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Guatapé Tour from Medellín: Complete Guide (Piedra del Peñol + Boat Ride)
Tours & experiences

Guatapé Tour from Medellín: The Complete Guide

Guatapé is the best day trip you can take from Medellín. A town of brightly coloured houses, a giant rock to climb and a green reservoir to cruise by boat: all two hours from the city. This guide covers what to see, how to plan it, and the tour we run directly from CO-LINK HOUSE, with hotel transfer, meals and a boat ride included.

Where Guatapé is and how far from Medellín

Guatapé is a town in Antioquia about 80 km from Medellín, two hours east. The area is dominated by the Piedra del Peñol, a monolith over 200 metres tall, and by the large reservoir that surrounds the town. It's the most loved day trip for visitors to Medellín, and it's perfect for a single day.

What to see in Guatapé in one day

The Piedra del Peñol

The icon of the area. A huge rock with a staircase of 740 steps to the top. The climb takes some effort, but it's gradual, and from the top the view over the reservoir and its green islands is one of the most spectacular in Colombia. Go up in the morning, when there's less of a queue and better light for photos.

The town of Guatapé

The town is an explosion of colour. The house fronts are decorated with zócalos, painted reliefs that tell of trades, animals and family stories. The Plazoleta de los Zócalos and the main street are the place to wander, take photos and grab a coffee.

The boat ride on the reservoir

Boats leave from the dock and weave between the islands and inlets of the reservoir. From the water you see the rock from a different angle and the prettiest spots in the area. It's the best way to end the day.

When to go

Guatapé can be visited year-round. The driest months run from December to March, but even in the rainy season the showers are mostly in the afternoon. The tip stays the same: leave early, skip the crowds on the rock and catch the best light.

The Guatapé tour with CO-LINK HOUSE

For our guests we organise a full-day tour, in partnership with a selected operator. Nothing to book elsewhere: we handle everything, from transport to meals.

What the tour includes:

A full, organised, worry-free day to experience the best of Guatapé from the heart of El Poblado.

Want to book this tour?

Book on WhatsApp

FAQ

How far is Guatapé from Medellín?

Guatapé is about 80 km from Medellín, a two-hour drive. With the CO-LINK HOUSE tour, round-trip transport leaves directly from the hotel in the morning.

How many steps does the Piedra del Peñol have?

The Piedra del Peñol has 740 steps to the top. The climb is demanding but gradual, with rest points, and the view over the reservoir and its islands from the top is stunning.

What's included in the CO-LINK HOUSE Guatapé tour?

It's a full-day tour: round-trip transport from the hotel, breakfast, a shared lunch after the Piedra del Peñol, a visit to the town of Guatapé and a boat ride on the reservoir.

When is the best time to visit Guatapé?

Guatapé can be visited year-round. The driest months are December to March. It's best to leave early to avoid the crowds on the rock and get better light for photos.