Guatapé and the Rock of El Peñol: The Complete Day Trip from Medellín

If you only take one trip out of Medellín, make it this one. Two hours east of the city, a granite monolith more than 200 meters tall rises over a maze of green islands and lakes, and right next to it sits Guatapé, possibly the most colorful town in Colombia. Here's how to plan the day.

Climbing the Rock of El Peñol

The Piedra del Peñol is the reason most people come. A zig-zag staircase of about 740 steps, built into a crack in the rock, takes you to a viewpoint with a 360° view of the reservoir. The climb usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your pace and the crowds. Since January 2026 the entrance costs COP 35,000 (≈ US$12) per person, paid at the ticket office in cash.

• Opening hours are usually from about 8 am to 5 pm every day, including holidays, but sources disagree on the exact closing time. Check before you go.
• Parking at the base costs about COP 5,000 (≈ US$2) per hour for cars.
• Go early or on a weekday. On weekends and holidays the line to climb can be long by late morning.
• The steps are steep but have handrails and resting spots. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Guatapé, the town of the zócalos

© Alejandro Rojas (SajoR) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Guatapé's houses are decorated with zócalos: colorful raised panels along the bottom of the walls, showing animals, flowers, local trades and scenes of town life. Walk the streets around the main square and the Plazoleta de los Zócalos, a staircase lined with them, and end at the malecón, the lakeside promenade, for lunch with a view.

The reservoir and the old town of El Peñol

The lakes aren't natural. The Peñol–Guatapé reservoir was created for a hydroelectric project, and in the late 1970s it flooded the original town of El Peñol, whose residents were moved to a new town. A replica of the old village, the Réplica del Viejo Peñol, sits on the road between Guatapé and the rock.

Boat rides leave from the malecón in Guatapé, from relaxed group boats to private speedboats. Prices vary by boat, duration and group size, so agree on the price and route before you board.

How to get to Guatapé from Medellín

By private tour (recommended)

A private car with your own driver is the most comfortable and safest way to do Guatapé: you set the schedule, add the stops the bus skips (viewpoints, the Réplica del Viejo Peñol), and leave when you want, which matters if you have kids or want to stay for the sunset.

Private tour with Medellín Private Transfers

Guatapé & El Peñol Rock (Private, At Your Own Pace)

Full day, flexible schedule

This day is all yours. Because the tour is private, you decide when we pick you up and how long you stay at each stop, with no rush and no one else's schedule to follow. We'd love to show you one of the most beautiful places in Colombia.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Alto del Chocho

   A fun first stop for photos and meeting farm animals, with time for a traditional Colombian breakfast if you'd like.

2. 2

   Upside-Down House & Viejo Peñol

   Take photos from outside for free, or head into the Upside-Down House for a small fee.

3. 3

   El Peñol Rock

   Climb the famous 740 steps at your own pace and take in the 360° views from the top.

4. 4

   Lakeside Lunch

   We'll take you to a great local restaurant on the waterfront (meal not included).

5. 5

   Guatapé Town

   Stroll the colorful streets, famous for their hand-painted zócalos.

What's included

• Private round-trip transportation in an SUV or van, all day.
• A flexible schedule, so you set the pace.
• Bilingual driver or guide (subject to availability).
• All the stops on the itinerary.

Not included

• El Peñol Rock admission: $35,000 COP per person, paid at the ticket office.
• Meals and personal expenses.
• Food for the farm animals: $20,000 COP.
• Upside-Down House admission: $20,000 COP.
• Extra time after 7:00 PM: $80,000 COP per hour.

Optional extras

• Helicopter Ride (6 min)per personCOP 398,000≈ US$135
• Helicopter Ride (8 min)per personCOP 500,000≈ US$170
• Private Speedboat Rideper hour (1 to 8 passengers)COP 280,000≈ US$95
• Private Boat Rideper hour (8 to 20 passengers)COP 400,000≈ US$135
• ATV Ride (45 min)extra passenger: +$50,000 COPCOP 250,000≈ US$85
• ATV Ride (90 min)extra passenger: +$50,000 COPCOP 330,000≈ US$115
• Small Jet Ski, 650cc (30 min)subject to availabilityCOP 150,000≈ US$50
• Medium Jet Ski, 700cc (30 min)subject to availabilityCOP 190,000≈ US$65
• Large Jet Ski (30 min)subject to availabilityCOP 240,000≈ US$80
• Tuk-Tuk Ride (Motochiva)per ride, up to 3 peopleCOP 40,000≈ US$14
• Paraglidingsubject to availabilityOn request

Price

Car

1–3 people

COP 550,000

≈ US$190 · per vehicle

SUV

1–4 people

COP 650,000

≈ US$225 · per vehicle

SUV XL / Van

4–7 people

COP 850,000

≈ US$290 · per vehicle

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By bus

Public buses leave from the Terminal del Norte and take about 2 to 2.5 hours with stops. They don’t stop at the viewpoints, and you depend on their schedule to get back.

A good plan for the day

1. Leave Medellín around 7 am to reach the rock before the crowds.
2. Climb the rock and enjoy the view (allow about 1.5 hours with the line and the top).
3. Stop at the Réplica del Viejo Peñol on the way into town.
4. Have lunch on the malecón. Bandeja paisa and river trout are the local favorites.
5. Walk the zócalo streets and take a boat ride in the afternoon.
6. Head back to Medellín around 5 pm to avoid arriving late.