guatape colombia tours

13 Best Guatape Tours From Medellin, Colombia

Drone view of Guatape and La Piedra Del Penol rock

Want to make your trip to Medellin unforgettable? Well then, signing up for one of the Guatape tours is an absolute must!

My top pick for the best Guatape tour: Day Trip To Guatapé with Boat Ride and Lunch which has over 2600 five-star reviews!

Guatape is an 18 th -century town in Colombia beaming with bright, vibrant colors and a rich culture. But the main event is just a skip away from the cobblestone streets: La Piedra Del Penol.

For those familiar with Spanish, you know Piedra means Rock. But this isn’t any old rock. El Penol is a monolith standing about 650 feet tall. The best part? There are stairs leading to the tippy top for an incredible view of the Peñol-Guatape Reservoir.

Sure, you could navigate the bus system and hail taxes to get to Guatape, but you’d be missing out on the region’s hidden gems. That’s why I recommend signing up for one of the tours to Guatape from Medellin. From helicopter rides to waterfalls to local culinary experiences, it won’t be something you’ll soon forget.

So, let’s check out the 13 best Guatape tours from Medellin to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime!

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!

13 Best Tours From Medellin To Guatape:

1. day trip to guatape with boat ride and lunch.

Tour Highlights:

Tour length: 10-11 hours
Tour starting point: Medellin
Tour rating: 5/5 stars
Includes: Air-conditioned transportation, lunch, boat ride, bilingual guide, travel insurance, taxes

This day trip to Guatape is as easy as one-two-three! Hop on the air-conditioned coach and arrive at the foot of La Piedra del Penol. The tour gives you an hour and a half to climb the rock, so enjoy the remarkable vistas and explore the surrounding vendors.

There are drinks and snacks at the top of the rock. Why not celebrate with an ice-cold beer for your efforts?

Beer or no beer, when you get down from the rock, your guide will take you on a private boat tour around the lake. No need to do anything more than sit, relax, take photos, and take in the gorgeous environment. It’s a great moment to ask any questions about the rock and the creation of the reservoir.

The last part of the trip includes a guided walking tour in Guatape to the town’s most colorful sections. Pop in and out of artisanal shops, grab a coffee and try some delicious Colombian sweets.

This tour makes visiting Guatape a walk in the park!

Book The Day Trip To Guatape Here!

2. Guatapé & Coffee Farm, All In One Day

Includes: Hotel pick up & drop off, coffee farm fee, fruit tastings, health insurance

Get the full cultural experience on the Guatape & coffee farm tour !

This Guatape day trip kicks off at a local market, where you’ll be introduced to some of the country’s most exotic and delicious fruits– yes, please! Prepare to have your tastebuds explode as you bite into maracuya (passion fruit), uchuva (golden berry), pitaya (dragon fruit), and much more.

Now, it’s time for coffee. Your guide will take you to a working coffee farm in the lush, verdant hills, where farmers will break down everything there is to know about the process of coffee growing. And, of course, you will get to try the coffee.

Now that you’re fired up on caffeine, you’re ready to climb La Piedra del Penol and get glorious views of the reservoir. You have a full hour there, so take your time climbing the steep staircase.

Finish off the trip at the historic town of Guatape for a cultural experience and traditional Colombian lunch. Your guide will wind you through the colorful streets while detailing the town’s fascinating story. Get excited for this epic excursion!

Book The Guatapé & Coffee Farm Tour Here!

3. Amazing Private Guatape Tour, Boat Ride, Helicopter & Rock

Tour length: 9-10 hours
Includes: Transportation, helicopter flight, boat ride, Peñon de Guatape entrance, bilingual guide, medical assistance card

Looking for an action-packed adventure? Then, this private tour to Guatape with a helicopter and boat ride is right up your alley!

That’s right, this tour will give you a bird’s-eye-view of Colombia’s most iconic rock. But before you take off in a helicopter, your day starts with a boat ride through the reservoir.

