Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol: Chiva Day Trip, Hacienda & Lunch

Summary

Colorful Guatapé day trip with chiva ride lake cruise & Escobar hacienda

You’ll taste strawberries and cream at sunrise outside Medellín, cruise across Guatapé’s blue waters by boat, walk through Pablo Escobar’s haunting hacienda with a local guide, climb Piedra del Peñol for wild views, and end your day wandering Umbrella Street with a solterita cookie in hand—leaving you changed in small ways you’ll only notice later.

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to understand Antioquia, you have to taste it,” our driver grinned as he handed me a cup of strawberries and cream. I was still half awake, watching Medellín fade behind us through the chiva’s painted windows. The morning air smelled like wet grass and sugar, and everyone was already talking—some in Spanish, some in English, all mixing together. At Alto del Chocho farm, we wandered between trees while our guide Claudia pointed out tree tomatoes (I’d never even seen one before) and let us try them with panela. Sweet but tart; I’m still not sure if I liked it or just liked the way Claudia laughed when I made a face.

The Phoenix Monument stop was quick but kind of moving—locals leave little notes there for lost loved ones. After that, we were on the water. The boat ride across the dam was quieter than I expected; just wind and the sound of someone’s phone playing vallenato softly at the back. Then came Hacienda La Manuela—Pablo Escobar’s old place. It felt strange walking through those ruins, peeling paint and bullet holes still there. Our guide didn’t sugarcoat anything. She told stories about what happened here that made me feel…well, complicated.

Lunch was this big Paisa plate—beans, rice, plantain, chorizo—and honestly I could’ve napped right there if we hadn’t been headed to climb Piedra del Peñol. 740 steps later (give or take—I stopped counting), we reached the top just as clouds started rolling in. The view over Guatapé’s islands is something my phone photos don’t do justice to—blue-green water everywhere you look. Coming down was easier but my legs disagreed.

We wandered Umbrella Street after that—umbrellas overhead in every color you can think of—and tried solterita cookies from a street vendor who winked when I fumbled my coins. The town itself is loud with color: pinks and blues on every wall, kids playing soccer barefoot in the plaza. By the time we got back to Medellín I felt like my head was full of stories and sugar both. Not sure which part sticks with me most—the taste of tree tomato or that view from the top—but yeah, this day trip to Guatapé from Medellín is one I keep replaying in my mind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Guatapé and Pablo Escobar's estate

• Depart from Medellín
• Enjoy strawberries and cream
• Visit Alto del Chocho farm
• Stop at Phoenix Monument
• Taste tree tomatoes
• Boat tour across the dam
• Enter Hacienda La Manuela
• Have typical Paisa lunch
• Climb Guatapé Rock
• Walk down Umbrella Street
• Try traditional solterita
• Explore colorful Guatapé town

Top questions

How long does the Guatapé day trip from Medellín take?

The tour lasts a full day, departing from Medellín in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Guatapé tour?

Yes, a traditional Paisa lunch is included during the tour.

Do we visit Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda La Manuela?

Yes, entry to Hacienda La Manuela is included with your local guide.

Is there a boat ride on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise across the dam near Guatapé.

Are snacks or treats provided during the tour?

You’ll try strawberries and cream in the morning and taste tree tomato with panela at Alto del Chocho farm.

How difficult is climbing Piedra del Peñol?

The rock has 740 steps; it requires moderate fitness but most people manage at their own pace.

What is Umbrella Street in Guatapé?

It’s a colorful street decorated with hanging umbrellas where you can try traditional solterita cookies.

Is pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes convenient pickup options from Medellín.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Medellín by chiva bus, fresh strawberries and cream to start your morning right, entry to Alto del Chocho farm for tasting local fruit with panela, a scenic boat cruise on Guatapé Lake, guided access into Hacienda La Manuela (Pablo Escobar’s estate), a hearty Paisa lunch after exploring history up close, plus time to stroll Umbrella Street sampling solterita cookies before heading home again.