Overview:

Piedra del Peñol - Guatape is located in the Antioquia region of Colombia. It is a renowned tourist destination made famous by its giant rock, also known as La Piedra del Peñol. The rock is an enormous monolith standing at 207 meters in height. The rock is surrounded by a reservoir and can be reached via an 800-step staircase. This rock formation provides visitors with spectacular panoramic views. The area is also known for its unique rock art, colorful buildings, and vibrant culture. It is a popular destination for tourists, offering numerous activities including hiking, fishing, bird-watching, and sightseeing. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. Piedra Del Peñol: The Rock of Guatape, also known as La Piedra Del Peñol, is a unique granite monolith in the small town of Guatape, Colombia. Standing at an impressive 220 meters high, the sheer rock face has become a popular tourist attraction for locals and foreign tourists alike. 2. Stairway to the Top: The 6501 steps it takes to get to the top of La Piedra Del Peñol is a major highlight for many visitors. Climbing up the stairs offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and lake. 3. World's Largest Outdoor Staircase: The stairway at La Piedra Del Peñol is officially the world's largest outdoor staircase, with over 650 steps. 4. Zip-Lines: For thrill-seekers, the adventure doesn't end there. There are various zip-lines available for tourists to ride along the side of the mountain. 5. Boats for Exploration: There are boats at the base of the rock for tourists to rent to explore the surrounding lake. The boats come complete with a captain and offer an up-close look of the unique natural landscape. 6. Rappelling: For those looking for even more of an adrenaline rush, rappelling down the side of the rock is an option, with certified instructors making sure your experience is safe and enjoyable. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Piedra del Peñol-Guatape is a town located in the Colombian province of Antioquia. The town is known for its spectacular rocky landmark, the Piedra del Peñol, which rises 200 meters above the lake of Guatape, making it one of the most distinguishable features in the region. The town of Piedra del Peñol-Guatape dates back to the 16th century when the first inhabitants of the region arrived. In the year 1777, Don Diego de los Rios founded the village of Peñol and the settlement of San Cristobal, of which Piedra del Pemnol-Guatape evolved from. In 1810, the village of Peñol was officially founded and the municipality of Peñol in 1821. The name of the municipality was officially changed to Piedra del Peñol-Guatape in 1950. The development of the town of Piedra del Peñol-Guatape was also encouraged by the construction of the National Railway of Colombia, which was started in 1858 and completed in 1865. This railway connected the town to the rest of the country, providing the town an important economic incentive. The town of Guatape, which is located near the Piedra del Peñol, was officially founded in 1934. The town became known for its traditional architecture, which was inspired by the Spanish colonial period. The unique architecture of the town made it a popular tourist destination, as the town became known for its colorful facades and houses. The Piedra del Peñol is an important feature of the region and a popular attraction for tourists. The large rock was climbed in 1954 by Fernando Luque who become the first person to reach the top of the rock. Since then, it has become a popular destination for hikers who climb the 740 steps to the top. The town of Piedra del Peñol-Guatape is now an important tourist destination for both local and international visitors. Visitors to the town can explore the beautiful landscape, admire the traditional architecture, learn about the history of the town, and explore the surrounding area. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. The monolith of Piedra del Peñol-Guatape is the second-largest monolith in the world, and is composed of 200 million year old granite rock. 2. The height of the monolith is said to be around 725 meters, and it is believed that it was formed from underwater sedimentary rocks. 3. A staircase made of 659 steps built in 1954 is the main attraction for tourists. 4. There are beautiful views overlooking the artificial lake of Guatape, and the rocky cliffs at the top of the mountain provide a stunning hang gliding and rock climbing experience. 5. It is said that a person can climb up and down the monolith over 10000 times without ever stepping in the same spot twice. 6. Near the base of the monolith, there is an artificial lake known as the Guatapé Reservoir, an important source of Colombia's hydroelectric energy. 7. Piedra del Peñol-Guatape is a popular tourist destination and is widely recognized as one of the most iconic and interesting sites in the country. 8. Legend has it that the immense shape of the monolith was created as a result of a giant carrying large rocks up the mountain to build a fortress. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.