The Best Guatapé Tours: Climb the Rock, Cruise & Explore

While plotting a creative way home from Montreal to Vancouver using Aeroplan points, I stumbled across a peculiar rock during a Google search—El Peñón de Guatapé. I recognized it instantly from The Amazing Race and had one thought: I have to climb you.

I’ve got a bit of a thing for iconic climbs—Table Mountain and Lion’s Head in Cape Town, the Kotor Walls in Montenegro, the Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay—so this massive granite monolith near Medellín, Colombia, shot straight to the top of my list.

I started out just looking for the best Guatapé day tour—mainly because I wanted to climb El Peñón. I didn’t know much about the area, but the more I read, the more I realized there was so much more to see and do.

From the vibrant streets of Guatapé town to boat rides on the reservoir, I was quickly sold. Booking a tour—or more accurately, one of the many Guatapé tours available—turned out to be the easiest way to experience it all.

Here’s why this Guatape day trip is a must-do, what the tour includes, and why I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Guatape Tours – Which One Should You Book?

When researching Guatapé tours, a few options consistently stood out:

• Guatapé Tour: Piedra del Peñol with Boat Tour, Breakfast, Lunch – Highly praised for being well‑organized, energetic guides like Marlon, and excellent value (4.8 rating based on thousands of reviews)
• Day Trip To Guatapé with Breakfast, Lunch and Boat Ride – With a glowing 4.8 out of 5 from 2,861 reviews, travelers loved the laid-back pace and beautiful mountain, town, and lake scenery.
• Special Guatapé Experience – A smaller‑group option (around 210 reviews, 4.9 stars) noted for personable guides, private‑home lunches, and even swimming stops.
• Medellín Private Full‑Day Guatapé Tour – A top‑rated private tour (5.0 stars from 10+ reviews) offering a bilingual guide, boat across the dam, and hassle‑free hotel pickups.

I ultimately went with the Medellín Full‑Day Guatapé Tour, booked effortlessly through the tour desk at my hotel, the Landmark Medellín.

Their presence in‑house at the hotel made booking seamless, and they delivered a flawless day exploring El Peñón, Guatapé town, and the reservoir with all the comfort and insider knowledge I could’ve hoped for.

📌 Book Your Guatapé Day Trip Here

A Bit of Guatapé & El Penón History

The history of Guatapé is deeply tied to the hydroelectric project that transformed the region in the 1970s. Between 1970 and 1979, a massive dam was built, flooding rural areas and submerging the original town of El Viejo Peñol.

What remains today is a striking man-made reservoir, offering the beautiful teal waters and small peninsulas that visitors enjoy on boat tours. This transformation displaced communities but brought economic growth through energy production and tourism.

El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is estimated to be around 65 million years old. It was first climbed in 1954 using a series of wooden pegs.

In the 1950s, a local man named Luis Eduardo Villegas López purchased the rock and turned it into a tourist attraction by building a staircase into the crevice. His vision was mocked at first, but it has since become one of Colombia’s most iconic landmarks, attracting thousands of climbers daily.

Not far from the rock lies the remains of La Manuela, a luxury lakeside mansion built by the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. Named after his daughter, the mansion had all the excesses of his wealth, including a private disco and helipad.

In 1993, the building was destroyed by Los Pepes, a vigilante group opposed to Escobar, using 200kg of TNT. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of Colombia’s past and forms part of the broader Pablo Escobar Guatape narrative.

Hassle-Free Pickup & Transportation

My Guatapé day tour began with a convenient early-morning hotel pickup in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus—no need to trek to a 6:45 AM meeting point. While many other Guatapé day tours require pre-dawn starts and central pickups, having transportation arranged right from my hotel made the early hour much more manageable—and totally worth it.

En route, our friendly, multilingual guide shared stories about Guatapé’s rich history and set the tone for the day ahead.

