Guatape & Piedra del Peñol: Private Day Trip from Medellin

Summary

Guatape’s painted walls, the climb up El Peñol and lakeside music

You’ll ride out from Medellin to Guatape’s colorful streets with a local guide, stop for breakfast, cruise the reservoir by boat with music playing, and have the chance (if you want) to climb Piedra del Peñol’s 740 steps. Lunch is included too. There are moments here that stick with you long after—the painted houses, laughter on the water, and those wild lake views.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if those photos of Guatape’s zócalos are really that bright? I did, honestly. So when our guide picked us up in Medellin (right on time, which surprised me for a Saturday), I was mostly thinking about coffee and whether my shoes were good enough for whatever “climbing” meant. The drive out was quiet—foggy hills, a few cows, that kind of slow morning where you’re not sure if you’ll nap or just stare out the window. Breakfast somewhere roadside—arepas with cheese and this sweet hot chocolate that tasted like childhood to me, even though I never grew up here.

We stopped at this monument—Ave Fenix—and our guide (Andrés? Or maybe it was Andrés’ cousin, he kept joking about family everywhere) told us how the old town got flooded to make the reservoir. Standing there, I tried to picture it all underwater. The replica of Old Peñol felt almost eerie—like a movie set left behind. Then came the boat ride: crossover music bouncing off the water, breeze smelling faintly of lake and gasoline. Some local kids waved from another boat; one of them had a dog wearing sunglasses. Still makes me smile.

The Piedra del Peñol is... well, it’s huge. 740 steps sounded okay until you’re halfway up and your legs start bargaining with your brain. I didn’t make it to the very top (don’t judge), but even halfway up you get these wild views—patches of blue water twisting around green islands. People were laughing and panting; one woman offered us candy for “energy,” which I took because why not? Afterward, wandering through Guatape itself felt like walking inside a painting—those tiles along every house tell stories if you look close enough. Lunch was in a little place by the plaza; veggie option for me (they asked ahead), and honestly it hit the spot after all those steps.

I still think about that moment on the boat when everything went quiet for a second—the music paused, sun on my face, just water and color everywhere. Not sure what else to say except I’d go again if only for that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guatape tour from Medellin

• Pick up at Medellin hotel
• Have breakfast
• Visit monument to Ave Fenix
• Visit Replica of Old Peñol
• Take boat tour of dam
• Visit Piedra del Peñol (optional climb)
• Visit town of Guatape

Top questions

How long does the private tour to Guatape from Medellin take?

The day trip lasts around 8-10 hours including travel time from Medellin.

Is hotel pickup included in this Guatape day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included except for hotels in Medellin city center.

Do I have to climb Piedra del Peñol during the tour?

No, climbing Piedra del Peñol is optional—you can choose whether or not to do it.

Are meals provided on this Guatape private tour?

Yes, both breakfast and lunch are included in the tour price.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan lunch option available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you let your guide know ahead of time.

What’s included in the boat tour on the reservoir?

The boat tour includes crossover music as you cruise around the dam area near Guatape.

Are children allowed on this day trip to Guatape?

Yes, children can join but those under 3 must be carried by parents; their food isn’t included.

What should I bring for this Guatape & Piedra del Peñol tour?

You should bring comfortable clothes and footwear, sunscreen, and an ID document for insurance purposes.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Medellin hotel (except city center), breakfast at a local spot along the way, stops at Ave Fenix monument and Old Peñol replica village, a lively boat ride across Guatape’s reservoir with music playing in the background, entry to Piedra del Peñol (climb optional), guided walk through Guatape’s painted streets, lunch with vegetarian or vegan options available if requested—and drop-off back at your hotel before evening sets in.