In brief
Hello adventurer! Get ready for an extraordinary Colombian getaway by exploring the majestic Piedra del Peñol, also known as the peñón de Guatapé. Nestled near the picturesque village of Guatapé, this imposing rock formation rises 2,135 metres above sea level. Imagine climbing its 740 steps carved into the rough stone, each step bringing you closer to a breathtaking view ofLake Guatapé (or Lake El Peñol) and the surrounding Andes.
La Piedra del Peñol is much more than just a monolith; it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramas, revealing the stunning beauty of Guatapé and its surroundings. Get ready to immerse yourself in this thrilling experience, combining local history, physical challenges and awe of breathtaking Colombian nature. Put on your hiking boots and join us for an unforgettable ascent of the Piedra del Peñol.
Piedra del Peñol
Our opinion: beautiful view ★
A visit to Piedra del Peñol (and nearby Guatapé ) is a must for any trip to Antioquia. With easy access just 1h30 from Medellín, the site is a victim of its own success, with massive weekend crowds creating an atmosphere almost parallel to that of a Walt Disney park. Opting for a weekday visit is essential to enjoy the peace and quiet. Although the entrance fee is quite high, the panoramic view of the lake and mountains is well worth the detour. What’s more, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area, so you can plan an enriching stay.
When should you visit Piedra del Peñol?
La Piedra del Peñol can be visited all year round.
Tourist traffic at Piedra del Peñol: for a peaceful experience, opt for weekdays. Also avoid the December-January period, Holy Week, weekends and public holidays, when crowds are (very) high. Because it’s so easy to get to, it’s a popular destination for Colombians, and travel time can be twice as long!
Climate at Piedra del Peñol: prepare yourself for the unpredictability of an equatorial climate, with a temperate atmosphere and frequent rainfall throughout the year. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket, as well as light clothing for the sunny days, of which there are many. The best period is said to be between mid-December and early March, in the heart of summer, but on the whole, the climate is so pleasant that a visit is always a good idea.
Legend: Blue: transport – Yellow: activities & visits – Green: accommodation – Orange: restaurants
Getting to know La Piedra del Peñol better
The Piedra del Peñol (or peñón de Guatapé), a majestic monolith, stands like a natural giant in the heart of Colombia’s Antioquia department. This 220-metre-high geological wonder is an icon that combines geography, mystery and history.
Geography & Training
The Piedra del Peñol, an impressive geological formation, sits majestically in Colombia’sAntioquia department. At an imposing 220 metres high, this natural wonder attracts visitors from all over the world. Its origins date back some 80 million years, when geological forces shaped the region.
This geological configuration is known as aninselberg. An inselberg is a rocky structure, whether a hill or a small massif, characterized by steep slopes overlooking an eroded plain of sediments. These formations result from the preservation of rocky cores that have escaped weathering. The term “inselberg” originates from the German word literally meaning “mountain island”.
The monolith is mainly composed of granite, a material resulting from the slow cooling of magma. The combination of quartz, feldspar and mica gives granite exceptional strength, a key element in the preservation of Piedra del Peñol through the ages. Erosion, the result of a subtle interaction between natural elements, has sculpted the rock, revealing this imposing structure.
Located between the municipalities of Guatapé and El Peñol, the Piedra del Peñol is surrounded by rolling topography and man-made lakes, creating a landscape of extraordinary beauty. These lakes, such as the El Peñol reservoir, add a special dimension to the panoramic view from the summit of the monolith. The strategic location of this granite giant has also had significant historical and cultural implications for local communities.
History
Tahamí civilization and evolution under the Conquistadors
Before the arrival of Western civilization, even the indigenous Tahamís, who inhabited the department of Antioquia for over 15,000 years until the Spanish conquest, saw the great rock as an object of worship. In 1714, the Indians of this region were grouped together in a “refuge” known as San Antonio de Remolinos de El Peñol. José Nevardo García, director of the El Peñol Historical Museum, revealed that remains from the 5th and 6th centuries BC have been discovered in the vicinity.
Vestiges of their existence are a few clay funerary urns found in the locality known as Alto Verde, and in several as yet unstudied archaeological sites in the hamlets of La Peña, La Piedra, El Roble and El Rosario.
According to history, the Piedra del Peñol was an object of worship for the natives who inhabited the area in pre-Hispanic times, and during the colonial period, famous legends were born, such as that of the devil who tried to take it away on several occasions, to which the large crack at the foot of its western side is attributed.
