Colombia · Culture

11-Hour Guatapé and El Peñol Rock Tour from Medellín with Boat Ride

11 Hours Round trip from Medellín Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the colorful streets of Guatapé, including Umbrella Street, the Street of Memories, and the Plazoleta de los Zócalos
  • 02 Climb the iconic El Peñol Rock for panoramic views of the Guatapé reservoir (additional fee applies)
  • 03 Sail across the Guatapé reservoir on a 50-minute boat ride past celebrity vacation homes and the ruins of Pablo Escobar's former mansion
  • 04 Interact with llamas, cows, horses, rabbits, ponies, and more at a local farm in Marinilla
  • 05 Visit the Ave Fénix monument and a replica of the old El Peñol village to learn about the town's history

Experience the best of Guatapé on this full-day tour from Medellín, combining colorful town streets, local history, scenic landscapes, and cultural stops. Explore Guatapé's vibrant corners, including Umbrella Street, the Street of Memories, and the Plazoleta de los Zócalos, then enjoy a 50-minute boat ride across the reservoir with views of celebrity vacation homes and the ruins of Pablo Escobar's former mansion. Visit the Ave Fénix monument and a replica of the old El Peñol village, interact with animals at a local farm in Marinilla, and see the iconic El Peñol Rock, with the option to climb for breathtaking panoramic views. Breakfast and a traditional lunch are included for a complete day out.

Experience the best of Guatapé on this full-day tour from Medellín, combining colorful town streets, local history, scenic landscapes, and cultural stops.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Medellin, Guatapé
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Guatapé, Marinilla Farm, Reservoir Cruise, and El Peñol Rock

Breakfast in Medellín

  • Begin the day with a traditional regional breakfast including arepa, egg, fruit, cheese, and a beverage such as hot chocolate, coffee, or coffee with milk.

  • Prepare for the journey as you board a bus toward Guatapé.

Animal Farm in Marinilla

  • Stop at a local farm in Marinilla to interact with animals such as llamas, cows, horses, rabbits, ponies, and more.

  • Learn about local farming practices and enjoy a hands-on experience with the animals.

El Peñol Area

  • Visit the famous Ave Fénix monument, which symbolizes the rebirth of the town.

  • Explore a replica of the old village of El Peñol to see what the town looked like before it was flooded to create the dam.

  • Enjoy the surrounding landscapes and take photographs of the beautiful scenery.

Boat Ride on Guatapé Reservoir

  • Embark on a 50-minute boat ride across the Guatapé reservoir.

  • Observe cabins owned by Colombian celebrities and the ruins of Pablo Escobar's former mansion.

  • Appreciate stunning landscapes and panoramic views throughout the trip.

Lunch Break

  • Stop at a restaurant on the way to El Peñol Rock for a traditional lunch.

  • Enjoy a meal consisting of rice, ripe plantain, salad, soup, a protein option (beef, pork, crackling, chicken, ground beef, or vegetarian), and a local drink such as guandolo.

Guatapé Town Exploration

  • Stroll through the colorful streets of Guatapé, including the boardwalk (malecón), the Street of Memories, and Umbrella Street.

  • Take photographs of the town's vibrant architecture and picturesque surroundings.

  • Visit the Plazoleta de los Zócalos to browse souvenirs, drinks, sweets, and local snacks.

El Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol)

  • Visit the iconic El Peñol Rock, where you may climb the 742 steps to reach the top (additional fee of 30,000 COP paid on-site).

  • Marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the Guatapé reservoir and surrounding landscapes from the summit.

  • Use your time alternatively for shopping, enjoying a local beverage, or taking photographs if you choose not to climb.

Return to Medellín

  • Drive back to Medellín after a full day of exploration, enjoying scenic views along the route.

  • Arrive at your hotel or preferred location, concluding a memorable 11-hour tour through Guatapé and El Peñol Rock.

2
Day 02

Optional Climb of El Peñol Rock

We'll visit the famous El Peñol Rock, where you'll have enough time to climb it if you wish (there is an additional fee of 30,000 COP to be paid on-site). Once you reach the top, you'll enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of your life. If you decide not to climb, you can use this time to shop or try a local beverage.

El Peñol Rock, Guatapé reservoir, Umbrella Street, Ave Fénix monument

Where this trip takes you

El Peñol Rock, Guatapé reservoir, Umbrella Street, Ave Fénix monument

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Medellín 2 cities · 11 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Round-trip transportation between Medellín and Guatapé
  • Breakfast and lunch during the tour
  • Medical assistance card for safety and emergencies
  • Sightseeing cruise on Guatapé Lake
  • Visit to an animal farm in Marinilla to interact with llamas, horses, cows, rabbits, and more
  • Explore the Central Park of Guatapé
  • Stroll along the Street of Memories
  • Visit the Plazoleta de los Zócalos in Peñol town to see traditional painted houses
  • Stop at the Guatapé pier for scenic views and photo opportunities
  • See Piedra del Peñol (ticket for climbing is not included)

What's Not Included

  • Visiting La Piedra del Peñol does not include climbing the rock.
  • Optional on-site climbing fee of 30,000 Colombian pesos if you wish to climb.
  • The climbing fee is managed by an external organization.
  • Any local refreshments, shopping, or personal expenses during free time.

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Passport picture
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Passport photo

Know before you go

  • Visiting La Piedra del Peñol does not include climbing the rock.
  • If you wish to climb, there is an optional on-site fee of 30,000 Colombian pesos.
  • The climbing fee is required because it is managed by an external organization.
  • You may freely decide whether to climb or simply enjoy the surroundings, photographs, and local refreshments.
  • If you choose to climb, please allow extra time, as the ascent may take additional minutes depending on your pace.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Calle 44B #68A-59, Laureles - Estadio, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Tour start
Medellín, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 hours finish where they began, in Medellín.

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Starting from

COP 136,000 /person
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