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

Summary

Colorful Guatapé streets, lakeside boat ride, and the climb to Piedra del Peñol

You’ll taste real Colombian breakfast near Medellín before heading out to meet llamas on a Marinilla farm and cruise Lake Guatapé past celebrity homes. Wander Guatapé’s painted streets and tackle all 742 steps of Piedra del Peñol if you’re up for it—or just soak up village life with something sweet in hand.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the arepa—warm, a little smoky from the griddle, with salty cheese that stuck to my fingers. We’d barely left Medellín when our guide (Andrés, who somehow knew everyone’s name by the second stop) handed out breakfast. The bus was full of sleepy chatter and that thick Colombian coffee smell. I’d been nervous about the early start but honestly, it felt like we were all waking up together as we rolled out of the city.

I didn’t expect to pet llamas before 9am, but there we were at a Marinilla farm—kids giggling at ponies, someone trying to feed a rabbit with an arepa crumb. Andrés explained how these small farms keep old traditions alive; he even pointed out which cows give milk for the local cheese. The air smelled sweet and grassy. Later on, we stopped by this monument—the Ave Fenix—and he told us about El Peñol’s old town being flooded for the dam. It was strange seeing a replica of something that’s underwater now. Kind of haunting.

The boat ride on Lake Guatapé was louder than I thought—music thumping from speakers and people waving from fancy cabins along the shore (someone said one belonged to a telenovela star). We passed what’s left of Pablo Escobar’s place too; just crumbling walls now. Lunch came right after: rice, ripe plantain, soup that tasted like cilantro and home, and guandolo—a drink I still can’t describe but it was cold and sweet. Oh, and chicharrón so crispy it nearly broke my tooth.

Walking through Guatapé itself is like falling into a paintbox—every house brighter than the last. There’s this street with parasols overhead where everyone stops for photos (I tried to look casual but failed). The last big thing: climbing the Piedra del Peñol. 742 steps—I counted until I lost track around 300-something because I got distracted by views or maybe just tired legs. At the top? Wind in your face and water everywhere below you; it’s wild how peaceful it feels up there considering how many people are huffing beside you. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back in traffic in Medellín.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Guatapé and Peñol

• Have typical regional breakfast
• Travel to Marinilla farm
• Interact with farm animals
• Visit Ave Fenix monument and old town replica
• Boat tour on Guatapé Dam
• Lunch on road to the stone
• Stop at Plazoleta de los Zocalos
• Walk seawall and parasol street
• Visit and climb Peñol Stone
• Return to Medellín

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Medellín to Guatapé?

The tour lasts a full day with an early morning start from Medellín and return in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Guatapé tour?

Yes, morning hotel pickup is included if requested at least 12 hours before departure; otherwise meet at Laureles sector.

Do I have to climb Piedra del Peñol?

No, climbing is optional; you can spend time shopping or relaxing if you prefer not to do the steps.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a restaurant near Piedra del Peñol with options for different proteins or vegetarian meals.

What does the boat tour on Lake Guatapé include?

The boat tour lasts about 50 minutes and passes celebrity vacation homes and ruins of Pablo Escobar's house.

Are entry fees covered in this tour?

Yes, all entry fees including access to climb Piedra del Peñol are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels and includes family-friendly stops like animal encounters on a farm.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for meals?

Yes, vegetarian meal options are available during lunch on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes morning hotel pickup (if arranged), guided bus transfers from Medellín through Marinilla to Guatapé with bilingual commentary throughout. Enjoy a traditional regional breakfast as well as a hearty lunch featuring local specialties plus drinks like guandolo. Entry fees—including access to climb Piedra del Peñol—and a lively boat ride across Lake Guatapé are all part of your experience before returning by evening.