The municipality of Guatapé has undergone a number of changes over the course of its history. After having been essentially acattle-raising, farming and mining area, in the 70s of the 20th century it became a tourist mecca thanks to the construction of a gigantic reservoir on its territory.
Medellín ‘s state-owned companies built a large hydroelectric complex there at the time, flooding 2,262 hectares of land. This megaproject had a major social, economic, political, environmental and cultural impact on the locality.
The epic story of the staircase’s construction
In 1954, what was to become known as the Peñol de Guatapé was considered a nuisance by the inhabitants of the time, who devoted themselves solely to agriculture and were far from believing that it would be the future.
Its history dates back to 1954, when Father Alfonso Montoya, parish priest of Guatapé, knowing that mountaineers from different parts of the world would come to take up the challenge of climbing it, uttered at mass the expression “toads don’t climb stones”(los sapos no suben a las piedras). Don Luis Eduardo Villegas took up the challenge and, together with Ramón Díaz and Pedro Nel Ramírez, beat them all to the top of this marvellous rock. After 5 days of adventure, they managed to hoist a shirt to the summit on July 16, 1954.
Several wooden ladders followed before the 1970s and the construction of today’s concrete staircases, with a double track, one for ascending and the other for descending. Rumors even point to a future where it will be equipped with a modern cable car, enabling more people to climb, including the disabled.
Only one uncertainty remains: the number of steps! Is it 600, 650, 700 or 740? It’s hard to say – we haven’t counted, and different sources suggest different numbers.
An embarrassing inscription
In 1988, a kiosk was erected at the top of Piedra del Peñol. That year, as part of an agreement with the municipality of Guatapé, it was agreed to paint the name of Guatapé in white letters 30 metres high. However, the “U” had not yet been painted, and work was halted at the behest of the governor of the time, Antonio Roldán Betancur.
The contract for the sign was worth six million pesos, but under Law 23 of 1973, which prohibits the painting of natural formations, the governor managed to suspend the project.
This episode also provokedindignation in the community of El Peñol. They took offence at the fact that the sign was pointing in the direction of their municipality. In fact, the two municipalities were fighting over the Piedra del Penol, located between them.
Tourism
Major tourist attraction
Since the staircase was completed, the Piedra del Peñol has become one of Colombia’s most popular tourist attractions. Recent figures indicate that thousands of visitors each year climb the 649 steps to the summit and admire the spectacular panoramic views. The climb offers a unique experience, combining physical adventure with unforgettable visual rewards. Thousands of visitors are expected every weekend.
Economic and cultural impact
National and international tourism has brought significant changes to the Guatapé region. Tourist infrastructures have expanded, creating local jobs and stimulating the economy. The Piedra del Peñol has become an emblematic symbol, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development in the community.
The monolith also serves as a backdrop for a range of tourist activities, from boatingon the El Peñol reservoir to exploring the colorful streets of Guatapé. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, with traditional crafts, gastronomy and festivals an integral part of the experience.
Visit La Piedra del Peñol
Opening hours Piedra del Peñol
La Piedra del Peñol is easy to get to, and very popular with tourists. We advise you to visit as early as possible during weekends, public holidays, Easter Week and December-January, which are very busy periods.
Opening days: daily
Opening hours: 08:00-17:00
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility. There is no ramp or elevator, only an endless staircase with around 700 steps.
Entrance fee to Piedra del Peñol
The owner of Piedra del Peñol is Hincapié Villegas, a relative of the aforementioned Luis Eduardo Villegas. La Piedra now seems to be a damn profitable business!
Price: COP 25,000 per person
Method of payment: Cash only
Parking is available right at the foot of La Piedra, and is free as far as we know.
La Piedra is equipped with two access routes (1 up, 1 down), two medical assistance points, emergency exits, sanitary facilities and a variety of refreshment stands at the foot and summit (consumption not included in the entrance fee, of course).
AGENCIES AND LOCAL GUIDES
You can easily visit the Piedra del Peñol on your own.
However, if you’re looking for a guide, Kaanas Travel, run by Cathy, a Frenchwoman, offers tours including the Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé, in French, English or Spanish.
How to get to La Piedra del Peñol?
La Piedra del Peñol is located between the municipalities of Guatapé and El Peñol. It is directly accessible (in terms of tourist itineraries) from two cities: Guatapé, 4 km away, and Medellín, 70 km away.
