The 15 Best Guatape & El Penol Day Trips

1.Tour Guatapé

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 865 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $38Our pick

Spend about 10 hours traveling from Medellín to El Peñol and Guatapé in an air-conditioned van. You’ll see the old-town replica, colorful zócalos, the reservoir, and the famous rock. Breakfast, lunch, insurance, hotel pickup, and a guide are included. Ask about the English commentary and current group size before booking.

“It was a very good excursion. Considering the amount of time , we saw a lot and I recommend everyone to visit these places - and if you’re short on time , this is the best day trip. I personally didn’t like being with such a big group on a big bus - everything slows down and becomes somewhat impersonal. Because of this size I also couldn’t hear most of the time what our guide was explaining. I loved the boat trip but didn’t appreciate the loud music (but that’s personal again because I prefer silence in nature). Maybe we could’ve had lunch on our own in Guatapé-it’s such a…”

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2.Guatapé Day Trip & Boat to Pablo Escobar’s Estate

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 365 reviews · 10h 30m · from $64

From El Poblado, ride a colorful themed bus to Guatapé, Peñol Rock, and Pablo Escobar’s Hacienda La Manuela. You’ll cruise across the reservoir, explore colorful streets, and may find extra stops such as a llama farm and local food tastings. Guides vary, with Mario, Cesar, Naomi, and Sebastian among the names praised for clear bilingual hosting.

“Day went great! The Escobar trip was great and very informative . Once we got to Guatape , we wanted to climb the rock . But the ATM was broken and we weren’t able to get cash. Vanesa and Rojo immediately jumped in and helped us out to make sure we could climb the rock!!! Highly recommend!!”

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3.Private Guatapé with Peñol Tickets and Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 256 reviews · 8 hours · from $126

Spend eight hours with a private bilingual guide such as Manuel or Jhonn, climbing the 740 steps of El Peñol, cruising Guatapé Reservoir, exploring tile-lined Guatapé, and eating a Colombian lunch. Hotel pickup, transport, tickets, boat ride, snack, and lunch are included.

“Excellent service. Manuel was great the whole tour. Prompt arrival at our hotel — quick and efficient throughout the whole day. Very informative as well and personable. Highly recommended!”

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4.Private Guatapé Tour w/ Breakfast, Lunch & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 87 reviews · 9 hours · from $134

Spend about nine hours with a private guide such as Mateo, Nelson, or Jorge, traveling from Medellín to El Peñol and Guatapé. Climb 740 steps for reservoir views, take a music-filled boat ride, eat breakfast and lunch, and walk Guatapé’s tile-fronted streets. The rock ticket costs extra.

“This tour was awesome, especially because our tour guide, Mateo, was spectacular. It’s an all day experience that is definitely worth it. We were well prepared for the day by the tour company and Mateo was very attentive to our needs and was flexible when it warranted it. 100% recommended!!!”

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5.Guatapé Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Spend about eight hours with guide Luis on a private trip from Medellín to Guatapé. You will stop at Las Palmas, see the Old Peñol replica, climb 740 steps at Peñol Rock, and walk through Guatapé town. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and your group of up to four sets the pace.

“Luis was a wonderful tour guide! He picked us up from our hotel in the morning (so convenient!) and provided interesting information as we made our way to Guatapé and to climb the Peñon de Guatapé. I appreciated the flexibility of the tour - Luis was happy to stay at a place longer or move on to the next stop whenever we were ready to go. Enjoyed his humor and personality. Would highly recommend recommend taking this tour with Luis!”

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6.(Private Guatapé) Mansion Pablo Escobar+Paintball+Cuatrimoto+Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $235

Spend 10 to 11 hours with a private guide exploring Guatapé, Marinilla, Piedra del Peñol, and Pablo Escobar’s former mansion. Depending on your booking option, you can ride an ATV, play paintball, and cruise the lake by private boat. Guides such as Alejandro and Santiago provide transport, local history, and flexible help throughout the day.

“We had an amazing time on this excursion! Alejandro was our guide, and he was absolutely fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights throughout the entire trip, and he was also incredibly attentive to every detail, making sure we was comfortable, informed, and enjoying ourselves. His passion and professionalism truly elevated the experience. Everything was well-organized, smooth, and memorable from start to finish. We would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. Thank you, Alejandro, for making it so special!”

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7.Private Tour to Guatapé and The Rock of El Peñol from Medellín!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $110

Leave Medellín by private vehicle for El Alto del Chocho, El Peñol Rock, and colorful Guatapé. Guides such as Carlos, Laura, Daniel, Camilo, and Juan Carlos have led this trip, sharing local history, helping with photos, and adjusting the pace. Hotel and airport transfers, snacks, coffee, tea, insurance, and transport are included. The rock climb costs extra.

