Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Viewpoint · Guatapé, Antioquia
Piedra del Peñol
Granite monolith about 200 meters high next to Guatapé, with a staircase of roughly 700 steps fixed into the rock's fissure up to the viewpoint at the top, overlooking the islands of the reservoir.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Piedra del Peñol
The Piedra del Peñol, also called Peñón de Guatapé, is a block of granitic rock that rises about 200 meters above the surrounding land, near the shore of the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir. The top is at about 2,135 meters above sea level. The rock was revered by the indigenous peoples of the area and was only climbed in 1954 by locals who climbed the fissure using ropes and wooden ladders.
Today you climb by a concrete staircase built inside the rock's fissure, in a zigzag, with about 700 steps. The ascent takes 20 to 40 minutes, with resting points, and the descent is by a separate staircase. At the top there is a tower with a viewpoint and snack stalls.
From above you can see the reservoir, formed in the 1970s, which flooded valleys and left a maze of green islands, peninsulas and arms of blue water stretching to the horizon. The town of Guatapé appears a few kilometers away, on the water's edge.
The rock lies between the municipalities of Guatapé and El Peñol, which for a long time disputed ownership, and on one face you can see unfinished painted letters, a remnant of that dispute. The climb is tiring for those not used to the altitude and effort; go at your own pace.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours, including the ascent, the viewpoint and the descent.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the heat and the tour groups. Clouds and rain often arrive in the afternoon. Check the opening times before you go.
How to get there
It's about 3 km from Guatapé along the road to Medellín. From Guatapé go by mototaxi, taxi or on foot — about 40 minutes. Buses from Medellín stop at the entrance to the road that climbs up to the rock.
Tip
Climb in the morning and go down to Guatapé for lunch. Bring water and go at your own pace: there are benches on the landings. From the top, look for the town of Guatapé and the cross of the old El Peñol church in the reservoir.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piedra del Peñol
How many steps does the Piedra del Peñol have?
About 700 steps, in a staircase built inside the crack of the rock. The climb takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Is the climb difficult?
It's tiring, with high steps and many flights, but there are landings to rest. People with mobility difficulties can view the rock from below and from the reservoir.
What's the best time to climb?
Early in the morning, with a better chance of clear skies and fewer groups. In the afternoon rain is more frequent.