Traditional Colombian Breakfast in Guatapé Town

Our first stop was at a charming Colombian eatery—yes, a bit touristy, but showcasing authentic Colombian vibes. We savored arepas, huevos pericos, fresh fruit, and a rich Colombian coffee that had me remembering my previous coffee farm tour in Medellín the day prior.

Climbing El Peñón de Guatapé

Next, we arrived at El Peñón de Guatapé, also known simply as La Piedra or The Rock of Guatapé. The towering granite monolith draws thousands of visitors a week. This was evident with the bustling entrance lined with souvenir stands, loud music, and vendors selling everything from grilled arepas to selfie sticks.

It reminded me of other natural wonders that have been transformed into tourist spectacles—places like Niagara Falls, where the awe of nature competes with the energy of a theme park. While undeniably touristy, the atmosphere adds a certain buzz to the experience—just don’t expect solitude.

This geological wonder rises over 200 meters (656 feet) above the surrounding landscape and is estimated to weigh nearly 66 million tons. It’s a rare example of an inselberg, a solitary rock formation that stands isolated from the surrounding terrain.

The rock’s transformation into one of Colombia’s top attractions began in the 1950s, when it was purchased by Luis Eduardo Villegas López.

Defying skeptics, he carved 708 zigzagging steps into a crack that naturally split the rock and opened it to the public in 1954. What began as a private project has since become one of the most visited natural landmarks in the country.

To my surprise, the climb took me less than 12 minutes—not bad for over 700 stairs. The path is well laid out with rest spots and even encouraging signage along the way (“¡Vamos, ya casi llegas!”).

Given that Medellín sits at about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, I expected to feel the altitude more, but the thoughtful stair design made the ascent manageable for anyone with moderate fitness.

At the summit, I was rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, a man-made body of water created in the 1970s when the region was flooded to support a massive hydroelectric project.

The result is a patchwork of vibrant green peninsulas, turquoise waters, and the colorful rooftops of Guatapé in the distance.

Topping it all off was a refreshing mango Michelada—a tangy, spicy beer concoction from the summit snack bar. Enjoying it while taking in the panoramic views made the climb feel even more rewarding. Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but the combination of scenery, breeze, and cold drink was a well-earned break before heading back down.

An unexpected surprise? The summit restroom—specifically the urinal—offered one of the best views I’ve ever seen from a bathroom. A small detail, but one that stuck with me.

Guatapé Boat Tour & Pablo Escobar’s La Manuela

As our boat glided across the turquoise waters of the Guatapé Reservoir, our guide shared the fascinating—and sobering—history beneath us. In the 1970s, Colombia’s utility company Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) launched the country’s largest hydroelectric project to meet rising energy demands.

This massive undertaking flooded thousands of hectares of farmland and entire communities, reshaping the region and creating the artificial lake we see today.

From there, we cruised toward the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s Guatapé mansion, La Manuela. Built in the 1980s as a private escape, the lakeside estate once featured a disco, helipad, seaplane dock, and reinforced walls to stash money and drugs.

It was bombed by Los Pepes in 1993, leaving behind a crumbling shell that now draws curious visitors—and even the occasional paintball group. This seems in poor taste, and I would not recommend a tour offering that as it glorifies a pretty terrible period in Colombia’s history.

We ended our boat tour floating above what was once the original town of Guatapé, now fully submerged beneath the reservoir. While the community was relocated to higher ground before the area was flooded, knowing we were drifting over sunken streets and homes added a surreal and reflective tone to the day.

Colorful Lunch in Guatapé Town

Back in Guatape town, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at a lively local restaurant. The menu offered specialties like sancocho and grilled meats, accompanied by fruit juice.

Despite its tourist-friendly vibe, it had charm—and it was my second Colombian feast in two days following my La Mesa food tour.

Strolling the Colorful Streets of Guatape

After lunch, we had a couple of hours to soak in the vibrant charm of Guatapé, one of Colombia’s most photogenic towns—and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Wandering through its cobbled streets felt like walking through a living art gallery.

