The iconic granite rock features 740 steps built into a crack in the stone. The climb takes 20-30 minutes at a steady pace with rest platforms along the way. Entrance requires a small fee paid at the base. The stairs are steep but manageable for most fitness levels. Not wheelchair accessible, and challenging with strollers.
The colorful town center is compact and easily walkable within 30 minutes. Cobblestone streets add charm but can be uneven and challenging for wheelchairs. Some sidewalks are narrow and slopes exist throughout the hilly town. Strollers can navigate main streets but may struggle on rougher cobblestones and inclines in certain areas.
Guatape is generally safe and welcoming to visitors, with a friendly small-town atmosphere. The main plaza and waterfront areas are well-populated and secure during the day. As with any destination, use standard precautions, avoid displaying expensive items, and stay in well-traveled areas. The town has become increasingly visitor-friendly in recent years.
Climbing El Penol rock's 740 steps rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding islands. The town's colorful zocalos create a photographer's paradise along every street. Boat tours on Guatape reservoir offer relaxing exploration. The waterfront malecon features restaurants and water sports. The vibrant town square buzzes with local life.
Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP) as its official currency. While ATMs are available in Guatape, they're limited compared to larger cities, so withdraw cash in Medellin if possible. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but smaller shops and market vendors prefer cash for transactions.
Spanish is the official language of Colombia. English is less commonly spoken in Guatape compared to major cities like Medellin or Bogota. Most establishments catering to visitors have some English-speaking staff, but learning basic Spanish phrases will significantly enhance your experience and interactions with friendly locals.
Sample bandeja paisa, the region's famous platter featuring beans, rice, chorizo, chicharron, and fried egg. Try fresh trout from the reservoir, often grilled with garlic. Arepas are essential, served with various toppings. Empanadas and patacones (fried plantains) make great snacks. Enjoy Colombian coffee and local fruit juices throughout your visit.
December through March offers the driest weather, though Guatape's climate is pleasant year-round due to its altitude. Weekends and Colombian holidays bring larger crowds from Medellin. Weekdays are quieter for exploring the colorful streets. The reservoir and El Penol rock are best visited in clear weather for optimal views.
Daytrip is a private car service platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Daytrip offers private door-to-door transfers with optional sightseeing stops, hourly driver hire, and curated day trips — all with local English-speaking drivers and operating across 130+ countries.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Yes! Book a private, door-to-door airport transfer with a local English-speaking driver. Enjoy fixed and transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the option to pay in advance without the hassle of exchanging cash at a foreign airport.
You will receive the vehicle that best fits the number of travelers in your group, ranging from a sedan to a van for groups of up to 7. Depending where you travel, you can book anything from a sedan comparable to a Toyota Corolla to a Mercedes V-Class to a Classic Cuban Car. While the exact model may vary, we always ensure that the vehicle provided meets your needs in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort. You may be upgraded to a larger vehicle class free of charge depending on availability. Since our largest vehicle seats 7, for groups larger a combination of vehicles will be used. We will send you the exact vehicle details a few days before your trip.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
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So, so happy I stumbled upon this website to book two private transports while visiting Lima, Peru. They were both one-way trips approximately 3 hours in length. Great communication as soon as everything was booked via email and I then downloaded their app. I had a few issues with the app and the customer service was awesome trying to assist me in getting it corrected. Honestly impressive customer service which gave you a positive feeling that you made the right choice. Both drivers were right on time - No issues whatsoever! Can't say enough about the service and ease of everything when travelling so far away. Great job to the daytrip team! Would strongly recommend.
