In short: A day trip from Medellín to the Guatapé–El Peñol reservoir: the 740-step Piedra del Peñol with 360° views, a boat ride and the colorful town of Guatapé. Shared departures run every day; private tours are available.
About this tour
Yes, it is 740 steps. At the top you get a 360° view of an emerald-green reservoir winding between the mountains: a perfect spot for a drone shot or simply to catch your breath. Guatapé, at the foot of it all, is the town of colorful zócalos, reliefs painted on the lower part of the façades that show everything from flowers to traditional trades.
The route goes through the town of El Peñol Nuevo, rebuilt after the flood and nicknamed the Phoenix of Colombia, with its La Roca church and a lookout toward the east of Antioquia. You then visit the Viejo Peñol replica, walk the Calle del Recuerdo and the Plazoleta de los Zócalos in Guatapé, and take a boat out on the reservoir while hearing the story of the town that was flooded to make way for it.
On the private tour you also visit the Alto del Chocho farm and the Casa al Revés (the “upside-down house”), and your ride around Guatapé is by tuk-tuk.
Pairs well with Avocado Route Day Tour from Medellín and Concepción Day Trip from Medellín: Colonial Town & San Vicente Ferrer. Planning more days around Medellín? Read the Medellín & Antioquia travel guide and our list of the best day trips from Medellín.
Choose your option
Private: Route of the Reservoirs
Your own vehicle with hotel pickup, snacks, set lunch, entrance to the Piedra del Peñol (ascent fee included), Alto del Chocho and Casa al Revés.
Shared: Route of the Reservoirs
Departs every day from Metro Estadio station and Parque del Poblado, around 7:30 am. Typical lunch included. The Piedra del Peñol ascent fee is not included. English-guided shared departures are available on request.
Itinerary
- Stop 1 · El Peñol NuevoThe town rebuilt after the flood, its La Roca church and a lookout.
- Stop 2 · Viejo Peñol replicaPhotos, the central square and balconies of the town that is now underwater.
- Stop 3 · Guatapé streetsCalle del Recuerdo, Parque Principal and the Plazoleta de los Zócalos.
- Stop 4 · Boat ride on the reservoirMusic and the history of the flooded town.
- Stop 5 · Piedra del PeñolClimb the 740 steps for the best 360° view of the reservoir.
Included
- Ground transport from Medellín
- Lunch (typical or set menu), snacks and hydration (private)
- Boat ride and the visits described
- Medical assistance card
- Tourist guide
Not included
- Entrance to the Piedra del Peñol on the shared tour
- Meals and expenses not listed in the plan
- Costs caused by road delays
Questions
Do I need to be fit to climb the Piedra del Peñol?
You need to be able to climb 740 steps. You can take it slowly and rest at the landings; the view at the top is the reward.
Is the shared tour available every day?
Yes, it departs every day. Private tours can be organized on any date you choose.
How much does the Guatapé & El Peñol tour cost?
The shared departure starts from USD 37 per person. Private tours depend on the number of people and the guide's language. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp for your exact price.
How do I book and pay?
Tell us your date and group size and we send a quote. A deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due a few business days before the tour. You pay with a secure Bold payment link.
Where do we meet?
We pick you up at your hotel or lodging in the Medellín metropolitan area. Shared departures meet at Metro Estadio station and Parque del Poblado, around 7:30 am; we confirm the exact time when you book.