Views From Above: A Helicopter Flight Over Guatapé

TLDR? The beautiful landscape of Guatape looks otherworldly from above, and a helicopter tour is the perfect way to see it!

My partner might be a pilot, but I’m sure not. So, I decided to convince him it was time to take me on a helicopter tour of Guatapé.

Now, I’ve traveled by airplane a ton, but when it comes to helicopters, I have to say it’s completely different. If you’re looking for something different or another point of view of this place, it might be time to add this to your list of the things to do in Medellín.

Here’s what to expect on a helicopter tour of Guatapé!

But First, a Bit About Guatapé

Before we jump right into talking about the helicopter tour, let’s take a second to talk about Guatapé.

Guatapé is one of the most popular day trips from Medellín.

This is mostly thanks to its huge rock formation, known as El Peñol. With over 700 feet (220m) of solid and ancient rock, this enormous natural sculpture was considered an element of indigenous worship.

The locals climbed the rock in the 50s as a personal challenge; however, with no formal stairs, it wasn’t exactly an easy feat.

Later, to facilitate access to the stone, they used wooden ladders. Currently, the safe system of stairs includes access to El Peñol and other independent stairs for its visitors to descend.

In other words, there’s a way up and a way down. Both are great for taking in the views of the area and checking out what Guatapé has to offer.

Is It Worth Taking a Helicopter Ride? 

Is it worth going on a helicopter ride in Guatapé? Absolutely, yes!

However, you should also climb the rock. The Peñol stone is one of Colombia’s most beautiful wonders, and you shouldn’t just see it only from above. After all, you wouldn’t get the full experience.

You’ll get a very different view of the rock during the 740-step-long route up El Peñol. Maybe you’ll lose your breath, but that’s part of the experience.

In terms of the helicopter tour, it’s on the pricier end. But, if you want those picturesque photos and videos of Guatapé, this is the way to get them.

Safety, Regulations, and Pre-Departure

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s talk about what a helicopter flight over Guatapé is really like.

There are a number of helicopter pilots that will take you up to see the rock. All of them have been doing this for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about things like safety.

I should mention that the aircraft has weight regulations so everyone can have a safe trip. Depending on how many people you’re with, you might have to split up. That way, everyone can enjoy this incredible experience!

One of the most popular tours is run by Helisky, a very professional helicopter service. They go above and beyond with safety recommendations, so if you’re worried at all, this is a good group to pick.

What to Expect on Your Tour

Once you get up in the air, you’ll notice that the color of the water is entirely different. The brightness in the water, with its unique mix between blue and green, is absolutely stunning. And, it’s much easier to see from up above than down below.

Unlike other lakes, Guatapé lake has many green areas in the middle, giving you the impression that you’re flying over a sea with small islands. Some of them have fancy houses on them, which can either be rented out or are privately owned.

You can ask questions about the lake and the stone during the tour. It’s not very long so you should make the most of it and definitely get your money’s worth!

The flight lasts anywhere from 15-minutes to 30-minutes (depending on your package). So, you’ll pretty much get a flight around the lake and back to the landing pad.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you race out to book your flight, there are a few things to know.

Firstly, reservations aren’t required, although the company recommends it just so you don’t have to wait around.

Secondly, the price varies depending on the number of minutes you want the tour to last. It also depends on how many people will be flying.

The cheapest flight is approximately six minutes. I know: it’s not much. But, it is enough to give you the general experience without breaking the bank.

If you’re staying in Guatapé, another recommended option is to review other helicopter flights that you can book. There are some much longer tours that don’t just fly over the lake but actually give you a chance to see the whole area.

There are even places where you can book a helicopter flight over certain parts of Medellin!

Take a Helicopter Flight Over Guatapé

This adventure’s certainly a bucket list activity, and it’s definitely worth it. If you want a new way to experience Guatapé, I highly recommend booking this helicopter flight over Guatapé.

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