Private day trip to Guatapé and El Peñol

Why Guatapé

Guatapé is the most popular day trip from Medellín: a colorful lakeside town with painted zócalos on every house, the 740-step climb up the El Peñol rock for a view over a reservoir of hundreds of islands, boat rides, lakeside restaurants and a relaxed pace that contrasts with the city.

Getting there

About 80 km and 2 hours by car each way from El Poblado, on the road towards the airport and past it. A private day with driver and bilingual host leaves your hotel around 8 am and returns by 6 pm, avoiding the midday crowds at the rock.

Private vs group tour

Group buses stop at fixed points with fixed timing and 20 to 40 people. Going private you climb the rock early before the lines, choose where to eat, add a boat ride or a visit to the replica of old Peñol, and leave when you are ready.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes for the 740 steps, sunscreen, cash in pesos for the rock entrance and boats, and a light jacket for the return. Lunch by the lake is included in most of our private proposals.

Is Guatapé safe?

Yes. It is a quiet tourist town with visitors every day of the week. The only real risk is the sun and the stairs; take your time on the climb.