Guatapé and El Peñol: A colourful escape in Colombia

Guatapé, a picturesque village of a thousand colours, and El Peñol, famous for its monumental rock, are must-see destinations for any traveller exploring the province of Antioquia, whose capital is Medellín. These two sites are considered classics of Colombian tourism.

El Peñol (Credit: Antioquia es mágica)

Just two hours from Medellin, the journey to Guatapé is an experience in itself, as the road passes through lush green landscapes, majestic mountains and offers the chance to interact with the locals. The locals, as everywhere in Colombia, are always delighted to share their love of their country and encourage visitors to discover it.

The Piedra del Peñol

On arrival in Guatapé, the first stop is usually the Piedra del Peñol. This enormous rounded rock formation stands in the middle of a surreal landscape, dominated by a turquoise lake. The site is popular with tourists, who can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing and a host of water sports.

Climbing Peñol is a challenge, with around 650 steps to the summit and almost 740 to the observation platform built at the top. However, the effort is amply rewarded by spectacular views of the surrounding region, the mountains and above all the man-made lake.

The village of Guatapé

Zocalos de Guatape (Credit: Antioquia es mágica)

After visiting the Piedra del Peñol, Guatapé is a must-see. It is one of the most colourful villages in Colombia, known for its “Zocalos”, decorations on the facades of houses that tell the story of the village or depict scenes from traditional daily life.

The history of Guatapé’s Zocalos dates back to the 1920s, when local artist José Maria Parra began decorating his house. His neighbours were so taken with his work that they asked him to do the same for their homes. Today, these decorations have become an emblematic feature of the village, attracting many travellers from all over the world.

The Nuestra Señora del Carmen church, with its colonial architecture and colourful façade, is another point of interest not to be missed. And for a well-deserved break, head to the Malecón, a waterside promenade where you can hire kayaks or simply enjoy the view of the lake.

Guatape also offers a variety of activities for nature and adventure lovers. You can explore Quebrada Encantada, a charming gorge of quartz rock, or visit Fantasy Island, an eco-tourism project located in the middle of the dam. For a more tranquil experience, the La Culebra leisure park offers beautiful trails and a variety of flora and fauna, including a wide variety of hummingbirds.

Guatapé and El Peñol are not-to-be-missed destinations on a trip to Colombia. Whether it’s climbing the monumental rock or discovering the fabulous village, these sites offer travellers a unique and unforgettable experience.