Medellin guatape and el peñol tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 9 hours

Medellin Day Trip: Guatape and El Peñol

Visit the colourful city of Guatape outside Medellin, Colombia, and climb El Peñol, a gigantic rock that provides gorgeous views of emerald waters and sprawling land. Explore the colourful architecture that makes Guatape a memorable destination. During a workshop with local artisans, discover the fascinating history and symbolism behind the tradition of painting zocalos that adorn the lower walls of their buildings.

Then climb more than 600 steps to the top of a 200m-high granite monolith set near the reservoir named El Peñol and boat ride around the stunning reservoir. This day trip from Medellin is perfect for travellers looking to experience fascinating culture and awesome views.

Depature Time: 8 am Monday-Sunday

EXPERIENCE TYPE Local Culture, Nature and Hands-on Experience

Tour Highlights

What to Expect

Essential Information

Tour Highlights

Guatape

Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia

A cute and colourful town, Guatape is located about 2.5 hours outside Medellin. It is located in a beautiful zone wedged between a government created reservoir and a colossal stone, called el Peñol de Guatape.

Upon arrival to the town of Guatape, you'll be surrounded by the most colourful houses, each one intricately decorated with zócalos, traditionally painted carvings, along the lower parts of the main entrances.

Each zócalo tells a story about daily life, local traditions, or natural elements of this region of Colombia. This artistic tradition dates back to the early 20th century, originally serving as a protective and decorative element for the homes.

More information

Have fun painting your own zocalo in Guatape

The artistic work of painting zocalos in the houses is part of the Guatape's culture and tradition, so what better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by painting a zocalo?

As part of this immersive experience, you'll participate in an interactive workshop where you can create and paint your zócalo. This workshop will allow you to express your creativity and take home a unique and personal souvenir from your visit. Led by local artisans, this workshop will give you an interesting perspective into the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional artworks.

More information

El Peñol

Climb a gigantic rock for a great view!

El Peñol is a enormous rock that you can't miss as you arrive to Guatape. The Peñol is said to be millions of years old, and if you ask local residents how the rock was formed, everyone will have a different story for you! Regardless of how the rock was formed, though, it offers an incredible view over the surrounding area. Be prepared to climb a whopping 740 stairs to reach the top of this gigantic rock!

El Peñol is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of the area's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike.

More information

What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

Departure Time: 8 am

We will pick you up from your hotel in Medellin and drive about 2.5 hours to reach the town of Guatape. With its vibrant colours and proximity to the water, Guatape serves as a popular holiday spot among Colombians. The main plaza features a beautiful traditional church and small shops that sell handicrafts and souvenirs.

Also known El Peñol de Guatape, this 200m-high granite monolith was once worshiped by indigenous people. Workers installed a staircase along the side of the rock so visitors can climb more than 600 steps to reach the top. The climb is not difficult, but people with bad knees might find it challenging. Take your time on the climb to enjoy the stunning views. Once at the summit, revel in the picturesque emerald-green water below.

You will also participate in an interactive workshop where you can create and paint your own zócalo. This workshop will allow you to express your creativity and take home a unique and personal souvenir from your visit. Led by local artisans, this workshop will give you an interesting perspective into the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional artworks.

Take a ride on a boat through the reservoir that sits around Guatape and El Peñol. Your tour guide will teach you more about the importance of this body of water and you will get a chance to see other tourists and locals take part in water sports and activities. A boat ride is a great way to enjoy a new perspective of the area while getting to relax after climbing so many stairs.

Finish Time: 5 pm

Essential Information

What's Included

Private transfer to and from the hotel
Guided tour in English
Traditional Colombian lunch
Entry tickets to EL Peñol
Reservoir boat ride
Zocalos workshop
Day tour insurance

What's Not Included

Any other personal expenses and tips

How to Book

If you wish to book this tour, please click on the yellow "Book Now" button, select the date, number of people, complete the details and go through a secured online payment platform.

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Amazing tour company

I have traveled throughout the world and worked with many tour companies. Uncover Colombia is the most organized, detailed and responsive tour company I have worked with. Every guide that was provided is an amazing and enthusiastic person. Accommodations were incredible. Overall , nothing can top it ! USE UNCOVER COLOMBIA and you won't be disappointed.

