The Rock of Guatapé or El Peñón de Guatapé
Guatape is a beautiful town two hours from Medellin, Colombia. The town’s main attraction is the gigantic rock, visible pretty much anywhere you are in the city.
The massive stone was formed millions of years ago. The Tahamies Indians, former inhabitants of this region, worshiped the rock.
The rock has a curious history. On the northern face of the stone there are painted large white letters, “G”, and an incomplete “U” (only the single vertical stroke was completed). According to Wikipedia, Guatapé and El Peñol had long disputed ownership of the rock, and the residents of Guatapé decided to settle the matter by painting the town’s name on the rock in huge white letters. It did not take long for the residents of El Peñol to notice the work, and a large mob was assembled to stop it. Only the “G” and part of the “U” were completed.
At its highest part, on the rear (southeast side), it has an elevation of 2,135 metres (7,005 ft) over sea level. 659 steps lead you to the top of La Piedra Del Peñol (Spanish for “The Rock of Guatapé”). The view from there is great, as you can imagine.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- La Piedra del Peñol / El Peñón de Guatapé, named peak (not the ticket entrance or parking area), Antioquia, Colombia
- Coordinates
- 6.2200247, -75.1794330
- Access
- The operator describes 740 steps built into a crack in the rock, two access routes and medical-aid points. The climb is stair-only; pace it to fitness. This map pin marks the rock peak, not the lower ticket entrance. Guatapé tourism says it is about 5 km from town, reachable by vehicle, public transport or motochiva.
- Admission
- Conflicting prices are published: La Piedra’s ascent page lists COP 30,000; its FAQ lists COP 20,000; a Guatape tourism guide reports COP 35,000 for 2026. No current price is confirmed. Call Centro Turistico La Piedra (+57 313 657 9198) before climbing. The operator page says cash; children over 1 m pay.
- Time needed
- The operator says climb time depends on fitness. Guatapé tourism estimates about 30 minutes up and roughly two hours for ascent, summit and descent; allow extra time for queues and rest.
- Best season
- No source guarantees a best season. Colombia Travel describes Guatapé as a year-round destination. Rain can make the stairs slippery; check the local forecast and avoid climbing in unsafe conditions.
- Opening hours
- The operator ascent page lists daily 08:00–17:00, while its FAQ and Guatapé tourism guide say summit operations are 07:00–16:00 during improvement works. These cutoffs conflict. Confirm last ascent and summit closing with the operator before going.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-28
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-28
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Truly awe inspiring!