The Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé are two of the most beautiful places in Colombia, must-visit destinations for those seeking to enjoy one of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and discover an authentic, colorful “paisa” town.
In this travel guide, we’ll cover the locations of Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé, their hours and prices, how to get there from Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali, and share helpful tips and recommendations.
Let’s get started!
Where are Guatapé and Piedra del Peñol?
Guatapé is a Colombian town located in the Antioquia department, about 2 hours from Medellín. This makes it an excellent option for a day trip or weekend getaway from the capital of Antioquia.
Piedra del Peñol, also known as Rock Of Guatapé, is a massive granite rock located about 4 kilometers from the town of Guatapé. This destination is famous for its landscape and the panoramic views of the reservoir you can enjoy from the top.
Recommended: 10 Charming Towns to Visit Near Medellín
How to Get to Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé
To get to Peñol Rock or the town of Guatapé from Medellín, you can take a bus from the North Bus Terminal, a trip of about 2 hours. You can also book this day tour, which includes round-trip transfers and a boat ride on the reservoir.
If you’re traveling from Bogotá, Cali, or even another country like the United States or Canada, you’ll need to get to Medellín first and then continue your journey by road. The roads are in excellent condition, so if you’re traveling with a group, you can rent a car here and make the trip on your own.
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How to book the tour to Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol? It’s very easy! Just click here to see the detailed plan description, price, what’s included, and reviews from other travelers. Then, select your preferred date, the number of people, and click on the "See availability" button.
Note that the one-day tour to Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol starts at 7 a.m., and is available every day of the year. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Medellín, meals, a boat ride, transfer to the rock, and an English-speaking guide.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Medellín is that, once you make the reservation payment, you receive immediate confirmation. Also, in case of any inconvenience or if you need to cancel or reschedule, you can request a refund up to 24 hours before the activity.
Check prices and tour details now to reserve your adventure!
Recommended Accommodation: Viajero Hostel Guatapé
Just 10 kilometers from the Piedra del Peñol is Viajero Guatapé Hostel. We recommend staying here to start your day enjoying the incredible sunrise over Guatapé’s mountains, all from the comfort of your room.
At the hostel, you can also enjoy water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding and relax at the Viajero Lake Club restaurant, where you can take in the sunset, savor authentic Antioquian flavors, and meet travelers from around the world!
Viajero Guatapé offers a variety of accommodations: shared dorms, mixed or women-only, with room for up to 8 people, equipped with bathrooms, reading lights, and privacy curtains, to private rooms for up to 4 people, some with balconies and views of the lagoon.
Another advantage of staying at Viajero Guatapé is the chance to enjoy kayaking, learn wake surfing, go mountain biking, and participate in daily activities. Just note that the hostel is exclusive to guests 18 years and older.
To get to Viajero Guatapé Hostel from José María Córdova International Airport, you can take a taxi; the journey is 22 kilometers. If you prefer to use Uber or Cabify, it’s recommended to pay in cash, as drivers in the area usually prefer it and it can help avoid cancellations.
If you prefer to take a bus, from the roundabout outside the airport, take a bus heading to Guarne and get off on the highway, where buses to El Peñol pass. Then, take a bus to El Peñol, and from there, a taxi to Viajero Guatapé will cost around 4 USD.
To get there from Medellín or from Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, you can take a bus to Marinilla. Once you reach this small town, a taxi to the hostel will cost around 6 USD.
If you need assistance, you can contact Viajero Guatapé by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to +57 3185724671. You can also email guatape@viajerohostels.com or book online by clicking here.
Take advantage and book your stay now!
Things to Do in Guatapé and the Piedra del Peñol:
1. Climb to the Top of the Rock of Guatapé
The Piedra del Peñol, also known as Rock of Guatapé, is regarded as one of Colombia’s natural wonders by many travelers. This impressive 220-meter-high monolith stands as a major tourist attraction near Medellín, and in our view, it’s a must-visit at least once in a lifetime
The most thrilling part of the experience is the climb to the summit. If you’re curious about how many steps lead up the Piedra del Peñol, there are 740 steps carved into the rock that guide you to the viewpoint. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lagoon and its small islands.
