A popular day or multi-day trip from Medellín is to visit one of Colombia’s most colorful villages: Guatapé. A village where you can feast your eyes. Guatapé is located near the beautiful lake Embalse del Peñol. From a great height, you have an insanely beautiful view over that lake. Climb the 700-plus steps of La Piedra del Peñol and be rewarded with a view you’ll never forget. Read all about visiting El Peñol and Guatapé here.
One of the most colorful villages in Colombia: Guatapé
Guatapé is a small village located about 70 kilometers from Medellín, in the department of Antioquia. Although the village has only about 7,000 inhabitants, it is great in what it has to offer. Guatapé is a unique village in Colombia: colorful, murals, brightly colored houses and stairs in all colors of the rainbow. Rightfully one of the most colorful villages in Colombia. A feast for the eyes I can tell you. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed and cozy, and with a location at 1890 meters altitude, the temperature is very pleasant. I understand why this place is so popular among travelers.
Besides the colorful streets and activities to do on the adjacent lake, this village is also the base for visiting La Piedra del Peñol.
El Peñol: the most beautiful view in Colombia?
From Guatapé, it takes about 10 minutes to drive to the big rock that towers over everything. The Peñol rock is a granite mass that formed 70 million years ago from quartz, feldspar and mica. On July 16, 1954, El Peñol was first climbed by a resident of the area. Meanwhile, 715 steps were made in one of the cracks in the rock to walk up. Something millions of tourists do every year.
And for good reason, the view from El Peñol is spectacular. It’s a bit of a climb, but it’s worth it. Enjoy truly stunning scenery. Islets, water, cute little houses. You will be amazed. How wonderful. Sigh…
Admission to El Peñol de Guatapé costs COP 25,000 per person. Please note that both the rock and Guatapé are very touristy. In the high season you can expect lines and crowds.
How to get to Guatapé and El Peñol?
Guatapé is located about 70 kilometers from Medellín and is easily reached by bus. Several bus companies go to Guatapé, which depart from Terminal del Norte in Medellín. Search for buses from Sotrasanvicente or Sotrapeñol. Tickets can be purchased for 21,000 COP directly on the station. Here you can find current bus schedules from Sotrasanvicente.
The bus goes to Guatapé, but you can also get off at El Peñol. If you want to, you have to tell the bus driver.
Have you a rented car in Colombia? Then it’s even more easy to get there. And also a lot easier to explore the surroundings of Guatapé.
Here you will find Guatapé on the map.
Here you will find El Peñol on the map.
Tours to Guatapé and El Peñol
- Taking a boat ride from Medellín
- Day trip with boat ride, visit to island, rock and village
- Tour with a group, including lunch
- Private tour to Guatapé and El Peñol
Take a day trip from Cocorná
If you like nature, hiking, peace and quiet, and enjoy traveling off the beaten path, I highly recommend spending a few nights (or more) in Cocorná. And at the very special Soplo del Tambo. Here you can do all sorts of things (see link), including a day trip to El Peñol and Guatapé.
Hostels and hotels in Guatapé and near El Peñol
Although Guatapé and El Peñol are perfectly doable as a day trip from Medellín, it is well worth spending one or two nights there. There is more to do than just climb the rock, you can also go on beautiful hikes and visit other villages. Search and find your hotel or hostel here!
Guatapé and El Peñol: a fun day or multi-day trip from Medellín
And there is much more to do in and around Medellín in addition. Click here for a list of what to do in Medellín and the surrounding area.
This article contains affiliate links. Click here for more information.
