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El Peñón de Guatapé: A Climbable Monolith

Climb the iconic El Peñón de Guatapé for breathtaking panoramic views of the Colombian countryside and the stunning Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir.

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El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as Piedra del Peñol, is a massive granite monolith rising 220 meters (721 feet) high near Guatapé, Colombia. Visitors climb over 700 steps built into a crack on one side to reach the summit, where they are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding lake and islands.

A brief summary to El Peñón de Guatapé

  • Guatapé, Antioquia, CO

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, as El Peñón de Guatapé is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
  • Bring cash for the entrance fee, as card payments are not always accepted.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the climb, as the staircase can be steep and tiring.
  • Take breaks during the climb to enjoy the views and catch your breath.
  • Purchase water and snacks at the base of the rock, as prices at the top can be higher.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Medellín, take the metro to Caribe station, connected to Terminal del Norte. Purchase a bus ticket to Guatapé (approx. 17,000-18,000 COP). Buses depart frequently. You can get off at La Piedra, a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from the rock's entrance. A tuk-tuk from the main road to the base of the rock should cost around 5,000-10,000 COP. Alternatively, take the bus directly to Guatapé, and then take another bus from Guatapé to La Piedra for approximately 1,000 COP. Entrance to El Peñon costs 20,000-25,000 COP.

  • Taxi

    From Guatapé town, taxis to El Peñón de Guatapé are readily available. The ride is short, approximately 5-10 minutes. A taxi from Guatapé to El Peñón should cost around 3,000-5,000 COP. Entrance to El Peñon costs 20,000-25,000 COP.

  • Walking

    From Guatapé, it is possible to walk to El Peñol, although it is along a busy highway. The walk is approximately 4 kilometers and takes around 45-60 minutes. Exercise caution and be aware of traffic. Entrance to El Peñon costs 20,000-25,000 COP.

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Discover more about El Peñón de Guatapé

El Peñón de Guatapé, a towering granite monolith, stands as a natural wonder and a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of the Guatapé region. Rising 220 meters above the surrounding landscape, this colossal rock formation offers visitors a unique opportunity to ascend its heights and witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir and the stunning landscape. Geologically, El Peñón de Guatapé is estimated to be around 65 million years old. It is a remnant of the Antioquia Batholith, having resisted erosion over millennia while the surrounding granite formations slowly fragmented. The indigenous Tahamí people, who once inhabited the region, worshipped the rock and referred to it as 'mojarrá' or 'mujará'. In the 1940s, the Colombian government recognized its significance by declaring it a National Monument. In 1954, the first recorded ascent of El Peñón was made by Luis Eduardo Villegas López, Pedro Nel Ramírez, and Ramón Díaz, who took five days to reach the summit using sticks attached to the rock's wall. Today, a winding staircase of over 700 steps allows visitors to easily ascend to the top. At the summit, a viewing deck awaits, complete with souvenir shops, cafes, and unparalleled views of the lake and its intricate network of islands. The panoramic views from El Peñón are truly awe-inspiring, offering a 360-degree perspective of the lake and nearby towns. The creation of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir in the 1970s, a hydroelectric project that flooded the nearby valleys, dramatically transformed the surrounding landscape, adding to the allure of the view from the summit. The contrasting landscape of the monolithic rock amidst the man-made lake makes it a unique sight.

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