As long as the weather is permitting, the 10-minute helicopter ride will give you a view of La Piedra del Penol that few ever get to witness. Soar through the sky and soak in the stunning scenery of Guatape.

Back in town, your guide will take you on an exciting tuc tuc ride through Guatape. At the end of the tour, you’ll get to walk the colorful streets of Guatape and learn about the unique zocalos (colorful exterior decorations) on each building.

By the end of the trip, you will have seen the famous rock from water, land, and air– the ultimate trifecta. So, sign up and find out why this is one of the best tours from Medellin to Guatape!

Book Guatape Tour With a Helicopter & Boat Ride Here!

4. Visit Guatapé, El Peñol, El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall

Tour length: 8-9 hours
Includes: Private transportation, snacks, travel insurance

For those who want to dive deeper into the region’s history and nature, this Guatape day trip from Medellin is a no-brainer.

The tour’s first stop is at Alta del Chocho, a local restaurant that serves to-die-for pan de queso (cheesy bread). Stretch your legs and listen to your guides share stories and facts about the region. From the restaurant, the tour heads to the La Piedra del Penol, where you’ll summit the monolith and learn what the site means to the local people.

Next on the itinerary is a 30-minute walk through the town of Guatape before heading to the breathtaking Tequendamita Falls. But don’t worry, no hiking is required. The waterfall is about 60 feet tall, and the streams of cascading water are truly a sight to behold. Have your camera ready!

Last, but certainly not least, is El Retiro. The town will give you a glimpse into the region’s best craftsmanship, architecture, and history.

Book Guatapé, El Retiro & Tekendamita Waterfall Tour Here!

5. Guatapé Piedra del Peñol Excursion, Gastronomic Tour & Cruise On The Dam

Tour length: 8-10 hours
Tour starting point: Medellín
Includes: Transportation, lake cruise, snacks, bilingual guide, health insurance

Spice up your trip to Guatape by taking this adventure-packed gastronomic tour !

On this tour, be prepared for seven delicious culinary tastings. You’ll get to sink your teeth in local classics, like fresh strawberries and cream, cheesy bread, hot chocolate, exotic fruits, and more – sounds good, right ?

The trip starts with three stops on the way to the reservoir for the first tastings and views of the region. Once at the lake, you’ll hop on a boat and learn about the part of the town that’s now far below the water. The boat ride includes a half-day picnic in a beautiful section of greenery. Chow down on a traditional meal of cold meats stuffed in banana leaves.

Next, you’ll head into the vibrant town of Guatape and wander through its magical streets. Before setting you free, the guides will take you to the most interesting zocalos.

Finally, end the trip by climbing to the top of El Penol for a panoramic view of the region you just explored. This gastronomic tour from Medellin to Guatape is as good as it gets!

Book Guatapé Gastronomic Tour Here!

6. Guatape, El Peñol Rock And Boat Ride Private Tour With Lunch

Tour length: 10
Includes: Transportation, guide, lunch, all risk insurance

This private Guatape tour is the ultimate day-trip package! The first stop is at Laguna de Guatape where you can marvel at one of the biggest Hydroelectric dams in Colombia.

The adventure will then head to Piedra Del Penol rock where you’ll climb the 700 stairs and admire the epic views of the region. Then you’ll head to Guatape, and learn the story of the town, view zocalos, and walk the most colorful streets.

After all of the fun, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite! The good news is that it’ll be time for a traditional lunch at one of the local restaurants. Dig into Colombian classics and give your legs a rest.

To finish the tour, the guide will take you to the lake for a glorious boat ride. Here you’ll visit one of the only houses that remain after a flood in the old Peñol town.

Book a Private Guatape Tour With Lunch Here!

7. Guatape & Paragliding Private Tour

Tour length: 9 hours
Includes: Paraglider, private transportation, parking fees

Adventure seekers won’t want to miss this private Guateape paragliding tour !

