The lake
The Peñol reservoir and boat tours
The reservoir is what makes the view from the rock so unusual. Seeing it from the water is the other half of the trip, with options from COP 30,000.
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- 6,365 hasurface area
- ~1.22 billion m³of water
- 1978year it was filled
- from COP 30,000shared boat
What the reservoir is
The Peñol-Guatapé reservoir is one of Colombia's largest hydroelectric reservoirs. According to the El Peñol town hall, it covers about 6,365 hectares and holds roughly 1.22 billion cubic meters of water. Filling it flooded entire valleys, and the hilltops that stayed above water are the islands you see from the rock. The old town of Old El Peñol also lies underneath.
Boat rides from the waterfront
| Type | Reference price | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared party boat | From COP 30,000 per person | 1 to 1.5 h | Budget and solo travelers |
| Private launch | COP 150,000 to 400,000 per boat | 1 to 2 h | Couples, families or groups |
| Sunset cruise | COP 60,000 to 100,000 per person | 2 h | A quieter ride |
Source: VisitGuatape.co, May 2026. Reference prices only; negotiate and confirm at the waterfront.
Shared boats leave when full: every 20 to 30 minutes on weekends, with some waiting on weekdays. Most pass close to the rock, around the islands and in front of the ruins of La Manuela, Pablo Escobar's former estate. Today La Manuela is run as a park with a COP 50,000 entry fee according to its website.
Ask for a life jacket and wear it. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket: it is windier on the water and the weather turns quickly in the afternoon.
Other water activities
Jet skis and other water activities are also offered at the waterfront. Prices vary by season and operator, so ask directly. Several glamping sites and cabins sit right on the shore with their own docks.
A boat ride fits nicely after climbing the rock and before exploring town; there is a sample day in things to do in Guatapé. Day trips almost always include one: see the Guatapé and El Peñol day trip.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a boat ride in Guatapé?
Where do the boats leave from?
How big is the reservoir?
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.