South America
Colombia
Antioquia Department
Guatape
Things to Do in Guatape
Piedra Del Penol
See all things to do

Piedra Del Penol

See all things to do
See all things to do
Piedra Del Penol
4.5
2,459
#1 of 12 things to do in Guatape
Geologic Formations
Read more
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Write a review
About
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Piedra Del Penol
See all
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
86 within 3 miles
Restaurante Stone
32
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • South American • Colombian
Restaurante La Villa De Pancho
1
0.8 miMexican
Casa Cuba
196
1.4 mi$ • Caribbean • Cuban • Vegetarian Friendly
Bacchanal Restaurant & Bar - El Parche
89
1.6 mi$ • Mexican • American • Bar
Restaurante Oregano
33
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegan Options
Cafe La Vina
211
1.6 mi$ • Cafe • Colombian
Vecchio Forno G
214
1.6 mi$ • Italian • Mexican • Pizza
Zocarolls
79
1.6 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe • International
Guatacrep'
253
1.7 mi$ • French • International • European
Koi Cocina Asiática
39
1.6 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
See all
Attractions
12 within 6 miles
El Penon de Guatape
35
508 ftMountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
199
1.6 miChurches & Cathedrals
Guatapé Dam
111
1.6 miLookouts • Geologic Formations
Parque Comfama
36
1.4 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Plazoleta de los Zocalos
29
1.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Lanchivas
13
1.7 miMarinas
Guatape / Piedra Del Peñol
3
1.7 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Monasterio benedictino Santa María de la Epifanía
12
2.9 miReligious Sites
Malecon de Guatapé
14
2.8 miObservation Decks & Towers
Parque Temático Réplica del Viejo Peñol
10
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,459 reviews
Excellent
1,743
Very good
571
Average
97
Poor
31
Terrible
17
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, FL19,437 contributions
Stunning Views!!!
Friends
We took a day trip to Guatape this past Friday, and had a great time exploring this part of Colombia. The drive took just over 2h30, since the road is very winding.

Upon arrival, we parked and went to the ticket booth. They only accept CASH, and it is 20,000 Colombia pesos per person to hike to the top. The hike up us very steep, with 770 steep steps to the top. There's also a lot of water flowing down the stairs, so you have to be extremely careful.

Half way to the top, theres a small memorial dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The guide told us it takes about 20 minutes to the top, and we did it in 8 minutes! We definitely didn't stop, and just walked as fast as we could.

Once you there, the 360 views all around are well worth it! There's also a few cafés where you can buy drinks and food. This is definitely an absolute must do while in Guatape, and I highly recommend spending at least one night there, as the drive back took almost 3 hours with an accident blocking the road.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darby I
London, UK294 contributions
Beautiful scenery and the exercise was nice too!
Exciting adventure just about an 1.5 hours outside Medellin (this depends on traffic as we got stuck behind some very slow cars/trucks on the only road to get there from the city). It was definitely worth it though as the fresh air was lovely, the exercise was needed after eating our way across Colombia and the michelada at the top was a cold and refreshing reward. Took approx. 15 mins to climb and the same on the way back down as you can really only go as fast as the people in front of you.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teresa
Boston, MA13 contributions
A must see!
Couples
Interior steps are narrow & wet. Exterior steps are steep, but there’s railing. It took us 15 mins. going up, 10 mins. coming down. Interior stairs may backup to allow others to pass. NB: rest room in the food court has a charge to enter, but free on top of the rock!
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julio J
3 contributions
TOURIST ABUSE IF NOT CAREFUL!!
Couples
Let me start with the good; it’s a beautiful rock with an amazing view. You should do it, BUT, not now. The main stairs to the top are under construction. Hence, the only way up is a narrow passage used for people to go down. On my trip to El Peñol, we purchased tickets but were not able to go up because too many people were heading down. The result: a blockage of people, a dangerous situation and a hot and suffocating experience.

When we ask for our money back we were told no. They told is that under no circumstances they refund money even if you can’t go up. So, be careful! They rob tourist blindly whether you can go up or not even if it was their fault for the congestion.

