Guatapé from Medellín

How to go to Guatapé from Medellín by bus

To go to Guatapé from Medellín by public transport, the departure point is the Terminal del Norte (Cra. 64C #78-580), which is in front of the Caribe station of metro line A.

1. Take the metro to the Caribe station and cross to the terminal.
2. Look for the ticket offices of the companies going to Guatapé (in the terminal, among others, Sotrapeñol and Sotrasanvicente operate) and buy the ticket.
3. The journey takes about two hours, with a detour through Marinilla, depending on traffic.
4. If you want to start with the rock, ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to La Piedra, which is before reaching the town.

The return departs from the small terminal in Guatapé, near the main park. On weekends and holidays, the return buses fill up in the afternoon, so buy the return ticket as soon as you arrive in town.

Schedules, frequencies, and prices change; confirm them at the ticket office or with the Terminal del Norte before traveling. Another option is to go on an organized tour or by private car, which gives you more freedom to stop in El Peñol and at the viewpoints along the way.

The Piedra del Peñol: the climb and the view

The Piedra del Peñol is a monolith about 220 meters high that rises next to the reservoir. Its highest point is about 2,137 meters above sea level.

It is climbed via a staircase built into one of its crevices. The exact number of steps varies depending on the source, between about 700 and 740, because some also count those of the lookout tower. In any case, the climb is demanding: go at your own pace, with water and without rushing.

• Entry: pay at the base of the rock; check the current price at the ticket office.
• At the top: there is a lookout with a 360-degree view over the islands and peninsulas of the reservoir.
• Below: there are restaurants, shops, and parking lots.

Although it is called Piedra del Peñol, today it is within the territory of Guatapé. For a time, it was part of the municipality of El Peñol, which still considers it part of its identity, and that's why the name of the rock continues to generate discussion between the two towns.

From the base to the town of Guatapé, there are a few kilometers; you can take a mototaxi, a taxi, or the same bus going to the town.

Bus to the Airport with COMBUSES

Going to Guatapé after landing in Medellín? Take the COMBUSES bus from José María Córdova airport to the city, and the next day continue by metro to Caribe, next to the Terminal del Norte. Ticket from 20,000 COP, valid for 30 days.

Buy your ticket →

What to do in the town of Guatapé

Guatapé, founded in 1811 and located at about 1,925 meters of altitude, is known as the town of the zócalos. The zócalos are relief friezes that decorate the lower part of the facades, with figures of animals, trades, landscapes, and scenes of town life. Many date from the early 20th century and continue to be painted and renovated.

• Calle de los Recuerdos: one of the most photographed streets, with zócalos and colorful houses.
• Main park and the church: the center of the town, surrounded by cafes and ice cream parlors.
• Malecón San Juan del Puerto: a promenade along the reservoir, with restaurants and a view of the water.
• Boat rides: local operators offer tours of the reservoir from the promenade.

The Peñol-Guatapé reservoir was built by Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) in the 1970s to generate energy. It flooded about 2,262 hectares and formed the landscape of islands and water arms you see from the rock.

If you have time, stay one night: in the afternoon, when the excursion buses leave, the town can be explored more calmly.

Tips for a Day in Guatapé

You can go to and return from Guatapé from Medellín in the same day, but it's advisable to plan:

• Leave early: the first buses leave at dawn, allowing you to climb the rock before it gets hotter and more crowded.
• Avoid holidays if possible: long weekends and holiday seasons bring more people and queues at the rock.
• Bring sunscreen, a cap, and a raincoat: the sun is strong on the climb, and it might rain in the afternoon.
• Have cash for the mototaxi, entrance, boats, and small businesses.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the rock's staircase is steep.
• Buy your return ticket in advance and arrive at the terminal a bit before the bus time.

If you're coming from José María Córdova airport and want to go directly to Guatapé, keep in mind that regular buses leave from the Terminal del Norte in Medellín. The most practical option is to reach the city, stay overnight, and leave early the next day from the Caribe station.

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Photo: Piedra y Embalse del Peñol from Drone 05.jpg — Juan Gómez (CC BY 2.0)