Vamos a El Penol de Guatape. 

El Penol de Guatape is a national monument located in the town of Guatape, Antioquia.  If you visiting Medellin Colombia, a day trip to “the Rock” is a must. Visitors are permitted to climb it’s 650+ steps stairway for some of the best views in the world.

How to get there?

The safest way to get there is to inquire from the hotel you are staying and they can arrange for you to get with a tour operator, external guide or recommend drivers associated with the hotel for a private tour.  You can find a couple of tour operators online (please read tour operator reviews online for updated information).  However, if you are adventurous, you can complete the tour at your own pace and use public transportation. Bring local currency/money only and your basic Spanish.

Go to the Bus terminal at Caribe Metro Station by train or taxi.  Try to get there for early morning departures between 8AM and 10AM.   The bus destination names are clearly label, and most employees and patrons can point to the stations you looking for.  The bus from Medellin to Guatape cost about 13,500 COL Pesos. If you take the 8:15AM bus you should arrive around 10AM at Guatape.

Street vendors and police at checkpoints may board your bus randomly along the way.  This is normal.

Once you arrive in Guatape, check the return schedule and purchase your same day return ticket. This is where you can get the most up to date information on return bus schedule. If you only visiting the rock, you will need about 3 to 5 hours (depending how fast you can climb) to really enjoy your time for a day trip. You may walk or take the tricycle taxi (recommended) to the Rock.  There is an entry fee of 18,000 pesos to enter and climb the rock.

The climb is only easy for people who are fit for difficult climbs and we did not find it easy.  Nonetheless, pace yourself and you should make it. The challenge and views are worth it.

TIPS.

Lock and leave your most important valuables (jewelry and shiny watches) in the hotel including your original passport.  Bring a photo copy of your bio page and entry stamp with you and hotel contact.  You can download offline maps (Google Maps) on your cellphone to track your journey with GPS without using data to avoid getting lost.  Use an unclear normal shopping bag from a grocery store to carry your cellphone, camera ..