La Piedra del Peñol
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La Piedra del Peñol

4.7
·4k reviews·, Colombia

A colossal granite monolith with over 700 steps leading to breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding lakes and countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesday mornings

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
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La Piedra del Peñol

La Piedra del Peñol

Best Time

Wednesday mornings

Avoid weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal granite monolith with over 700 steps leading to breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding lakes and countryside.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"A must-do for the view! Very touristy, but a breathtaking view."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds

Get there before 10 AM, especially on weekdays, for a less crowded experience and better photos.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing over 700 steps, so sturdy footwear is essential for a comfortable ascent.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Summit View

The Summit View

Top of La Piedra del Peñol

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the surrounding lakes and lush Colombian countryside. A truly rewarding sight after the climb.

The 700+ Steps

The 700+ Steps

Ascent to the top

A challenging yet manageable climb offering incredible photo opportunities as you ascend. Great cardio!

The Rock Itself

The Rock Itself

Base of La Piedra del Peñol

Marvel at this massive, unique monolith that dominates the landscape. Its sheer scale is impressive.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds to the Top

Arrive early, ideally before 10 AM on a weekday, to avoid the peak tourist rush. This ensures a more pleasant climb and better photo opportunities of the stunning panoramic views. Reddit

Combine with Guatape Town

La Piedra del Peñol is often visited as part of a day trip from Medellin that includes the colorful town of Guatape. Plan your itinerary to enjoy both the rock and the charming streets. Reddit

Best Times

When
Wednesday mornings
Why
Avoid weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Before 10 AM
Why
Fewer tour buses
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Sunlight for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El Peñón de Guatapé (The Rock of Guatapé) in Colombia ⛰️🏞️🇨🇴 #medellin#medellín#colombia#medellincolombia#elpeñoldeguatape#elpeñol#peñol#guatape#antioquia#fyp#viral#travel#worldwalkerz
@world_walkerz
138.6K likes • 4M views

🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds

Get there before 10 AM, especially on weekdays, for a less crowded experience and better photos. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing over 700 steps, so sturdy footwear is essential for a comfortable ascent. Reddit

Piedra del peñól 🇨🇴 #medellín #colombia #guatape #piedrapeñol #extremo #medellincolombia
@josephin_plaza
133.9K likes • 3.4M views
GUATAPE Y LA PIEDRA DEL PEÑOL . . Reels: @lin_cey.v . . Una de las poblaciones más visitadas en Antioquia es Guatapé. Situada a 75 kilómetros de Medellín en el oriente del Departamento, tiene una historia para contar, que está siendo conocida por los visitantes que llegan diariamente atraídos por las fotografías de miles de viajeros que dejan testimonio de su belleza en las redes sociales.  Guat...
asiescolombia_
4.5K likes • 102.1K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water or purchase it at the top. The climb can be strenuous, especially in the heat. Reddit

📸 Take Photos on the Way Up

The views are spectacular during the climb; don't wait until you reach the summit to start capturing memories. Reddit

The #grandeur of #nature #stone #peñolstone #guatapé #curvy #curvyfashion #lapiedradelpeñol #huge
alessiabig11
180.9K likes • 4.5M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Crowds

Get there before 10 AM, especially on weekdays, for a less crowded experience and better photos. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing over 700 steps, so sturdy footwear is essential for a comfortable ascent. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water or purchase it at the top. The climb can be strenuous, especially in the heat. Reddit

📸 Take Photos on the Way Up

The views are spectacular during the climb; don't wait until you reach the summit to start capturing memories. Reddit

💰 Carry Cash for Entry

While some facilities might accept cards, having cash for the entrance fee and small purchases is recommended. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of La Piedra del Peñol, calling the climb a rewarding experience despite the 700+ steps. While some find it a bit touristy, most agree it's a must-do for the incredible scenery and unique geological formation. The facilities at the top and base are generally adequate for visitors. Reddit

"Really good option to look at, this is the biggest and nearest attraction if you are staying in Medellin. To go up it costs 30,000COP roughly $8.50 and to get there you have to climb 705 stairs (20 min climb). It’s not recommended if you have heart conditions and you still have to stop 3-4 times to catch your breath. Overall the place is very nice with a lot of food options and drinks."

Fernando Aparicio

"We visited this interesting tourist spot with a day tour. We had quite good weather and we arrived early in the morning (around 10:30AM) when it was not too busy. At the bottom there lots of restaurants, souvenirshops and toilets. There are free toilets next to the ticketbooth so you don’t have to go to one of the restaurants where you have to pay. After you get your tickets you start the climb up. The stairs were quite okay, it took us about 20 minutes to reach the top. Here you have great views of the surroundings and the lake. There are toilets at the top as well. In about 30 minutes you can start your descend again which takes more or less the same amount of time. It was quite impressive to visit this."

Sam H

"Very touristy, but a breathtaking view. 800 steps to climb to reach the top, and a very nice reward! I'd recommend a visit as part of a package tour of Guatape and the surrounding area. We were lucky enough to arrive early to avoid the crowds. A must-do for the view!"

