Overview:

El Peñol and Guatape are two towns located in the department of Antioquia in the Central region of Colombia. They are popular tourist destinations because of their colorful architecture, unique culture, and stunning natural setting. The nearby El Peñol reservoir and Guatape Rock are top attractions, offering incredible views and opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can also explore the towns' historic Spanish colonial churches, eclectic shops and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. La Piedra: La Piedra is a massive rock located in El Peñol - Guatape. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the area, and it is known for its sheer size, distinctive zigzag pattern, and vibrant colors. A staircase with 659 steps leads to the top of the rock, and on the summit you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the region. 2. El Peñol Reservoir: The El Peñol Reservoir is a massive lake that is formed by the Tomine Dam. This scenic lake is a popular spot for watersports such as kayaking, fishing, and boat rides. You can also enjoy spectacular views of El Peñol - Guatape from the lake. 3. Guatape Town: Guatapetown is a charming colonial town located near the base of the La Piedra rock. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings and surrounded by lush green hills. Enjoy a stroll and visit the unique shops and restaurants that make this town so special. 4. Bird Islands: The lakeside town of El Peñol is home to several bird islands inhabited by migratory waterbirds. From the shore, you can observe the birds flying and nesting. Or, if you prefer a closer look, there are several boat tours that take you around the bird islands. 5. Hiking Trails: Explore the region’s rolling hills and lush forests with guided hiking tours. Popular trails include El Peñol - Guatape, El Peñol National Park, and the Monteria Circuit. During your journey, you will encounter spectacular waterfalls, tropical birds, and amazing views. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The town of El Peñol - Guatape in Colombia sits on the shores of the South American country's second largest lake - Lake Guatape, in the Antioquia province. It is a popular tourist destination, noted for its colorful landscape, local beer and cuisine, and for El Peñol - the famous 200 meter high granite monolith which towers over the surrounding countryside. The settlement of El Peñol - Guatape dates back to the mid-16th century, when the first settlers from other parts of Colombia arrived in this region. The settlement was originally known as Guatape de los Indios (meaning ‘the settlement of the Indians’), as the local indigenous population settled there as well. In the 18th century, local families began building colorful houses in El Peñol, creating the character that the area is known for today. The modern settlement was officially founded in 1812, when the town was first named El Peñol - derived from the ‘penon de Guatape’ (the imposing rock which towers above the town). The town's fortunes changed in the 1950s, when hydroelectric dams were built upstream in the Cauca River, creating the lake that now dominates the local area. This brought a flood of cheap energy and drew in droves of eager tourists to El Peñol - Guatape, where they could admire the lake's breathtaking views from the top of El Peñol. Today, El Peñol - Guatape is a popular tourist destination in Colombia, noted for its colourful scenery and architecture, its boisterous local fiestas, and its iconic monolith. With its cobbled streets, picturesque facades, grand colonial mansions and rows of bright coloured houses, El Peñol - Guatape is one of the most beloved destinations in the country. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Every year, the town of El Peñol-Guatapé hosts "The Boat Race Across The Gorge", where teams of locally-crafted wooden rafts race across the reservoir. 2. El Peñol-Guatapé is recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of Colombia. 3. The area is known for its many giant colorful hand-painted zócalos, which adorn houses and public buildings throughout the region. 4. El Peñol-Guatapé is home to the world’s highest monolith, two hundred seventy-eight meters high, known as La Piedra Del Penol. 5. The region produces exotic varieties of avocado, chirimoyas (custard apple) and guavas, and it is the largest producer of pitahayas in the country. 6. El Peñol-Guatapé is a popular destination for ecotourism, and it is the perfect spot to simply enjoy the beauty of nature. 7. The area also offers a variety of water activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and tiger fishing, which has become a popular pastime among local anglers. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.