“We took this tour while staying in Medellín - it was a perfect day trip and an unforgettable experience. Diego was our tour guide, and he was awesome! He is super knowledgeable, and gave us a great overview of the history and the sights we saw. He also patiently answered every one of our (many) questions :) Guatapé and the Rock of El Peñol were beautiful. Climbing the rock takes some time, but isn't too strenuous. I would definitely recommend a private tour (like this one) instead of a group tour, since we didn't feel rushed at all when climbing El Peñol and we got to more fully enjoy the…”

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8.Guatape & Horse Ride & El Peñol Rock & Quaint Town From Medellin

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Spend about nine and a half hours with a private guide, beginning with a two-hour horseback ride suited to your experience. Then climb El Peñol’s 749 steps, visit colorful Guatapé, and return to Medellín with hotel pickup and drop-off. Guides such as Laura, Andrés, Uli, Alejandro, Sara, and Julie have led this experience.

“We had a great time in this tour with Andres. He picked us up at 7 am and told us so many stories about Colombia while driving. We made some stops to drink coffee and eat some empanadas. We have very little experience with horses and we had a blast riding them. The view was amazing and the horses were gentle. Then we rode to Guatape and Andres made sure we enjoyed the town and the Penol. We walked around the town and visited some stores while talking to some locals. This is a great tour and Andres was amazing.”

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9.Combo Guatape and Medellin Sightseeing Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $166

Spend about 10 hours with a private driver-guide exploring Medellín and Guatapé. You’ll see Pueblito Paisa, the Guatapé reservoir, the flooded Old Peñol replica, and colorful Guatapé, then climb 700 steps up El Peñol. Guides such as Mario have earned strong praise, though a small car may feel tight for five people.

“Climbing the rock was an unbelievable experience. We also took a walking tour of the center of the city..thrilling”

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10.Amazing Private Guatape Tour + Boat Ride + Helicopter & Rock

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 9 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $305

Travel from Medellín with a bilingual guide, visit Piedra del Peñol, see the old Peñol replica, explore Guatapé, and choose either a roughly 7-minute helicopter flight or a one-hour private boat ride. Guide Mario can help shape the day. The private format suits couples, families, and small groups wanting flexibility.

“Our tour guide, Mario was super nice, knowledgeable and accommodating. Spoke english and spanish. Tour went great - would recommend.”

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11.Guatapé tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $340

Travel from Medellín to Guatapé in a private vehicle with a driver-guide, visit the replica of Old Peñol, climb Piedra del Peñol, enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch, and explore Guatapé by the lake. Guides such as Steven, Esther, and Mauricio are praised for clear English, local insight, and personal service.

“Great tourism company! We did multiple tours around Medellin, Quindio and Bogota. They tailor the tours to what you want to do and how you want to do it. However, if they recommend something trust them! They have been doing this for a long time.”

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12.Guatape, El Peñol Coffee Farm Private Tour & Fruit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 8 hours · from $169

Spend eight hours with a bilingual guide such as Carlos or Luis Alberto Gómez, traveling privately from Medellín to Marinilla, a coffee farm near El Peñol, the top of El Peñol Rock, and Guatapé. You will taste unusual fruit, learn coffee production from a local farmer, walk Guatapé’s decorated streets, and choose lunch in town.

“Amazing - absolutely loved Carlos, such a great and knowledgeable guide.”

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13.Guatape and El Penol Rock Day Trip with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 42 reviews · 11 hours · from $43

Join a Spanish-speaking guide, or request bilingual service, for a full day from Medellín to Guatapé. You’ll see colorful zócalos, cruise the reservoir, visit the Rock Temple, and climb 740 steps at El Peñol. Breakfast, lunch, transport, and hotel pickup on eligible routes are included. Cristina and Valentina have been praised for their attentive care.

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14.Guatape Private Tour, El Peñol, Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $107

Travel from Medellín in a private air-conditioned SUV with an English, Spanish, or Dutch-speaking guide. Climb El Peñol Rock, visit the old-town replica, sample pan de bono, cruise Guatapé Lake by private boat, and explore Guatapé’s zócalos. Guides such as Juliana and Julian tailor the pace to your group.

“Was a really great day, Juliana is really an amazing person 💞”

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15.Guatapé Canyoning Adventure: Crystal Waters and Wildlife

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 12 reviews · 4h 30m · from $90

Meet in central Guatapé, ride 30 minutes by tuk-tuk, then hike to a river canyon for eight jumps, natural slides, waterfall rappelling, an 80-meter zip line, snorkeling, lunch, and cocoa massages. Bilingual guides such as Rafael, Ingrid, and Fernando lead small groups of up to 10, with photos and video included.

“Such a fantastic day with Rafael and Ingrid. There were 2 adults and 2 teenagers and we had a BIG adventure. It isn’t for the faint of heart - big big waterfall jumps and definitely some scrapes and bruises as you “float aggressively” down the river. This was definitely the highlight of our trip”

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