From $140Day Trips to Guatape in Medellin
Guatape is the day trip every Medellin itinerary should include. Two hours east of the city, the lakeside town is famous for two things: the Piedra del Penol, a 220-metre granite monolith with a zigzag staircase of 700-odd steps to a panorama of island-dotted reservoir, and the town itself, where every house is wrapped in colourful zocalos, hand-painted relief panels that tell the story of each family or trade. Full-day tours from Medellin usually combine the climb, free time in town and a boat ride on the reservoir, sometimes with breakfast or a fruit tasting along the way. Some add paragliding over the lake for an adrenaline twist. Tours leave Medellin early, around 8am, to beat both the heat and the queues at the rock. Wear shoes you can climb in, bring cash for the staircase entry and lunch, and pace yourself on the steps in the Andean sun.
Top Day Trips to Guatape tours
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far is Guatape from Medellin?
- Guatape is about two hours by road east of Medellin. Most tours leave around 8am and return in the early evening.
- How many steps is the Piedra del Penol?
- The zigzag staircase has roughly 700 steps to the top, where a viewing platform overlooks the reservoir and its islands.
- What is included in a Guatape day tour?
- Typical tours include round-trip transport, the rock climb, free time in the colourful town and often a boat ride on the reservoir.