In conclusion wait till next year until renovations are done. Because if something happens, you will not get you money back. Beautiful place with horrendous respect for the tourists that pay their salaries.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael B
Bellflower, CA23,034 contributions
Do climb the 700 odd steps if you can, the view is fantastic, but it’s not for the faint hearted.
We rented a car and driver to take us from Medellin to visit the Piedra Del Penol, it’s about a 1.5 hrs. journey. This is an interesting large granitic rock that has resisted weathering and erosion, at its highest point it is (7,005 ft) above sea level.
Making it a bit of a strenuous climb, half way up there is a resting place and a shrine to the Virgin Mary, and at the top is a three-story viewpoint tower, tourist shop and seats.
Once down and through the exit gate, there is a viewing area with a bronze life like statue of Colombian alpinist Don Luis Eduardo Villegas Lopez who was the first person to climb to the top of the Piedra Del Penol, made by sculptor Mario Hernández C.
Don Luis bought the rock from local farmers as it was useless to them as farmland, he built concrete steps in a crack, and began charging admission to climb to the top. Today over 5,000 visitors climbing the rock. There is a plaque at the foot of the statue telling about Don Luis Eduardo Villegas Lopez history. Also, there are a great variety of tourist shops and restaurants, check out the Mirador de la Piedra restaurant, the food was not bad, or the Stone restaurant next door. This is a large tourist restaurant located between the rock and the parking lot, with a fantastic view of the Guatape Dam and the Piedra Del Penol from their back terrace. There was a sign for craft beers, but we ordered margaritas and a mojito with extra rum, as we had time to kill.

TIP: Get there early to climb El Peñol, it’s not for the faint of heart, it costs COP$18,000 per person. Take water, sunscreen, and a jacket it could be cold on top. Have brunch when you come down.
Written April 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B d A
Athens, Greece817 contributions
Caput Nili
A circus event - an artificial lake an an Ayer's rock formation like an inverted mine. A one hour 700 steps ladder. The view stupendous but the beef is not there. Consider the history, the flooding, the submerged villages, the resources. It is still a controversial dispute
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ariana Marcela
El Copey, Colombia1 contribution
Guatape
I recommend Guatape because it is a beautiful place, economical, it works for all environments, the food is delicious, people are friendly, in general it is a good place to enjoy.
The view you get when you climb the 740 steps is wonderful, the boat ride and enjoy the scenery on the reservoir is magnificent.

I will always say yes to Guatape!!! :)
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MelanyVT
Aruba31 contributions
705 steps
It is 100% worth it once you are up there. But be aware that if you are not that active normally it will take you some time you get on the top. Going up you climb a ladder that is practically on the side of the rock and coming down you actually go thru the rock. My husband has fear of heights but he managed pretty well, actually better than me. I would recommend going early in the morning. We were there at 9 and could have climbed the rock in some peach and quiet, when coming back down it was really really busy. The steps are not that wide so it is pretty scary when it is crowded. The view once you are up there is simply breathtaking.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ojanak
Central Mexico and Gulf Coast, Mexico16 contributions
The split rock
Family
A very unique rock formation in a valley. Climb up about 700 steps for a spectacular view. The climb difficulty for me was easy to moderate. The drive to the rock was well worth the trip. Try to go early in the morning for a clear view and better photos of the surroundings while you are there. Watch the birds hover effortlessly as they catch the warm air movement.
After the climb go to town for lunch and coffee. We made it to a Venezuela Mia and then to Cafe Sin P, both excellent choices.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jacobo
Medellin, Colombia1 contribution
The best of the best
The Pierre del Peñol is a tourist destination where it En el Peñol located. When always go there I tried to clim it complete because when you are in the top you feel complete and so happy. The last time I was there, it was 6 months ago. When you are there you must see all the lake and when return downstairs you must eat an ice cream and then lunch because the lunch there is so delicious. I like it so much because I spend family time and I feel so happy every time I climb it.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 832
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Piedra Del Penol (Guatape) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Piedra Del Penol
Piedra Del Penol is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Piedra Del Penol tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 61 Piedra Del Penol tours on Tripadvisor