All other bus connections require a changeover in Medellín. For example, there are no direct bus connections from cities such as Armenia, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali or Santa Marta.
The nearest airport to Guatapé is Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport, 30.4 km away.
Getting to Piedra del Peñol from Guatapé
- On foot: approx. 45 minutes (use Google Maps or Maps.me for directions).
- By tuk tuk (motorcycle cab): 10 minutes – 10,000 COP from Plazoleta de los Zócalos or Parque Principal de Guatapé).
- By bus: 10 minutes – 2,000 COP from Malecon pier.
Getting to Piedra del Peñol from Medellín
| Companies | Sotrasanvicente, Sotrapeñol (counters 9 and 14) |
| Departures | Every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 18:00 |
| Departure point | Terminal de transporte del Norte de Medellin (Caribe metro station) |
| Arrival | Guatapé |
| Note | Ask the driver to stop at Piedra del Peñol |
| Duration | Approx. 2 hours |
| Route type | Direct (no change) |
| Price (one-way) | 15,000 – 17,000 COP / person |
Where to stay when visiting La Piedra del Peñol?
Visiting the Piedra del Peñol itself takes very little time. 1 hour is enough to climb up, enjoy the view and come back down.
What matters is the program. And there are generally 2 options for visitors:
- Spend the night in Medellín and the following day visit Piedra del Peñol, the village of Guatapé and the surrounding area in 1 day.
- Leave Medellín and spend 1 or 2 nights in Guatapé to explore the surrounding area (and visit La Piedra right next door).
Housing in Guatapé
$ – Economical budgeting
Hotel
Hospedaje Guatape
Small, simple hotel in the heart of the village, with a good price for basic but clean rooms, and very welcoming staff.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hotel
Hotel Lagos de Guatape
Another simple hotel, but very affordable for rooms meeting basic needs, but quite sufficient.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
La Madriguera
Hotel located to the east of Guatapé (10-minute walk from the center), with a beautiful view of the lake from the rooms. Quiet, attentive staff.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Nomada Hotel Guatapé
Fairly recent hotel, with a pleasant exotic decor, and very well located in the village, but in a quiet area. Good value for money
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Glamping The Mountain
Outside Guatapé, these are arched wooden structures designed to preserve a warm atmosphere in the middle of the mountain and lake.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Mumu Guatapé
Located in Guatapé, 3.3 km from Piedra del Peñol, Hotel Mumu Guatapé is situated on the outskirts of Guatapé and boasts a cozy/natural ambience.
Accommodation in Medellin (for day visits)
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Masaya Medellin
(Poblado)
One of the city’s best hostels, conveniently located in the Poblado, with a rooftop pool. Nice view too!
$ – Economical budgeting
Hotel
Spring Hostel
(Laureles)
A simple, welcoming hostel in the Laureles district with all amenities around. Very good staff.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Loyds
(Poblado)
The Hotel offers a comfortable stay with attentive service, spacious rooms and a central location, ideal for discovering the city.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Los Patios Cool Living
(Laureles)
Los Patios Cool Living offers a modern, stylish stay with well-designed rooms, a friendly atmosphere and top-quality facilities.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
El Cielo
(Poblado)
Perhaps the best hotel in Medellin, luxurious and modern, with spectacular views and exceptional service, guaranteeing a memorable stay.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
First Class Hotel
(Laureles)
Although Laureles is not renowned for its high-end hotels, this hotel offers pleasant accommodation and impeccable service at a good price.
Where to eat at Piedra del Peñol?
Although there are refreshment stands directly at the foot and summit of the Piedra, if you’re looking to satisfy your taste buds, you’ll have to go further afield, notably to Guatapé. Here are a few good places to eat and drink.
Tips for visiting La Piedra del Peñol
Leave early (peak season)
Go to Piedra del Peñol as early as possible to avoid the crowds at weekends, Easter, public holidays, etc.
Moderate physical effort
Climbing the 700 steps will take some time and effort. Take regular breaks.
Sun protection
Ultraviolet rays can be very strong. Take sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with you.
Bring water
Take a bottle of water with you to face the climb. A good excuse to stop for a break!
Beware of wind and rain
The weather in the Andes is always uncertain, changing rapidly from sunshine to rain. The wind can also blow at the top of the Piedra. Just in case, take a waterproof poncho and vest.
