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Boat tour · Guatapé, Antioquia
Represa de Guatapé
The Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, a large lake of green islands and peninsulas formed in the 1970s. By boat from the malecón you pass the cross of the old town of El Peñol, submerged beneath the water.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Represa de Guatapé
The Peñol-Guatapé reservoir was created in the 1970s to generate electricity, flooding valleys of eastern Antioquia. The result is a lake with irregular edges, dozens of islands and peninsulas covered in forest and pasture, and arms of water that wind between the hills. The old town of El Peñol ended up under the water and was rebuilt elsewhere.
Guatapé's malecón, the town's waterfront, is the departure point for boat trips, by speedboat or larger vessels, lasting one to two hours. The routes pass the monument marking the site of the old El Peñol — a replica of the church tower that emerges from the water — the islands and the vacation houses on the shores, always with the Piedra del Peñol in view.
On the waterfront there are also kayaks, jet skis, pedal boats, a zip line and trout restaurants, fish farmed in the region. The malecón is lively on weekends, with music and stalls.
The trip is relaxed and is good for those who do not want to climb the rock or as a complement to a day after the ascent.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours by boat; about half an afternoon along the waterfront.
Best time
In the early afternoon, after the Piedra del Peñol and lunch, or late afternoon. Rain usually arrives in the afternoon; tours depend on the weather.
How to get there
The malecón is on the edge of the reservoir, a few minutes' walk from Guatapé's main square, where the buses from Medellín stop.
Tip
Choose the tour by its duration and stops, and arrange everything before boarding. Have a grilled trout for lunch at one of the malecón's restaurants.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Represa de Guatapé
What do you see on the boat tour?
The islands and peninsulas of the reservoir, the houses along the banks, the Piedra del Peñol, and the monument marking the former city of El Peñol, which was flooded.
Did the old El Peñol end up underwater?
Yes. The town was flooded when the reservoir was formed and rebuilt elsewhere. A monument in the water recalls the old church.
How long does the tour last?
One to two hours, depending on the boat and the route.