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El Peñol: A Town Between the Waters and the Rock

Discover El Peñol, Colombia: A phoenix city reborn amidst stunning landscapes, crowned by the iconic Peñol Rock and Guatapé Reservoir.

El Peñol is a town and municipality in Antioquia, Colombia, known for its proximity to the iconic Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol) and the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. The town has a unique history, as the original settlement was flooded in the 1970s to create the reservoir, leading to the construction of a new town. Today, El Peñol offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, historical insights, and recreational activities.

A brief summary to El Peñol

  • El Peñol, Peñol, Antioquia, CO

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing El Peñol Rock. The 740 steps to the top can be challenging, but the views are worth the effort.
  • Bring sunscreen and water, as it can get hot and sunny, especially during the climb.
  • Consider visiting the replica of the old town (Viejo Peñol) to learn about the town's history before the flooding.
  • Take a boat tour on the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir for a unique perspective of the area and the submerged remains of the original town.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Guatapé to see the colorful zócalos (decorated facades) and experience the local culture.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Medellín, take a bus from Terminal del Norte to El Peñol. Buses depart hourly and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once in El Peñol, you can walk to most attractions or take a tuk-tuk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Medellín to El Peñol, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. A taxi from the airport to Viajero Guatapé will cost around $4 USD.

Discover more about El Peñol

El Peñol is located in the eastern subregion of Antioquia, Colombia. The municipality is famous for the massive granite monolith known as El Peñol Rock, also called La Piedra del Peñol or El Peñón de Guatapé, a towering natural monument that offers panoramic views of the surrounding lake district. The history of El Peñol is closely tied to the creation of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. The original town was founded in 1714, but in the 1970s, the area was flooded to create a hydroelectric dam, forcing the relocation of the town. A replica of the old town, Viejo Peñol, offers a glimpse into the past with a reconstructed plaza and church. A cross rising from the reservoir marks the former location of the original church. Today, El Peñol is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the replica of the old town, climb El Peñol Rock, and enjoy boat tours on the reservoir. The area offers a range of activities, including water sports and exploring the colorful streets of nearby Guatapé. The landscape is characterized by rolling green hills and clear blue water, creating a picturesque setting.

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