Guatapé: Private Helicopter Ride, Rock Climb & Boat Tour

Summary

Guatapé day trip with helicopter flight boat ride and rock climb

You’ll cruise Guatapé’s lake by private boat, wander its lively painted streets with a local guide, taste real Antioquian food for lunch, then climb the famous rock before soaring above it all in a helicopter ride you’ll remember long after you land.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget rolling into Guatapé after that drive from Medellín—our guide, Andrés, had this playlist of old salsa hits and kept pointing out little villages tucked into the hills. The air changed as we got closer to town, sort of sharper and sweet at the same time, maybe from all that water around. We stopped first at the dock for our private boat ride; I could smell motor oil mixed with fresh lake air, and a guy on shore waved at us like he knew we were tourists (maybe it’s obvious when you’re grinning like an idiot at every painted house).

Walking through Guatapé’s streets was honestly more fun than I expected. The zócalos on every house—those bright tiles with animals or flowers—made it feel like a storybook. Andrés taught us how each one means something about the family inside. I tried to ask a shopkeeper about her zócalo in Spanish but stumbled over my words; she just laughed and handed me a tiny candy. Lunch was loud and busy, full of locals shouting across tables. The beans tasted smoky and there was this fried thing—I still don’t know what it was but I’d eat it again.

The real rush hit later: climbing up La Piedra del Peñol. Those stairs look endless from below (and yeah, my legs are still mad at me), but reaching the top? Wind in your face, lakes stretching everywhere—like someone spilled blue paint between green islands. Then came the helicopter ride. Seven minutes felt both fast and slow; I remember the headset crackling while Andrés pointed out Pablo Escobar’s old mansion down there. I didn’t expect to feel so small looking down on everything—kind of humbling, actually.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guatapé tour with helicopter and boat

• Travel from Medellín to Guatapé
• Boat tour on the lake
• Tour main streets and colorful zocalos
• Stop for typical lunch in Guatapé
• Helicopter ride over Guatapé
• Climb Guatapé rock stairs
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Guatapé day trip from Medellín take?

The full day trip lasts around 8-10 hours including travel time to and from Medellín.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included in Medellín.

How long is the helicopter ride over Guatapé?

The helicopter flight lasts approximately 6-7 minutes over the dam area.

What happens if the helicopter flight is canceled?

If canceled due to force majeure, $70 USD will be refunded to you.

Is lunch included during the tour?

A typical Antioquian lunch in Guatapé town is included in your day.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this tour?

The tour involves climbing stairs at La Piedra del Peñol and may not suit those with mobility issues.

Is there a weight limit for the helicopter ride?

If you weigh more than 130 kg (about 286 lbs), an extra fee of $80 USD applies for the flight.

Are animals or pets allowed on this tour?

Service animals are allowed during this experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Medellín, private car transfers throughout, entry to La Piedra del Peñol for climbing, a private boat ride on Guatapé Lake (in option 2), a guided walk through Guatapé’s colorful streets, a typical Antioquian lunch in town, an approximately 6-minute shared helicopter flight over the dam (with refund if canceled), accidents insurance coverage, and your own local guide until drop-off back at your hotel.