Is the Guatapé Day Trip Worth It? A Complete 1-Day Itinerary

You’ve seen the photos: a giant monolithic rock towering over a maze of emerald-green lakes and a fairytale town painted in every color imaginable. This is Guatapé, and the most common question we hear is: “With a 2-hour drive each way, is it really worth doing as a day trip from Medellin?” The answer is an overwhelming yes, but only if you do it right. It is one of the most spectacular and unique sights in all of Colombia, and trying to cram it into a rushed, one-size-fits-all group tour can turn a dream day into a stressful one.

The mistake most travelers make is taking the public bus or a large group tour. This means wasting precious vacation time waiting at a terminal, getting herded with a crowd, and being forced to eat at a pre-selected tourist-trap restaurant. The 2-hour journey can easily stretch to 3, and you’ll spend more time waiting in lines than you will enjoying the views. This is not the luxury experience you came to Medellin for.

The best way to do Guatapé is on your own schedule, which is why a private driver is essential. Our “perfect day” itinerary starts by leaving your villa in Poblado by 8 AM to beat the crowds. You’ll drive directly to the main event: La Piedra del Peñol. Arriving early lets you climb the 700+ steps to the top and enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view before the large tour buses arrive. After you’ve taken your iconic photos, you’ll head to the charming town of Guatapé itself. Here, you can wander the “Calle del Recuerdo,” marvel at the colorful, hand-painted zócalos (murals on the lower half of the houses), and have a leisurely lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. The final step is a private boat tour on the embalse (reservoir) to see the stunning landscape from the water.

You’ve seen the photos: a giant monolithic rock towering over a maze of emerald-green lakes and a fairytale town painted in every color imaginable. This is Guatapé, and the most common question we hear is: “With a 2-hour drive each way, is it really worth doing as a day trip from Medellin?” The answer is an overwhelming yes, but only if you do it right. It is one of the most spectacular and unique sights in all of Colombia, and trying to cram it into a rushed, one-size-fits-all group tour can turn a dream day into a stressful one.

The mistake most travelers make is taking the public bus or a large group tour. This means wasting precious vacation time waiting at a terminal, getting herded with a crowd, and being forced to eat at a pre-selected tourist-trap restaurant. The 2-hour journey can easily stretch to 3, and you’ll spend more time waiting in lines than you will enjoying the views. This is not the luxury experience you came to Medellin for.

The best way to do Guatapé is on your own schedule, which is why a private driver is essential. Our “perfect day” itinerary starts by leaving your villa in Poblado by 8 AM to beat the crowds. You’ll drive directly to the main event: La Piedra del Peñol. Arriving early lets you climb the 700+ steps to the top and enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view before the large tour buses arrive. After you’ve taken your iconic photos, you’ll head to the charming town of Guatapé itself. Here, you can wander the “Calle del Recuerdo,” marvel at the colorful, hand-painted zócalos (murals on the lower half of the houses), and have a leisurely lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. The final step is a private boat tour on the embalse (reservoir) to see the stunning landscape from the water.

Let Us Plan Your Perfect Day Trip

Don’t gamble your day on a crowded bus or a rushed tour. When you book your stay with MedellinVillas.com, our concierge team will arrange a seamless, unforgettable Guatapé experience. We will have a private, air-conditioned vehicle and a bilingual driver waiting for you at your villa. We can pre-book a private boat tour for your group and secure reservations at the best restaurant in town.

You just wake up and enjoy the adventure. We handle every last detail.

Contact our concierge team to book your private Guatapé excursion today.