The Piedra del Peñol is the large rock that rises next to the Guatapé reservoir, about two hours from Medellín. Climbing it is the plan that almost no traveler misses in the area. Before going, it is advisable to know clearly how much the entrance costs, how many steps there are and at what time to arrive, among other important details for the visit.
In this guide, we tell you what everyone asks before visiting it: the price to climb the Piedra del Peñol and how to pay, what the climb is like, how long it takes, which is the best time to go and what to bring.
| Theme | Date | To take into account |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | 30,000 COP per person | Payment is only made in cash |
| Stairs | About 700 people to the viewpoint | There are breaks along the way |
| Upward movement | Between 20 and 40 minutes | It depends on your pace |
| Hours | From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Arrives early |
| Distance from Medellín | About 2 hours by car | Buses from the North Terminal |
Below we explain each point in more detail so that you arrive with everything resolved.
The entrance to climb the Piedra del Peñol costs 30,000 COP per person. You can buy it at the ticket office, at the base of the rock, before starting the climb, and Payment is only made in cash, So you have to bring some money from Medellín or from the town of Guatapé.
If you are taking a tour, check if the entrance fee is included. On our tour to Guatapé, it is not, so you might need to bring cash to pay for it upon arrival.
To reach the viewpoint, you have to climb about 700 steps up a zigzag staircase built into a crack in the rock. From below it looks more difficult than it is: the climb isn’t technical, but it’s constant.
Along the way there are breaks to catch your breath and let other visitors pass by. We recommend that you go at your own pace, without haste, and if you have knee, heart or pressure problems, take it easy and consider whether it is a good idea to complete the entire route.
The hike takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your pace. Up there, most visitors spend a good time looking at the reservoir and its islands, so plan between 1 and 2 hours for the entire visit, including the descent.
If you go on your own, add the travel time from Medellín: it’s about two hours one way and two more back. That’s why visiting the stone is usually part of a full day in Guatapé.
The reward is up ahead. From the viewpoint, you can see the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, a large lake filled with green islands and peninsulas that disappear into the horizon. It is one of the most recognizable postcards of Antioquia and the reason why so many people are eager to climb up.
The reservoir was formed for a hydroelectric power plant and today it is also a destination for boating or simply taking in the scenery. At the top there are stands selling drinks and space to rest, take photos, and stay as long as you want.
A curious detail: on one of the sides of the rock are seen giant painted letters that remind of the old dispute between Guatapé and El Peñol over which municipality the stone belongs to.
La Piedra del Peñol opens from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The best time to climb is early in the morning, as it is less hot, there are fewer visitors, and you can enjoy the viewpoint more calmly.
If you arrive in the afternoon, plan your time well. You need at least an hour between the climb, the time at the viewpoint, and the descent, so it’s best to start climbing before 4:00 p.m.
Weekends, holidays, and the holiday season are the busiest days. If you can, go during the week; if not, arrive early.
The stone is about two hours away from Medellín by car, very close to the town of Guatapé. By yourself, the buses leave from Terminal del Norte and the fare costs around 25,000 COP per trip for companies like Sotrasanvicente. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to the stone, before you reach the village.
If you prefer not to worry about the transfers, our Guatapé and Piedra del Peñol tour It leaves every day from Medellín, includes transportation, guide, a boat ride through the reservoir, and lunch, and costs 135,000 COP per person. Entrance to the stone is not included; it must be paid separately and remember that it must be done in cash.
And if you want to add the city, the Combo with City Tour, Comuna 13 and Guatapé It combines City Plus and the tour to Guatapé for 275,000 COP per person.
If you are assembling your complete trip, check out our 3-day itinerary in Medellín, where Guatapé and the stone occupy the second day.
The stone is located a few minutes from the town of Guatapé, so it is ideal to visit both on the same day. A good plan is to climb the stone in the morning, have lunch in the town, and spend the afternoon exploring its cobblestone streets and the boardwalk.
If you have time, a boat ride through the reservoir allows you to see the islands you observed from above from the water. To plan that part of the day, check out our guide on What to do in Guatapé.
Climbing the Peñol Rock doesn’t require much more than cash, water, comfortable footwear, and arriving early. With that settled, all that’s left is to take your time up the steps and enjoy one of the most famous views of Antioquia from above. And if you’d prefer someone to take care of transportation and schedules, at Turibus we’ll take you from Medellín so you can just focus on the climb.
It costs 30,000 COP per person. It is paid in cash at the ticket office, at the base of the rock, before starting the climb.
There are about 700 steps to the viewpoint. It is advisable to climb slowly and take advantage of the breaks along the way.
Between 20 and 40 minutes depending on your pace, plus the time you want to stay up enjoying the view.
Early in the morning, before the heat and the peak hours when there are more visitors.
Water, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, closed-toe footwear, and cash for entry. There are drink stands upstairs.
No. The tour to Guatapé includes transportation, a guide, a boat ride, and lunch, but the entrance to the stone is paid separately, in cash.
The Piedra del Peñol is the large rock that rises next to the Guatapé reservoir, about two hours from Medellín. Climbing it is the plan that almost no traveler misses in the area. Before going, it is advisable to know clearly how much the entrance costs and how many steps there are.