Begin the trip with a beautiful drive through the mountains to the paragliding location. It will just be you and your party, which means you’ll have your guide’s full attention. After completing a bit of paperwork and safety instructions, it’s time to fly!

You and your pilot will soar over the drop-dead gorgeous region for about 15 minutes. You’ll be mesmerized by the incredible views of rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and historic towns. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that no other tour offers!

Now it’s time for an equally beautiful drive through the mountains to El Penol, where you’ll climb to the top of the rock for another wonderful view of the region.

The tour’s last stop is the town of Guatape. You’ll take a relaxing guided walk through the main plaza, vibrant streets, and beautiful church. End the day with a scrumptious meal at one of the local restaurants!

Book Guatape Paragliding Tour Here!

8. El Peñol And Guatape Private Tour From Medellin

Tour length: 8 hours
Includes: private transportation, bilingual guide, entrance to El Penol rock

Not interested in traveling with a group of strangers? No problem! This private El Penol and Guatape tour will just be you and your group. Your private, air-conditioned vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and take you straight to El Penol to climb the extraordinary rock.

Since the tour is private, you won’t have to wait for other parties to catch up. As soon as you finish at El Penol, you’ll take a short ten-minute drive to the town of Guatape. As you explore the streets, your guide will provide fascinating commentary and take you to the best zocalos and the most colorful streets.

If there’s enough time after you’ve had lunch, you can take a boat ride on the magnificent lake. Just note that lunch and the boat trip will be on your own dime.

On the ride home, you’ll thank yourself for this perfect day trip to Guatape!

Book El Peñol And Guatape Private Tour Here!

9. The Most Complete Guatape Rock Private Tour In Medellin

Includes: Transportation, guide, fruit tasting

This private Guatape tour is perfect for couples and small groups looking for an intimate experience.

The first stop of the adventure is at Parque de Marinilla, about an hour outside of Medellin. Your guide will take you to a local farmers market to try exotic fruits. Colombia has over 400 fruits, so you’re bound to find a few you’ve never had before!

From the farmers market, it’s just a 30-minute drive to La Piedra del Penol. Along the way, you’ll learn about the rock’s fascinating history and how it has impacted the local community. Climbing up and down the rock takes around an hour. But feel free to take your time and enjoy the views from the top since your group is the only one on the tour!

The last stop of the trip is the lovely and colorful town of Guatape. Before your guided tour through the streets, you’ll have a traditional lunch and Colombian coffee with a view of the lake.

This is a perfect option for anyone looking for fun, informative tours to Guatape from Medellin!

Book Guatape Rock Private Tour Here!

10. Private Guatape And Coffee Tour

Tour length: 6-8 hours
Includes: Transportation, entrance to La Piedra del Penol rock, coffee, insurance

This private Guatape and coffee tour offers a picture-perfect day with three wonderful stops. You and your group will be picked up from your hotel and taken directly to La Piedra del Penol. Go up the rock at your own pace, and feel free to take as much time as you’d like admiring the epic views.

Next, you’ll head into Guatape for an exciting cultural experience. Admire the zocalos that are carved and painted into the bright buildings.

Your guide will explain how each one tells the story of its owner and the region as a whole. In town, you’ll have the chance to dine at any of the phenomenal restaurants and try Colombian treats.

After exploring the town, the final stop is at an organic coffee farm. Learn about the origins of coffee, how it’s produced and processed, and what differentiates good coffee from great coffee. By the end of this Guatape day trip, you’ll be a coffee expert!

Book The Private Guatape & Coffee Tour Here!

11. Tour Guatapé With Breakfast And Lunch

Tour length: 10 hours
Includes: Transportation, breakfast, lunch, guide, insurance

This Guatape tour will make sure you visit the fascinating Colombian town with all of the comforts you could wish for!

