Day trip
Guatapé and Piedra del Peñol day trip from Medellín
A tour sorts out transport, timing and sometimes lunch and a boat ride. The trade-off: you reach the rock at the same time as everyone else. Here is how to decide.
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What tours usually include
Most tours leave Medellín around 8 am and reach the rock around 10. A typical day combines:
- Round-trip transport from Medellín.
- A stop at the Old El Peñol replica or a viewpoint.
- Time to climb the rock (the ticket is sometimes extra).
- A boat ride on the reservoir.
- Lunch and a walk through the zócalos of Guatapé.
In July 2026 Colombia.com reported tours of up to about COP 100,000 per person depending on the season, including transport, boat and lunch. Private and English-language tours cost more. Before paying, check whether the rock ticket (COP 35,000) is included; if not, add it.
Tour or on your own?
| Tour | On your own | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Included, door to door | Bus from the Terminal del Norte, COP 20,000 each way |
| Time at the rock | Mid-morning, longer lines | Whenever you like; 8 am is quieter |
| Boat ride | Usually included | From COP 30,000 on a shared boat at the waterfront |
| Flexibility | Low | Total, you can stay overnight |
Bus and boat prices: Terminales Medellín and VisitGuatape.co, 2026. They may change.
If you travel solo, do not speak Spanish or are short on time, a tour is easy. If you prefer an early start and walking without a group, take the bus: everything is in how to get there from Medellín. If you can stay a night, even better; see hotels in Guatapé.
Tips to make the most of the day
- Bring cash for the ticket, the boat and lunch.
- Light clothes, a rain jacket and sunscreen: the weather in Guatapé changes fast.
- Ask when the tour heads back and stay close to the meeting point.
- If time at the rock is short, climb first and take photos on the way down.
The boat ride is the part that varies most between tours. To know what to expect, see the lake and boat tours.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Guatapé tour from Medellín?
Does the tour include the rock ticket?
What time do tours leave?
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.