Mich _t

What People Like

Breathtaking summit views
Unique monolith
Rewarding climb

What People Dislike

Can be touristy
Crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular way is by taking a day tour from Medellin, which often includes Guatape town. You can also rent a car or hire a private driver for more flexibility. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Reddit

While direct public buses to the rock are less common, you can take a bus from Medellin's North Terminal to Guatape and then a local taxi or moto-taxi to La Piedra del Peñol. Reddit

From Medellin, the journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or tour bus, depending on traffic conditions. Reddit

Yes, driving is a viable option. There is a large car park available, though it can get busy during peak times. Reddit

Absolutely! Many tour operators in Medellin offer day trips that combine La Piedra del Peñol with Guatape, making logistics easy. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is approximately 35,000 Colombian Pesos (around $15 USD), but prices can vary slightly. It's best to have cash on hand. Reddit

La Piedra del Peñol typically opens around 8 AM and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit. Reddit

Generally, you can purchase tickets upon arrival. However, booking a tour package might be more convenient if you're coming from Medellin. Reddit

Yes, the admission fee is charged per person for the climb to the top of the rock. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

There are approximately 700 to 800 steps, depending on the source, leading to the summit. It's a good workout! Reddit

The climb is considered moderately difficult. While there are many steps, they are well-maintained, and there are places to rest. Reddit

At the summit, you'll find shops selling souvenirs, drinks, and snacks, as well as restrooms. Reddit

Morning hours, especially before 10 AM, offer clearer views and fewer crowds. The afternoon sun can also provide beautiful lighting. Reddit

Yes, absolutely! The ascent offers fantastic vantage points for photography, so be sure to bring your camera or phone. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurants and snack bars at the base of the rock and also at the summit, offering refreshments and light meals. Reddit

You'll find typical tourist fare, including snacks, ice cream, drinks, and some local Colombian dishes. Reddit

Many visitors choose to eat in the nearby town of Guatape before or after their visit to La Piedra del Peñol for a wider selection of dining options. Reddit

While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally expected that visitors will purchase refreshments from the onsite vendors. Reddit

Options might be limited, but you can usually find fruits, snacks, and drinks. It's best to inquire directly at the food stalls. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire ascent offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't miss the panoramic views from the summit and the unique perspective of the rock itself from the base. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and vibrant colors. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at popular tourist attractions to ensure safety and respect for other visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy capturing the winding staircase against the rock face and the vast expanse of the reservoir from the top. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

La Piedra del Peñol offers a unique adventure for families. The climb, while involving many steps, is generally safe and well-maintained, providing a fun challenge for older children. Encourage them to count the steps or spot landmarks from above. Reddit

At the summit, kids can enjoy snacks and drinks, and the panoramic views are sure to captivate their imaginations. Consider bringing extra snacks and water, and be prepared for the physical exertion. Visiting early in the morning can help avoid the midday heat and larger crowds, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

💰 Budget Travelers

La Piedra del Peñol is an accessible attraction for budget-conscious travelers. The entrance fee is relatively low, and you can save money by packing your own snacks and water. Reddit

Opting for public transportation to Guatape and then a local taxi to the rock can be more economical than a pre-packaged tour. Many travelers find that the experience of climbing the rock and enjoying the views is well worth the modest cost.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, La Piedra del Peñol is a dream destination. The unique monolith itself provides dramatic foregrounds, while the surrounding landscape offers breathtaking vistas. The winding staircase against the rock face is an iconic shot. Reddit

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The panoramic views from the summit are spectacular, especially during the golden hours. Don't forget to capture the details of the rock's texture and the vibrant colors of the reservoir from various points along the climb.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Climb: A Rewarding Challenge

The ascent of La Piedra del Peñol is an iconic part of the experience. With over 700 steps carved into the side of the massive monolith, it's a physical challenge that rewards visitors with increasingly spectacular views as they climb. The steps are well-maintained and relatively wide, making the climb manageable for most fitness levels, though breaks are recommended. Many travelers find the climb to be a great workout and a memorable part of their Colombian adventure. Reddit

As you ascend, take advantage of the numerous vantage points to capture stunning photographs of the surrounding turquoise lakes and lush green islands. The perspective shifts with every few steps, offering unique angles of the landscape. At the summit, you'll find a small cafe and souvenir shops, allowing you to rest, rehydrate, and purchase mementos while soaking in the breathtaking 360-degree panorama. Reddit

Understanding La Piedra del Peñol's History

La Piedra del Peñol, meaning 'The Rock of the Peñol,' is a colossal granite monolith that stands over 200 meters (650 feet) tall. Its origins date back millions of years, formed by geological processes that left it as a solitary giant in the otherwise flat landscape. For centuries, it was considered sacred by the indigenous Tahamí people, who believed it to be the dwelling of a spirit. Reddit

The modern history of the rock is marked by the construction of the iconic staircase in the mid-20th century, transforming it into a major tourist attraction. The surrounding area was later flooded to create a series of reservoirs, adding to the unique beauty of the landscape and creating the picturesque lake system visible today. This transformation has made La Piedra del Peñol a symbol of the region's natural beauty and its development. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers

To make the most of your trip to La Piedra del Peñol, arriving early is key. Many visitors recommend reaching the site before 10 AM, especially on weekdays, to avoid the large tour groups that descend later in the day. This allows for a more peaceful climb and better photo opportunities. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be tackling over 700 steps. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so bring water or be prepared to purchase it at the top. While the climb is rewarding, remember to pace yourself and take breaks as needed. Many travelers also suggest combining a visit to the rock with a trip to the nearby colorful town of Guatape for a full day of exploration. Reddit

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