local guide in English or Spanish.
• two hours on horseback with a well-trained horse.
• helmet and riding instruction.
• insurance.
• access to Guatape town and the rock (rock entrance fee optional).

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MedellinDayTrips

Is this one for you?Book this if you want horseback riding and Guatape's rock climb in one day with a private guide who stays with you throughout, adjusting pace between the mountain sections and town exploration to match your energy.

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Top questions

How hard is the horseback riding if I've never ridden before?

The guide gives full instructions at the stables before you start, and the route adapts to your experience level. You can walk the whole way if you prefer, or canter and gallop once you're comfortable—it's your choice how fast and how far you push.

What's the 749-step rock climb actually like?

The rock is a steep, steady climb with metal railings and steps cut into the stone. It takes real effort and takes most people 20–30 minutes to reach the top, but the view across the reservoir and the hills is the payoff, and you can take breaks on the way up.

Is the rock entrance fee included in the price?

No—the rock entrance costs around 30,000 pesos (about $8) and is optional, so you only pay it if you want to climb. Everything else—horses, guide, transport, insurance—is included.

Do I need to bring anything or wear specific clothes?

Wear closed-toe shoes with a heel (riding boots or sturdy sneakers work), long pants, and layers because the mountain gets cool. Bring water and sunscreen. The guide and horses are provided, and the stables have helmets.

Can children do this tour?

Yes, children are welcome from age 10. Younger children can't ride, but infants can sit on an adult's lap during the drive.

How much time do we actually spend in Guatape town?

After the rock climb, you have time to walk the main streets and plazas with the guide, who points out landmarks and explains the town's history. It's not a long stop—maybe 30–45 minutes—but it's enough to see the colorful buildings and grab lunch if you want.