Overview:

La Piedra del Peñol - Guatape is a large monumental rock located in the town of Guatapé in the Antioquia Province of Colombia. The rock is located in the middle of a reservoir called the Embalse de Peñol and is a popular landmark in Colombia. The rock is composed of granodiorite and stands at 200 meters high, attracting climbers from all across the world. The town of Guatapé is a popular tourist destination and is known for its vibrant colors and picturesque views. Local residents have made the rock accessible with over 649 steps, allowing tourists to climb and view the waters and surrounding landscape. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. La Piedra del Peñol is one of the most famous rock formations in Colombia located in the town of Guatapé. 2. The massive rock stands at 220 meters tall, with over 649 steps leading to the top, giving visitors an incredible view of the surrounding landscape. 3. It has become a popular tourist site, with visitors also taking part in some of the activities available nearby such as paragliding, kayaking, and speedboat rides on the nearby lakes. 4. La Piedra del Peñol has become the symbol of the Guatapé region and is one of the country’s most recognized landmarks. 5. Every year on the first Saturday of August, Guatapé hosts its Gran Fiesta en La Piedra, where visitors can enjoy workshops, music, and fun events around the rock. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The city of La Piedra del Peñol, also known as Guatape, is situated in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. It is best known for the giant monolithic rock that stands just over 200 meters high, on which visitors can climb to take in the breathtaking views over the town and reservoir below. The area has been inhabited since pre-Columbian times and served as a spiritual gathering place for various indigenous tribes. It was first mapped in 1541 and in the 19th century, the local villages united to become the township of La Piedra del Peñol, or Guatape. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, especially among weekend travelers from nearby Medellin. It is renowned for its vibrant street art and traditional Colombian cuisine. Tourists come to climb or hike to the top of the massive rock, take boat rides around the emerald green reservoir, or explore the colorful streets of the old town. The construction of the El Peñol Dam, which created the reservoir, began in the mid-1960s and was completed in the late 1970s. The town has since flourished as an important hub for hydroelectric energy in the region. La Piedra del Peñol is also known for its historic churches and artisanal handicrafts, especially the elaborately carved wooden rosaries and crucifixes that are sold throughout the town. In the year 2000, the stone was declared a National Monument of Colombia. Today, it remains one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in the country. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. La Piedra del Peñol is a massive monolithic monadnock located in the small town of Guatapé in the state of Antioquia, Colombia. 2. Rising 200 meters (656 feet) above the surrounding valley floor, La Piedra del Peñol is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Colombia. 3. According to local legend, the boulder was created from a single enormous rock that was split in two by a stroke of lightning. 4. Climbing the 740 steps leading to the summit of La Piedra del Peñol is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area and take pictures of nearby lakes and archipelagos. 5. The town of Guatapé is also known for its brightly painted Zocalos, a tradition that dates back to the colonial era. The Zocalos are a series of paintings that adorn the facades of houses in the town. 6. In 2011, La Piedra del Peñol was declared a National Monument of Colombia and is a popular site for rock climbing and rappelling. 7. The area around La Piedra del Peñol is home to several endangered species, including spectacled bear, bush dog, and Andean condor. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.