Guatapé and El Peñol: a private day trip

If you do one day trip from Medellín, make it Guatapé. The combination of a giant granite rock, a reservoir full of green islands and one of the most colorful towns in Colombia is hard to beat.

Getting there

Guatapé is about two hours east of Medellín by road, through the countryside of eastern Antioquia. A private driver means you can leave early, stop for breakfast on the way and come back when you're ready. For a faster and unforgettable arrival, a helicopter makes the trip in a fraction of the time.

Climb El Peñol

La Piedra del Peñol is a huge granite rock that rises sharply above the landscape. A zigzag staircase of roughly 700 steps, built into a crack in the stone, leads to the top. The climb takes most people 15 to 30 minutes, with places to rest, and the view of the reservoir's islands and inlets is extraordinary.

Go early, ideally arriving before 9am, to avoid crowds on the stairs and the midday heat.

Explore the town

Guatapé's houses are painted in bright colors and decorated with zócalos, relief panels along the lower walls showing animals, flowers and scenes of local life. Wander the streets, visit the main square and stop for lunch by the water. Trout is a local favorite.

Get out on the water

The reservoir was created for a hydroelectric project in the 1970s, which flooded the old town of El Peñol and left dozens of islands. The public boat tours are crowded, so we recommend a private boat with your own captain. Groups often add music, drinks and lunch on board and spend the afternoon swimming and cruising between the islands.

Make a weekend of it

Lake houses around the reservoir make a great overnight stay, especially for groups. Many have docks, so your boat can pick you up at the door the next morning.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes for the climb
• Sunscreen and a hat: the sun is strong at altitude
• A light layer for the boat and the evening
• Cash for small purchases in town

Our Guatapé days include a private driver, boat and optional lunch on board, and can be added to any Medellín trip.