Guatapé & Peñol Stone: Boat Tour, Escobar Hacienda, Adventure Sports

Summary

Colors of Guatapé, Peñol Stone climb and boat to Escobar’s lakeside ruins

You’ll ride from Medellín through colorful villages to Guatapé, tasting fresh strawberries in Marinilla and tree tomato in Peñol along the way. Cruise across the lake to Pablo Escobar’s haunting La Manuela hacienda (adventure sports if you want), then climb Peñol Stone for wild views before wandering Guatapé’s painted streets. Expect real flavors, local laughs, and more color than you can imagine.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect strawberries with cream to taste so different in Marinilla — maybe it was the way our guide Andrea handed them out, still cold from the morning market. The drive from Medellín started off with chatter and a little nervous laughter (I’d never been on a themed bus before), but by the time we hit that long tunnel — apparently the longest in Latin America — everyone had loosened up. There was this sweet smell of earth and fruit when we stopped in Peñol, and someone passed around tree tomato with panela. I won’t lie, I had no idea what that was supposed to taste like, but it was tangy and sugary at the same time. Our guide joked it would “wake up even the sleepiest paisa.” Maybe it did.

The boat ride out on the lake felt quieter than I thought it would — just wind off the water and a couple kids waving from shore. We pulled up at La Manuela, Pablo Escobar’s old hacienda, which is mostly ruins now but still feels heavy with stories. Some people went for paintball or ATVs; I just wandered through broken tiles and overgrown grass thinking about how strange history can be. There were peacocks somewhere (I heard them screeching), and someone tried jet skiing for the first time — lots of splashing and yelling in Spanish. It all felt a bit surreal.

Climbing Peñol Stone is… well, 740 steps sound like a lot until you’re halfway up and realize your legs are shaking but you don’t want to stop because every turn gives you another piece of that wild view. At the top, I just stood there catching my breath while everyone took photos. Lunch wasn’t included but honestly I liked being able to pick whatever smelled good from one of those little places near the base — fried fish with lime, if you’re curious. Walking through Guatapé after that felt like stepping into a painting; every wall covered in colors I don’t even have names for. There was an old man painting zócalos who winked at me when he caught me staring too long.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Guatapé and Pablo Escobar Hacienda

• Meet guide at city park
• Climb Antioquia mountains
• Panoramic view and history talk
• Pass through longest Latin America tunnel
• Visit Marinilla and taste strawberries with cream
• Learn Peñol history and try tree tomato dessert
• Boat ride to La Manuela hacienda
• Optional ATV, jetski, or paintball
• Arrive at Piedra el Peñol natural monument
• Optional climb 740 steps (extra cost)
• Free time for photos and lunch
• Walk colorful streets and admire zocalos

Top questions

How long does the Guatapé & Peñol Stone tour take?

The full day trip lasts approximately 10-12 hours including all stops from Medellín and back.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not included so you can choose your own meal at Guatapé; snacks like strawberries with cream are provided.

Can I climb Peñol Stone during this tour?

You can climb Peñol Stone for an extra fee (about 6 USD); access to the park is included.

Are adventure sports available on this tour?

Yes, optional activities like paintball, ATV rides, and jet skiing are offered at La Manuela hacienda for an additional cost.

Does this tour include a visit to Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda?

Yes, there’s a boat trip to Hacienda La Manuela where you can explore or join adventure activities.

Is round-trip transportation from Medellín included?

Yes, round-trip transportation is provided starting from a central park location in Medellín.

Are there any food tastings included?

You’ll try strawberries with cream in Marinilla and tree tomato with panela in Peñol as part of the experience.

Can children join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can sit on laps or use strollers/prams as needed.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Medellín by themed bus, fresh strawberries with cream in Marinilla, tree tomato dessert in Peñol, entrance to Hacienda La Manuela by boat (with options for paintball or jetski/ATV rides), free time at El Peñol Stone (climb optional for small fee), plus plenty of time exploring Guatapé’s colorful streets before heading back.