Guatape Day Trip Review – Is It Worth It?
TL;DR
We took a super affordable Guatapé day tour from Medellín – complete with views from Peñol Rock, a boat ride, two meals, and colourful streets – and we’re sharing exactly what to expect.
Planning a trip to Medellín and wondering if the Guatape day tour is worth adding to your itinerary? You’re not alone – it’s one of the most researched day trips in Colombia, and for good reason.
We recently joined a full-day Guatape tour with Tours Guatape, and in this post, we’re sharing exactly what to expect – the good, the not-so-good, and whether it's a fit for your travel style.
We know it’s hard to choose the right day trip when time is limited and you’re trying to stay on budget. That’s why we're breaking it down with real tips, honest photos, and no fluff – just what we’d tell a friend.
Whether you're a backpacker on a budget or a traveller looking for convenience, this post will help you decide if Guatape deserves a spot on your Colombian adventure.
Guatape Day Trip Review
We recently went on a full-day tour from Medellín to Guatapé and Peñol Rock. We chose to go with Tours Guatape because of their many amazing reviews and affordable price point.
Guatape Day Trip Itinerary
This is the itinerary of the exact Guatape tour we went on:
1. Breakfast
We were picked up on time at Poblado Park and made our way to our first stop: Breakfast at Sabor Paisa Paradero y Estadero. We had several options to choose from, including a vegetarian option.
We chose arepa and cheese, which was basic but nice for a “free” meal.
A hot drink (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) was also included.
2. Piedra Del Peñol
Next, we made our way to Piedra Del Peñol or Peñol Rock. To get to the peak, you have to climb 740 steps – we were super happy that the tour included breakfast at this point.
The views from the top are stunning, so we strongly recommend powering through the ascent if you can.
We had plenty of time to enjoy the views from and even grab a drink or a snack.
The foot of Piedra Del Peñol is extremely touristy. It’s full of photo props (you have to pay to use them) and restaurants in case you’re quick or you don’t want to ascend.
3. Boat Ride
Next up was a 45-minute boat ride on the Embalse del Peñol. You could opt to sit on the top deck to admire the views or join the show on the main deck.
To our surprise, we were joined by a singer who performed traditional Guatape songs (unfortunately, only in Spanish).
4. Lunch
For lunch, we went to Restaurante Bar San Juan del Puerto. We could choose chicken, trout, Bandeja Paisa, or a vegetarian option.
We chose Bandeja Paisa, which was amazing, especially if you consider that it was a meal included in a very affordable tour. All the other meals look filling and yummy as well. We saw happy faces all around. The meal even came with a free drink!
5. Guatape Walking Tour & Free Time
Last but not least, we got to enjoy the town of Guatape. We started with a guided walking tour where our guide showed us the most important sights and the prettiest Zocalos (colourful paintings on the lower facades of the houses).
We stopped at La Aldea Café y Artesanías, where we got a free coffee and could use the bathroom.
After the guided tour, we had roughly an hour to explore Guatape on our own, which is enough time to take pictures and maybe have another drink/snack.
Guatape Day Trip – Our Honest Opinion
First and foremost, we must say that this tour has a crazy value for money. You get transportation, two meals, a cruise, and a guided tour for roughly 30$!
The tour is quite packed, but it was super well organised, so it never felt too rushed or too slow. Our guide did an amazing job giving all the explanations both in Spanish and in English.
The food was really filling and tasty.
For us, a day trip was absolutely enough to see the highlights of Guatape. If you’re eager to explore more in depth – maybe go kayaking or paragliding – you need more time!
Guatape is the most popular day trip from Medellín, so don’t expect it to be a hidden gem. Both Peñol Rock and Guatape town were quite crowded. Probably the only way to beat the crowds is to spend the night in Guatape and explore early before the tour groups arrive or late after they have left.
What Other Travellers Say About the Guatape Day Trip
⭐ Rating: 4.8 / 5 (2864 reviews)
Well organised and punctual. Yuli, our guide, was very efficient, informative and spoke English extremely well. There was a good mix of activities, including breakfast, visiting La Piedra (with plenty of time to climb to the top), the boat trip, lunch, and Guatepe town tour. All of which were fun and enjoyable.
– Francisco (see more reviews)
What Does the Guatape Day Trip Include?
The Guatape day trip we did includes:
- Round-trip transportation
- Breakfast (typical dishes or vegetarian)
- Lunch (typical dishes or vegetarian)
- Professional guide (Spanish and English)
- Visit to Piedra del Penol
- Boat with Latin Music
- Guided tour of Guatapé and free time
- Travel insurance & local taxes
Conclusion: Is the Guatape Day Trip Worth it?
Yes, the Guatape day trip is 100% worth it – especially if you’re short on time and want great value. For around $30 USD, you get transportation, two meals, a boat ride with live music, as well as a guided visit to Guatape and the famous Piedra del Peñol.
The tour is well-organized, not too rushed, and covers the area’s top highlights in a single day. While both Guatape and Peñol Rock can be crowded, the views and charm make up for it.
Where We Stayed in Medellín
We stayed at Rango Hostel Boutique, which not only offers a rooftop pool, amazing free activities, and cosy rooms, but it’s also super close to the pick-up point for the Guatape tour at Poblado Park!
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