Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol: Day Trip with Boat Ride & Lunch

Summary

Colorful streets, lakeside breeze, and a climb above Guatapé

You’ll climb Piedra del Peñol for wild views over Lake Guatapé, drift across the water with music in your ears, eat local Antioquian food by the malecón, and wander colorful streets at your own pace—with breakfast, lunch, transport, and a friendly local guide making it all feel easy.

What’s the experience like?

I was still catching my breath after those 742 stairs up Piedra del Peñol when our guide, Camilo, grinned and handed me a bottle of water—he said something about “earning your view” and honestly, he was right. The air at the top felt different, lighter somehow. You could see the whole lake twisting around green islands and little boats leaving white trails. I didn’t expect the wind to be so cool up there; it made my shirt flap while I tried to take a photo but mostly just stared. My legs were shaking a bit on the way down but nobody seemed to care—everyone was laughing about their own “climbing style.”

Breakfast was simple—arepa with eggs and a cup of coffee that tasted stronger than what I make at home. We’d stopped before the rock for that, sitting outside where you could smell wet grass (it rained last night). Our driver played salsa quietly on the radio and pointed out Marinilla as we passed—said his grandmother grew up there. After climbing La Piedra, we hopped onto this open boat for a slow ride across Lake Guatapé. There was Latin music playing (someone sang along off-key), and our guide told stories about houses half-sunk by the reservoir. It’s strange seeing old chimneys poking out of the water like ghosts.

Lunch came late—maybe 2pm?—but nobody complained because we’d earned it by then. The restaurant sat right on the Malecón de Guatapé; I picked bandeja paisa (Camilo recommended it), but you could go vegetarian too. There was this tangy smell from someone else’s fried fish drifting over our table—I almost changed my mind. After eating we wandered through Guatapé’s streets, all those painted tiles and umbrella canopies overhead. Kids ran past us kicking a ball; an old man nodded from his doorstep like he’d seen a thousand tour groups but still smiled anyway.

I bought a tiny magnet shaped like La Piedra at some shop near the square—not sure why but it’s on my fridge now. The bus back to Medellín got quiet after sunset; most people dozed off or just watched headlights flicker on wet roads. I keep thinking about that view from the top—the way everything looked smaller but somehow more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guatapé day trip with sightseeing

• Meet guide in Medellín
• Drive two hours to Piedra del Peñol
• Have included breakfast
• Climb 742 stairs at Piedra del Peñol
• Enjoy 45-minute boat tour on lake
• Eat lunch at typical Guatapé restaurant
• Walking tour and free time in Guatapé
• Return to Medellín meeting point

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Medellín to Guatapé?

The tour lasts around 10-11 hours including roundtrip transport from Medellín.

Is breakfast included in this Guatapé day trip?

Yes, breakfast is included before visiting Piedra del Peñol.

Do I have to climb Piedra del Peñol?

No, climbing is optional and costs about USD 6 extra (cash only).

What kind of food is served for lunch?

You can choose from three typical regional dishes including vegetarian options.

Is there free time in Guatapé town?

Yes, you get an hour of free time to explore Guatapé on your own after the guided walk.

Are boat rides included in this tour?

Yes, a 45-minute boat ride on Lake Guatapé is included with music onboard.

Is pickup included or do I meet somewhere?

You meet at designated points in Medellín for pickup; hotel pickup isn’t specified.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring comfortable shoes, light jacket (it can get cool), ID/passport, and cash for extras.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from Medellín with reclining seats and A/C, breakfast (two options including vegetarian), entry to La Piedra area (climb extra), a guided walking tour through Guatapé’s colorful streets plus an hour of free time, a 45-minute boat ride with Latin music on Lake Guatapé, lunch at a local restaurant with several typical dishes to choose from (vegetarian available), panoramic stops along the way in Marinilla and Peñol towns, all local taxes covered, and travel insurance throughout your journey.