The climb to the Piedra del Peñol takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your pace. Although it can be a bit challenging, there are places to take small breaks along the way to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. Once at the top, you’ll find shops and one of the most beautiful views in Colombia.
Hours and Prices: Generally, the Piedra del Peñol is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entrance fee for 2024 is $25,000 COP for adults and $15,000 COP for children and seniors. These hours and prices are subject to change.
Click here and secure your spot on the Guatapé tour from Medellín!
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If you are visiting Medellín, one of the must-do activities is this free tour of Comuna 13. You will have the opportunity to explore an area that has transformed its painful past into a present full of diversity and social reclaim, while admiring the graffiti that decorates its streets.
To book the graffiti free tour of Comuna 13, simply click here, select your preferred date and time, and indicate the number of people attending. It is important to note that the activity is available every day and lasts for 2.5 hours, and is based on tips.
Book the free tour of Comuna 13 now!
2. Explore the Colorful Streets of Guatapé
One of the best things to do in Guatapé is to stroll through the colorful streets of the town, especially La Calle del Recuerdo. There, in addition to admiring the famous “zócalos” that represent the region’s culture, you can visit the Historical and Community Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of the reservoir.
Another must-visit spot in Guatapé is the Plazoleta del Zócalo, located just a block from the main park and the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen. In this area, you’ll find colorful houses, cozy cafes, restaurants, and craft shops.
Finally, from our experience, another essential activity in Guatapé is walking along the boardwalk and enjoying water sports on the reservoir. By the way, if you love charming towns, we recommend visiting Jardín, Antioquia.
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How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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3. Boat Ride Around the Guatapé Reservoir and Explore Old Peñol
Now that you know how to get to Piedra del Peñol from Medellín, it’s important to learn a bit about the history of the reservoir that surrounds it. This mega-hydroelectric project was built in the mid-1970s, despite opposition and without considering the concerns of local residents.
The construction of the reservoir involved the demolition and flooding of the old towns of Guatapé and El Peñol, as well as the relocation of their inhabitants, whose main economic activities were livestock farming and small-scale agriculture. You can even visit the replica of Old Peñol.
Today, the residents around Colombia’s most famous rock strive to keep the memory of their ancient towns alive. Additionally, a recommended experience is to stroll along the reservoir, discover the new and old buildings, and stay at Viajero Guatapé Hostel.
Check the price for the Guatapé tour + Boat Ride
You might also be interested in: Helicopter Tour Over Guatapé
Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
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On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
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Tips for Traveling to Guatapé, Colombia
To avoid crowds and enjoy the views more peacefully, it’s recommended to visit Piedra del Peñol in the morning. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip footwear to prevent slips, and bring water and some snacks to keep your energy up during the climb.
Keep in mind that the weather in Guatapé and its surroundings is usually mild and sunny. However, from April to May and from October to December, rain is common, so consider bringing a light jacket.
Finally, be respectful of the environment, take care of nature, and don’t leave trash in the places you visit. Additionally, if it’s your first time in Colombia, here are other travel guides you might find interesting:
What to See in Bogotá, Colombia: Top Things to Do
Nuquí, Colombia: How to Get There and What to See
Things to do in Cartagena: Places to See
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Some organized trips you might be interested in:
Recommended tour: Ciudad Perdida from Santa Marta - 4 days / 3 nights
This 4-day trip to Ciudad Perdida includes 4x4 transportation from Santa Marta. We can pick you up in the historic center, El Rodadero, Taganga, or downtown Minca, and drop you off at the entrance of Tayrona on the way back.
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Discounted price per person: $1,800,000 COP
Sale valid for travel until December 31, 2024. After that, the regular rate will be $2,150,000 COP.
Recommended package: Coffee Cultural Landscape - 4 days / 3 nights
On this exciting journey, you’ll discover the charms of the Coffee Cultural Landscape. You’ll be able to stroll among coffee plantations, wander the picturesque streets of Salento, explore the trails of Valle del Cocora, and be amazed by the beauty of the Quindío Botanical Garden.
The package includes round-trip transportation from Armenia, as well as the necessary transfers to follow the itinerary. It also offers accommodation in a private room for couples in a charming coffee farm. During your stay, you can enjoy the coffee tour and visit each destination at your own pace. Local guides in Spanish.
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Price per person from: $1,879,000 COP
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