Every building is painted in bold colors and adorned with zócalos, the ornate, hand-painted bas-reliefs that line the lower walls of homes and businesses.

Originally used to protect buildings from mud splashes during Colombia’s rainy season, these decorative panels have evolved into a unique storytelling medium. Today, they depict everything from local animals and farming traditions to personal family histories and whimsical scenes.

Our walk led us to the heart of town: Plaza de los Zócalos, where colorful staircases and flower-filled balconies surround a lively square. Just steps away is Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Guatapé’s central church.

With its red-and-white neo-colonial façade and bell tower, it’s both a spiritual hub and a focal point for community life. Across from it, a small stone fountain bubbles gently, anchoring the square and offering a peaceful place to people-watch or admire the colonial architecture.

Of course, no visit is complete without a stroll down Umbrella Street—a short alley strung with vibrant parasols fluttering overhead.

It’s easily one of the most Instagrammed spots in town, but somehow still manages to feel quaint and inviting, especially when paired with the sound of music drifting from nearby cafés.

Eventually, I ducked into a quiet café overlooking the plaza and sipped on a perfectly brewed tinto. It was one of those simple travel moments—peaceful, present, and totally unforgettable.

As far as Guatapé day tours go, this final stop captured the town’s spirit: playful, colorful, and full of life.

Return & Unexpected Stop

The ride back to Medellín was delayed by traffic—but our guide made a smart stop at another scenic lookout and restroom, allowing everyone to stretch and chat. It turned what could’ve been a grueling journey into a comfortable wrap-up.

Why This Guatapé Day Trip Is Worth It

If you’re wondering whether the long day and touristy itinerary are worth it, the answer is yes. Here’s what made this day trip so memorable and why I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Medellín:

1. Stress-free logistics: No need to fuss with early pickups or confusing transit.
2. Comfortable travel & knowledgeable guides, keeping the journey informative and smooth.
3. Complete experience: Breakfast, climb, boat tour, lunch, and free time—perfectly paced.
4. Cultural depth: Rich local history—from El Peñón to the reservoir, to Escobar lore.
5. Scenic variety: Mountains, lake, rock, and vibrant town visuals all in one day.

Yes, parts are touristy, but carefully crafted tourism can lead to genuine appreciation—and this tour struck that balance perfectly. If you’re in Medellín and craving a Guatape day trip, this is hands-down the best way to experience the region—with no regrets, only epic views and vibrant memories.

Hotel in Guatapé Guide

If you want to extend your day trip and take in more of Guatapé’s charm, spending the night is a great option.

While I visited as part of a Guatapé day tour from the Landmark Hotel in Medellín—and highly recommend that as a base if you’re short on time—staying overnight in Guatapé offers a more relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy the town before and after the tour groups arrive.

👉 Read my full Landmark Hotel Medellín review here

For those looking to book a hotel in Guatapé, there are two standout options depending on the type of experience you’re after.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, Hotel Zocalo Campestre is a highly rated, colorful property right in town, steps from Umbrella Street and the main plaza. It offers great views of the town and easy access to cafés, shops, and the church.

If you’d rather stay lakeside and wake up to peaceful reservoir views, Hotel Los Recuerdos is a top pick.

Located just minutes from El Peñón de Guatapé, Colombia’s iconic granite monolith, this hotel features an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and balconies overlooking the water—perfect for those who want a tranquil escape with scenic surroundings.

Whether you stay in the town center or by the lake, both options make a great base for exploring El Peñol y Guatapé at your own pace.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

Even with a few touristy stops, this Guatape day tour offered me unforgettable moments: conquering El Peñón, gliding across the reservoir, and exploring Guatapé’s colorful charm—all in one seamless, well-organized journey.

If you’ve followed along with my One week itinerary for Medellín, you’ll see how these Guatape tours are a great way to break up your visit and see some of the countryside.

📌 Book Your Guatapé Day Trip Here

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