Reviewed · TEJO

Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour

★ 4.0 · 8 reviews 3 hours (approx.) From $76 Operated by Gran Colombia Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Tejo is one of Medellín’s loudest, most playful traditions, and this private tour turns it into a simple night out: you get picked up, head to a Tejo venue, play the game, and celebrate with local beer. I like that the setup is private, so it feels more like an experience with your crew than a cattle-call. I also love the hotel pickup and drop-off, since it means you do not have to hunt for a meeting point.

The other big win for me is the beer side. You get four beers per person as part of the plan, and the vibe is clearly meant to be social and relaxed, with the guide helping you get the rules down before you start throwing. In practice, that combo tends to bring out the laughter fast.

One thing to keep in mind: there have been a couple of booking complaints about value and expectations, especially around snacks and whether the venue matched what people expected from photos. There was also at least one report of extra beer charges, which the operator says they refunded. So if you care a lot about food details or a very specific venue look, I suggest you confirm what’s included right before you go.

Key highlights at a glance

Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour - Key highlights at a glance

  • Private Tejo + beer pairing: you play and celebrate in one tight 3-hour outing
  • Four beers per person included, with the social tone of the game doing the rest
  • Pickup anywhere in Medellín city (and even at the airport) so getting there is easy
  • Tejo instruction included: history, rules, and how to score before your throws
  • All risk insurance included, which adds a safety layer to the “throw things at targets” part
  • Some groups play alongside high-level local talent (not guaranteed, but it’s happened)

Medellín Tejo plus beer, why this tour feels like the real experience

Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour - Medellín Tejo plus beer, why this tour feels like the real experience
Tejo in Medellín is not quiet. It is a hands-on game built for noise, cheers, and friendly competition. The goal is simple enough to understand quickly, but it has just enough chaos that you will want another turn.

What I like about this format is that it acknowledges the social side. You are not just watching someone else do the fun part. You get introduced to the game, you throw heavy discs at targets, and if the target reacts, people score and celebrate. Then you settle in with beer and conversation, and the whole thing turns into a shared night rather than a check-the-box activity.

This is also where a private tour matters. Medellín is full of good day plans, but sometimes the fun comes from a single evening that stays loose. With only your group involved, you can move at the pace you want and ask questions without the pressure of rushing through a schedule that was designed for a larger crowd.

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Price and what you are really paying for at $76 per person

At $76 per person for about 3 hours, you are paying for more than just Tejo. Your money covers the guide, the Tejo admission, four beers per person, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Here is how I think about the value:

  • If you were doing this on your own, you would still need transport to the Tejo venue plus a guide-like person to explain rules and scoring fast. That time saving has value.
  • Beer is built into the fun here. When the game and drinks are planned together, you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time playing.
  • Private format reduces friction. You do not split schedules with strangers, and you can ask the guide to repeat instructions or help you adjust your throws.

Is it pricey? It is not “cheap,” but it can be fair for Medellín if the experience runs as described. The key is expectation management: the most consistent inclusion listed is beer. Snacks are mentioned in the promotional highlights, but they are not listed in the hard inclusions. So if you get there hungry, eat something beforehand.

Also, the tour is commonly booked around 15 days in advance on average, which suggests demand. If you want a specific time window, it is smart to reserve early.

Pickup in Medellín city (and airport), then a quick transfer to the action

Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour - Pickup in Medellín city (and airport), then a quick transfer to the action
The easiest part of this experience is getting there. Pickup is offered anywhere within Medellín city, including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals. If you are landing and want something fun the same day, pickup is also offered at José María Córdova International Airport.

You also get drop-off after the Tejo part, so you do not end the night trying to figure out transit. For a high-energy activity that naturally runs later than a museum visit, that alone saves stress.

Timing is also straightforward. The total outing is about 3 hours. The ride plus the Tejo session are designed to fit into one evening block, not a half-day project.

Because it is a private tour and only your group participates, the guide can adjust for your timing at pickup. If your hotel reception is slow, or you need a quick coffee run, you are not locked into a tight group departure.

Your Tejo crash course: rules, scoring, and why the game gets loud

When you arrive at the Tejo venue, the plan is to start with an introduction. You will get the history and rules, then you will learn how scoring works. The game uses heavy discs thrown toward targets, with fire-crackers located in a box full of clay. If it explodes, you score. Simple rules, fast feedback, and instant bragging rights.

A guide-led start is important. Tejo is not complicated, but the first round matters. If you know how the targets react and what the locals treat as a good throw, you avoid that awkward early phase where you feel like you are just hurling metal and hoping for the best.

The energy is part of the point. The scoring system is built for celebration, so you will feel the group chemistry immediately. In the positive feedback that sticks with me, the guide kept the atmosphere friendly and helpful, with people pointing out that the advice on the court made a difference in how fun the throws were.

One extra detail that can add to the fun: in some instances, groups end up playing with or alongside strong local players. I cannot promise that, but it shows this can be more than a tourist show. It can be the real sport version of a social game.

