Guatapé and El Peñol, Colombia
Piedra del Peñol: climbing the Rock of Guatapé
A 220 meter granite dome rising out of the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, about two hours from Medellín. Here is what you need to climb it well: price, stairs, the best hours and where to sleep nearby.
- 220 mtall above its base
- 740steps to the top
- COP 35,000ticket per person (2026)
- 8 am to 5 pmpublished daily hours
The Piedra del Peñol, also called El Peñón or the Rock of Guatapé, is a granite monolith that rises abruptly out of the hills of eastern Antioquia. It sits in the La Piedra rural district, about 2 km from the town of Guatapé on the road from El Peñol. A zigzag staircase of 740 steps climbs a crack in the rock, and at the top you get the view from every photo: a maze of blue water and green ridges.
Plenty of people do it as a quick day trip from Medellín. That works, but staying one night is better: you reach the rock before the tour buses, climb in soft light and spend the late afternoon wandering the zócalos of Guatapé.
The basics
- Price: COP 35,000 per person since January 1, 2026, one fare all year. Parking and payment details are in hours and tickets.
- Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, holidays included.
- Effort: 20 to 40 minutes up depending on your pace, with landings to rest. There is no elevator or cable car.
- Getting there: buses leave Medellín's Terminal del Norte every 30 minutes; see how to get there from Medellín.
What to see in the area
Guatapé or El Peñol?
Both, depending on who you ask. The rock lies in Guatapé today, but it carries El Peñol's name because it once belonged to that municipality and is still part of its identity. In the 1970s someone started painting "GUATAPÉ" on the rock face and El Peñol got it stopped; the half-painted letters are still visible. The full story, including the first climb in 1954, is in the history of the rock.
Where to stay
Guatapé has the most choice: hotels in town, cabins on the water and glamping on the hillsides. El Peñol has fewer options that are usually cheaper. If you want to wake up looking at the rock, see the rock view hotels; for domes with hot tubs, see glamping and cabins. The overall comparison is in hotels in Guatapé and El Peñol.
When to go
Temperatures barely change through the year: early mornings around 13 to 14 °C and afternoons of 21 to 24 °C. Rain is what varies, peaking in March to May and October to November. Month by month details are in weather and best time to go. Weekdays and early mornings always mean shorter lines.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Rock of Guatapé?
How much does it cost to climb in 2026?
How many steps are there?
Can I do it as a day trip from Medellín?
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.