– Richard, January 2026

Bespoke tour of the highlights of Colombia with a focus on nature

Uncover Colombia put together an itinerary for us based on our love of nature, scenery, and hiking, and our desire to see some of the best the country has to offer. We loved their suggestions and we have felt looked after every step of the way - hotel bookings, transfers, internal flights, guides...

– Ellie, January 2026

Amazing

Beatriz was a wonderful tour guide for visiting Guatape city from Medellin. She went out of her way to help me find shoes before we officially started our tour because my shoes got ruined in the rain the day before and I had nothing proper to wear. She has a clear love for the city she grew up in and that personal connection to it made the tour and information she shared more genuine and meaningful.

– Rahma, January 2026

Colombia travel

We traveled three weeks across Colombia – from Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Medellín, the Pacific coast of Nuquí, the Coffee Region, Tayrona National Park, and finally Cartagena. In one word: exceptionally well organized. Excellent guides, seamless transfers, and an organization where everything worked exactly as planned.

– Damjan, December 2025

What about it? Look no further!

We have travelled to just under 80 countries around the world, often on our own, sometimes, when the country had some problems, relying on an agency; something we decided to do for Colombia as well. I must say that UncoverColombia is absolutely among the best tour operators I have ever met. The organization is immaculate, precise and very accurate...

– Cinzia and Luca, August 2025

A professional tour operator

Uncover Colombia did a great job in arranging accommodation, transport which included 4 domestic flights and meals. Most importantly, they have assigned tourist guides who are professional, friendly and passionate. They are sometimes funny and always helpful.

– S L, August 2025

Blown Away

Every detail was taken care of, the destinations are world class, communication was excellent. I would give them 6 out of 5 if I could. The guide UC booked for us was exceptional. He knew his stuff, was very good with e-bird, he was an interesting guy and an overall good bean. Our tour actually started in Barranquilla...

– Derek, April 2025

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Sol, our tour guide, was amazing. We did a three day tour of Medellin and local villages nearby. Sol shared her vast knowledge of the political and social recent history of the region. She led the tour at our pace. She was lovely to be with. The driver was very cautious. It was a great experience.

– Lynn, February 2025

Great to work with!

Uncover Colombia was fantastic to work with! We had a 12 day itinerary and everything went very well. The agency reps were very flexible before and during the trip even when we requested last minute changes. They always did their best to accommodate us. The assigned contact person during the trip was always reachable and responsive...

– Gary, December 2024

Great organization - even at short notice!

My girlfriend and I wanted to visit Colombia, but were late in the planning. We reached out to Uncover just a couple of weeks before our departure and they were able to organize the whole tour in just a few days, and for a more than fair price...

– David, December 2025

We highly recommend!

We had a FANTASTIC experience with Uncover. Nidia and her team organized the most magical 4-day trip to the Colombian Coffee Region. I am Colombian but needed assistance as I wasn’t familiar with the area. We went to the Cocora Valley, Rafting down a river, had a fabulous coffee farm experience and even visited a cacao farm where we got to make artisan chocolate. We traveled with our school aged children...

– Daniela, July 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.

– Mal & Michelle, July 2024

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

My mother and I did a 5-day trip to San Agustin, Tierradentro and the Tatacoa dry forest/desert with Uncover Colombia. It was absolutely brilliant. The communication was great and Nidia helped us to ensure that the trip was tailored to our needs and wishes. Our driver, Jesus, and guide, Jorge, were very friendly and Jorge was very knowledgable...

– Gary, July 2024

Highly Recommended

Uncover Columbia, specifically Helena (who handled all logistical questions pre-trip) Sergio (our amazing guide) helped make an unforgettable 4 day experience as part of our honeymoon.

– Mates, July 2024

Want to know more?

get in touch

All our tours are private and can be customised. Just complete our tailor-made tour form or give us a call. We’re flexible and happy to design the most suitable Colombia tour for you!

Have a question or need some help with your booking?

Medellin guatape and el peñol tour

Medellin Day Trip: Guatape and El Peñol

Guatape

Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia

Have fun painting your own zocalo in Guatape

El Peñol

Climb a gigantic rock for a great view!

Detailed Itinerary

What's Included

What's Not Included

How to Book

Amazing tour company

Bespoke tour of the highlights of Colombia with a focus on nature

Amazing

Colombia travel

What about it? Look no further!

A professional tour operator

Blown Away

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Great to work with!

Great organization - even at short notice!

We highly recommend!

3 Week Tour of Colombia

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

Highly Recommended

Want to know more?

get in touch