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Beer and snacks: included drinks, the possible snack mismatch, and what to do

This is a “Tejo and beer” tour, so beer is the anchor. You get four beers per person, and that is the item I would treat as the reliable baseline.

Snacks are described alongside the beer in the highlights. But at least some unhappy feedback points to snacks not being present, or the setup not matching what photos implied. The practical takeaway is simple: do not rely on snacks as your full meal plan.

If you want to enjoy Tejo without getting that stomach-buzzing hunger feeling, eat something earlier. You can still treat the beers as part of the celebration, but you should not assume you will leave with a full food situation.

What about extra purchases? There is a report of extra beer charges that the operator says were refunded after the issue was raised. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it does mean you should look at the beer portion expectations clearly and ask questions if the venue offers additional drinks not covered by the package.

The social factor: why people keep talking about the journey and the coach

Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour - The social factor: why people keep talking about the journey and the coach
A surprising part of the experience is not just the Tejo itself. The vibe during the pickup and drive matters because it sets your mood for the throws.

In the most positive notes I saw reflected in the overall rating, people praised friendly conversation during the ride and the guide’s help during play. The wording varies, but the theme is consistent: the guide makes it easy to jump in, and they keep the tone fun without making it feel forced.

That matters because Tejo has a physical, slightly chaotic feel. If the instructions are clear, you relax. If the instructions are vague, it becomes frustrating. You want the “silly competition” version, not the “why am I doing this wrong” version.

This is also a private setup, which tends to make it easier for the guide to give targeted help. If you miss a throw, they can adjust your stance or angle. If your group wants to rotate quickly, you can do it without waiting on strangers.

When venues or expectations go sideways, and how to protect your night

Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour - When venues or expectations go sideways, and how to protect your night
I like that this tour is sold as a straightforward, fun evening. But the honest part is that a couple of issues have shown up in reports, mainly around venue expectations and communication.

Here are the two key “watch-outs” to take seriously:

  1. Photos versus the actual location

One complaint said the venue did not match what people expected from photos, and that it felt more like a bar setup than an event space. Another mentioned the Tejo location being different than shown in a photo set. This does not mean Tejo was cancelled or ruined. It does mean the setting might feel simpler or less polished than you picture.

  1. Value and extra charges

A separate complaint said snacks were missing and there were extra charges for beers. The operator response indicates a refund was processed and the matter was reviewed.

There was also an extremely serious complaint involving disrespect by a person connected to the Tejo area. The operator response states they terminated services with that company and would not take clients to that facility again, plus they refunded the experience and offered support.

So how do you protect yourself?

  • Before you go, message the operator with one clear question: confirm that the package includes the beers promised, and clarify how snacks are handled.
  • If you arrive and something looks off, speak up right away. The operator has stated refunds and corrective steps were taken in past incidents.
  • Choose this tour if you are there for fun and you can roll with a casual neighborhood feel. If you need a very controlled, showroom-like venue every time, you might prefer a more formal bar and activity setup.

Who should book this Tejo and beer private tour, and who should skip it

Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour - Who should book this Tejo and beer private tour, and who should skip it
This tour is a strong fit if you want:

  • A social evening with a hands-on activity, not a quiet sit-and-sip event
  • Private convenience with pickup and drop-off so you can enjoy yourself after dark
  • A quick time block around 3 hours, perfect for a Medellín itinerary where you want one “anchor” activity
  • English support, since the tour is offered in English

You might skip it if:

  • Food is a priority and you need clear confirmation that snacks will show up reliably
  • You dislike surprises around venue style, since at least one report said the location looked different than expected

It is also a good date-night option in the sense that it is interactive and gives you something to do together. Just know that Tejo is loud and physical, and you will be laughing more than posing.

Should you book the Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour?

I would book it if you are excited by the idea of Tejo as a game, not just Tejo as a photo spot. The combination of private pickup, guide-led rules, and four beers per person can be great value for a fun Medellín evening.

But do it with eyes open. Confirm the snack situation and package boundaries so there is no confusion when you arrive. And if you get a venue that feels more casual than the photos you imagined, treat that as part of how Tejo often lives in Medellín.

If you want an interactive cultural night that is easy to schedule and not a hassle to reach, this one can deliver. If you need a tightly controlled experience with zero mismatch risk, it might not be the best fit.

FAQ

How long is the Tejo and Beer Private Medellín Tour?

The tour runs about 3 hours total.

Do you get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup is offered anywhere within Medellín city, including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals. Drop-off is included as well. Pickup is also offered at José María Córdova International Airport.

How many beers are included?

Four beers per person are included.

Is the Tejo activity admission included?

Yes, the Tejo admission ticket is included.

Are snacks included?

Snacks are mentioned in the tour highlights, but the listed inclusions specifically name the tour guide, pickup and drop-off, four beers per person, and all risk insurance. If snacks matter to you, confirm them when you book.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

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