The excursion will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel in Medellin. First, you will go on a boat cruise on the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir where you’ll get to see a replica of the old town of El Peñol.

Then you’ll drive to El Penol and hear astonishing facts about the rock. Once you arrive, it’s time to climb! Choose your own pace as you march up the staircase to one of Colombia’s most extraordinary viewpoints.

Finish the day at Guatape. How does a big traditional plate of food and cold sangria sound? Well, in town, you’ll enjoy a filling lunch and explore the colorful plazas, cobblestone streets, and colorful facades. Your guide will lead you to the top landmarks and provide commentary along the way.

It’s the perfect hassle-free Guatape day trip with transportation, food, and a guide all included in the tour!

Book The Guatapé Tour With Breakfast & Lunch Here!

12. Full-Day Private Guatape Coffee Villa Tour From Medellin

Includes: Transportation, guide, coffee tasting

Looking for one of the best private tours to Guatape from Medellin? Then, put this Guatape and coffee villa tour at the top of your list!

You’ll take a beautiful drive to a coffee villa on the top of a mountain with a short stop at a secluded waterfall. At the villa, your guided journey through the coffee fields and hands-on learning experience will teach you everything there is to know about the trade of coffee farming.

The villa has unbelievable views of the region. Take a walk on the short trails around the villa to take in all the serenity and beauty.

The tour will then head to La Piedra del Penol. Don’t worry about entrance fees since they’re included in the experience! Climb the hundreds of steps for a vista you won’t ever forget. Relax at the top with a cold drink and local snacks before trekking back down.

End the day in Guatape, a remarkable colonial town exploding with color and culture. Your guide will lead you to the gorgeous colonial church, the primary plaza, and other fascinating points of interest. Grab some local grub and pick up a few traditional sweets for the ride home!

Book The Private Guatape Coffee Villa Tour Here!

13. Guatape With Coffee Tours

Tour length: 10 hours
Includes: Private transportation, coffee farm tickets, coffee tasting, El Peñol Rock entrance, morning snack, insurance

Take your trip to the next level with this private Guatape and coffee tour that offers an authentic, hands-on experience!

After getting picked up from your hotel, the day gets started at a local coffee farm. Experience the art of coffee production as the farmer walks you through the steps of growing and processing. While you relax with a wonderful cup of joe, you’ll understand why this is one of the top private tours to Guatape from Medellin.

Then you’ll climb the region’s famous rock, La Piedra del Penol. Along the side of the monolith is a staircase leading to the tippy top. The climb can be a challenge, but being on a private tour means you get to decide the pace. At the top, award yourself with an ice-cold beverage and some freshly cut mango.

Climb back down for the short drive into Guatape, the colonial town famous for its vivid colors and zocalos. Although the village has less than 8,000 residents, you’ll walk into a lively atmosphere of bustling streets, eateries, art, and local cuisine.

Guatape was one of my favorite destinations during my time in Colombia. From roaming the colorful streets to taking in the unbelievable scenery and climbing to the top of El Peñón de Guatapé rock, a visit to Guatape is a must!

Going on a guided tour to Guatape is a great option for those who don’t speak Spanish or don’t have the time to arrange everything yourself.

The most comprehensive Guatape tour: Day Trip To Guatapé with Boat Ride and Lunch which has over 2600 five-star reviews!

Looking for more Colombia travel inspiration? Be sure to check out these posts next:

15 Top Things To See And Do In Colombia
15 Best Things To Do In Cartagena, Colombia
Visiting Termales Santa Rosa De Cabal
Guide To Hiking El Cocuy National Park
Visiting Los Estoraques Unique Natural Area
10 Best Things To Do In Salento And Valle De Cocora

This post is written by Laura Sausina. Hi, I’m the founder of the Fun Life Crisis travel blog and I’ve been traveling the world for the past 7 years. Here I share my experiences and tips to help 100,000 people a month turn their travel dreams into reality! Read more about me here .

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