Guatapé & Peñol Rock: Day Trip with Boat Ride, Meals & Llamas

Summary

Colorful streets, Peñol Rock climb and lakeside moments in Guatapé

You’ll start your Guatapé day trip with breakfast and local stories before climbing Peñol Rock for wild lake views. Enjoy lunch by the water, float past island homes on a boat ride, wander bright streets full of zócalos art, then meet llamas before heading home—expect color and small surprises all day.

What’s the experience like?

I knew we were in Colombia when our guide, Camilo, handed me a cup of hot chocolate at the breakfast stop and asked if I wanted cheese to dip in it. He grinned at my hesitation—apparently that’s just what you do here. The bus was already buzzing with people from all over, swapping stories about Medellín or asking how to say “zócalos” properly (I definitely mangled it). There was this soft morning mist outside as we rolled through the hills toward Guatapé—someone pointed out the tomato mural in Peñol and I tried to snap a photo but mostly caught my own reflection on the window.

The replica of Old Peñol was our first real walkabout. It’s odd seeing a town square that’s both old and new at once—Camilo explained how the dam changed everything, and I could hear pride in his voice when he talked about the Phoenix sculpture. I borrowed a ruana for a photo on one of those balconies; pretty sure I looked ridiculous but nobody cared. Then came the main event: Piedra del Peñol. Seven hundred steps sounded like an exaggeration until I saw them winding up like some kind of stone ladder to the sky. My legs burned halfway up, but reaching the top—the wind actually felt cold up there—and seeing that crazy patchwork of blue water and green islands below… yeah, still think about that view sometimes.

Lunch was simple but good—rice, yuca, salad, and chorizo for me (vegetarian options too). We sat outside by the water, everyone quietly hungry after that climb. The boat ride after lunch was slower than I expected—in a good way. The light on the reservoir made everything look washed-out and peaceful; someone pointed out which houses belonged to famous singers from Medellín (can’t remember who now). Later we wandered Guatapé’s streets together—umbrellas strung overhead, zócalos painted with cows or musicians or llamas—and then just drifted off on our own for a bit. I bought an arepa from a lady who laughed when I tried to pay with too many coins.

On the way back we stopped at this little farm where you could feed llamas (and horses too). They’re softer than they look—and pushier about snacks than you’d guess. My shoes got muddy but honestly it felt right after such a long day outside. We got back to Medellín tired and quiet; someone fell asleep against the window while Camilo played salsa on his phone up front. Not every part was perfect but that’s what makes it stick in your head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guatapé tour with rock climb and boat ride

• Meet guide at Parque del Poblado
• Enjoy traditional breakfast break
• Pass through New Peñol town
• Visit Replica of Old Peñol
• Climb 700 steps of Peñol Rock
• Have traditional lunch
• Take luxury boat ride on reservoir
• Walk tour of Guatapé town sights
• Free time to explore Guatapé
• Visit animal farm to feed llamas and horses
• Return to Parque del Poblado

Top questions

How long is the Guatapé day trip from Medellín?

The tour lasts around 12 hours including transport—departing in the morning and returning by 7:00 p.m.

Is climbing Peñol Rock included?

The entrance fee is included but bring 30,000 COP cash for access—they only accept cash at the rock.

Are meals provided during this tour?

Yes—a traditional breakfast and lunch are included, with vegetarian/vegan options available.

Does this Guatapé tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup—the meeting point is Parque del Poblado in Medellín; round-trip transport is provided from there.

What activities are part of this Guatapé day trip?

You’ll visit Peñol town and its replica square, climb Peñol Rock, take a boat ride on the reservoir, explore Guatapé’s colorful streets, and visit llamas at a small farm.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join with an adult lap seat or stroller/pram.

Are guides bilingual?

The guides speak Spanish primarily; some may also speak English depending on group composition.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the tour is wheelchair accessible though some areas (like climbing Peñol Rock) may be challenging.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Medellín (meetup at Parque del Poblado), travel insurance throughout the journey, entrance fees to sites like Peñol Rock (bring cash for access), bottled water for comfort along the way, hearty Colombian breakfast and lunch with vegetarian or vegan choices available, plus life jackets for your boat ride across the reservoir before meeting friendly llamas at a local farm before heading back in the evening.