Tour Guatapé

The Tour Guatapé is a must-do day trip from Medellín. It takes travelers on a scenic journey to the vibrant town of Guatapé, where they can climb the iconic Peñón Rock for breathtaking views. The tour includes a boat cruise, meals, and opportunities to explore the charming local architecture and culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, natural beauty, or culture, the Tour Guatapé promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes this tour truly exceptional?

Key Points

A day trip from Medellín to Guatapé and Peñol Rock, offering scenic drives, a boat cruise, and the opportunity to climb the 740-step Peñol Rock for panoramic views.
Explore the charming town of Guatapé, known for its colorful homes, traditional architecture, and local shops selling souvenirs and delicacies.
The tour includes breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off, with vegetarian options available for a group size capped at 15 travelers.
The boat cruise on the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir provides a picturesque experience, while the meal quality has received mixed reviews from previous travelers.
Capture stunning photographs throughout the tour, from the town’s scenic views to the breathtaking panorama atop the Peñol Rock.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences nearby.

Overview of the Tour

The tour of Guatapé and Peñol Rock offers a comprehensive day trip from Medellín, Colombia. Rated highly by 95% of travelers, the experience includes a boat cruise on the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir and exploration of the traditional architecture in Guatapé.

Travelers enjoy a scenic drive in a climate-controlled van and the opportunity to climb the iconic El Peñón de Guatapé for panoramic views.

The tour includes breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off, making it a convenient and well-rounded way to discover the natural and cultural highlights of the region.

Highlights of the Experience

A key highlight of the Guatapé and Peñol Rock tour is the opportunity to climb the iconic El Peñón de Guatapé, a massive rock formation that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

After a scenic drive from Medellín, travelers can explore the charming town of Guatapé with its vibrant, traditional Colombian architecture.

The tour also includes a boat cruise on the picturesque Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, providing a unique perspective of the region.

Breakfast and lunch are included, though reviews on meal quality are mixed.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes a range of inclusions to ensure a seamless experience. Breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, insurance, and entrance to El Peñón de Guatapé are all part of the package. Travelers can be picked up from various locations around Medellín, including Estación Poblado, Parque El Poblado, Estación Floresta, Estación Estadio, and Hotel 47 Medellín Street. The tour starts at 6:50 am, and participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes early. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, and vegetarian options are available.

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| Breakfast | Estación Poblado | 6:50 am | 15 max |

Exploring Guatapé

After departing the lake, the tour guides lead the group through the charming town of Guatapé.

Visitors explore the traditional Colombian architecture, admiring the colorful homes and buildings. The guides provide insights into the local history and culture, highlighting the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Travelers have the opportunity to browse the shops, discovering handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies. The group takes in the scenic views, capturing photographs of the picturesque streets and plazas.

With time to wander and soak in the ambiance, the Guatapé portion of the tour offers a well-rounded cultural experience.

Climbing El Peñón De Guatapé

Having conquered the winding roads leading to Guatapé, visitors now turn their attention to the main highlight of the tour – the iconic El Peñón de Guatapé.

Towering 200 meters above the surrounding Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, this massive granite rock formation offers panoramic vistas of the stunning landscape. Visitors ascend the 740 steps to the summit, marveling at the breathtaking 360-degree views over the picturesque town and glistening waters below.

The climb challenges but rewards, providing a sense of accomplishment and unparalleled photo opportunities.

Descending, guests explore Guatapé’s colorful architecture and charming waterfront before returning to Medellín.

Boat Ride on the Lake

With the exhilaration of conquering El Peñón de Guatapé still fresh, travelers next board a boat for a leisurely cruise across the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir.

The cool breeze and glistening waters offer a tranquil contrast to the earlier strenuous climb.

The boat tour provides:

Breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and shoreline
An opportunity to spot local wildlife, like birds and fish
Time to shop for traditional Guatapé souvenirs at lakeside markets

Relaxing on the water allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of this Colombian gem.

Dining and Meals

The tour includes both breakfast and lunch, providing travelers with sustenance throughout the day.

Breakfast is served early in the morning before departing for the tour. Reviewers have described the breakfast as satisfactory, offering a solid start to the day.

Lunch is provided during the boat ride on the reservoir. However, the quality of the lunch has received mixed reviews, with some travelers finding the options underwhelming.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

Travelers have provided largely positive feedback on the Guatapé tour, with many praising the overall organization and breathtaking scenery.

While some have expressed concerns about the English-speaking guide‘s clarity and the group size affecting personal interaction, most have enjoyed the comprehensive day trip experience.

Some mixed reviews on meal quality, particularly lunch options, have been noted.

The tour is highly recommended for those visiting Medellín, offering:

A chance to climb El Peñón de Guatapé for panoramic views
A scenic boat ride on the lake with time to explore Guatapé
Flexible cancellation policy for added convenience

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Sturdy walking shoes are advised for the climb up El Peñón rock formation. Casual attire is suitable for this full-day outdoor excursion.

Are There Any Special Discounts or Offers Available?

The tour doesn’t offer any special discounts or deals. However, travelers can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour departs.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the overview, the tour includes breakfast and lunch. Bringing your own food and drinks is not mentioned, so it’s likely not permitted. However, you may want to double-check with the tour operator before the trip.

What Language(S) Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides primarily speak Spanish, though some may have limited English proficiency. Travelers who don’t speak Spanish may encounter some communication challenges during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour company doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. The full-day experience is set at a fixed itinerary and schedule, though travelers can explore Guatapé independently after the tour ends if they wish.

The Sum Up

The Tour Guatapé is an exhilarating day trip from Medellín, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty, culture, and outdoor adventure. Travelers can expect a scenic drive, a challenging climb to the summit of El Peñón, a relaxing boat cruise, and the opportunity to discover the charming town of Guatapé, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking to explore the best of Colombia’s Antioquia region.