"La Piedra del Peñol" and Guatapé
Guatapé, one of the most visited towns in Antioquia, is located 75 kilometers east of Medellín. This charming town has a rich history that attracts visitors from all over the world, who share its beauty through photographs on social media.
In 1970, Guatapé faced a significant challenge when it was decided to flood part of the municipality to build a hydroelectric dam for Empresas Públicas de Medellín, crucial for Colombia’s energy supply.
Despite the difficulties of relocation, the more than eight thousand inhabitants of Guatapé have managed to revitalize their community, turning it into a popular destination for both national and international tourists.
The streets of Guatapé are a spectacle of colors, with houses painted in vibrant tones and wooden balconies protruding from the two-story buildings. The zócalos, artistic reliefs on the facades of the houses, tell local stories and represent the flora, fauna, national symbols, and traditional trades, creating a unique and paint full enviroment.
One of the main tourist attractions is El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as “La Piedra del Peñol.” This 220-meter-high monolith, located between Guatapé and El Peñol, has 702 steps leading to the top. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the reservoir, which spans more than 2,200 hectares, with green islands surrounded by calm waters that invite contemplation and relaxation. A cross emerging from the water marks the old location of the town, serving as a historical symbol.
Climbing La Piedra del Peñol, visitors can enjoy a variety of crafts and typical sweets before descending.
Other places of interest include:
- The Cathedral of Our Lady of Carmen: Built in 1865, this Greco-Roman style church features zócalos representing the Fleur-de-Lis and the four evangelists, and an interior adorned with a carved wooden altarpiece and Byzantine pieces.
- The Street of Remembrance: A street adorned with flowers and zócalos that narrate the history of Antioquian colonization, with an artisanal fountain.
- The Boardwalk: A 900-meter walk around the reservoir, where visitors can embark on boats, ships, rafts, sailboats, and jet skis, and enjoy activities such as canopy, kayaking, and sport fishing.
- The Zócalo Square: Built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the municipality’s founding, this square is ideal for enjoying local cuisine, taking photographs, and buying crafts.
Guatapé and La Piedra del Peñol are wonders of Antioquia waiting to be discovered by tourists from all over the world. In these places, you will find friendly and warm people, ready to offer you a wide variety of products and services that you can hire through ourMarketPlace TUTUM.