This small Colombian town is known for its colorful buildings with decorative panels, and El Peñol - a 200-meter granite monolith with 740 steps leading to its summit.
In Guatapé, a town in Colombia's Antioquia region, you'll see buildings decorated with painted panels called zocalos - some depicting local farmers tending to their crops, others showing traditional coffee production methods. Walk through the main plaza to find ice cream vendors selling local flavors like guanábana and mora. The town sits next to a vast reservoir where you can kayak between small islands, while the El Peñol rock formation towers 200 meters high, with 740 steps leading to a view point of the surrounding mountains.
Climbing El Peñol Rock
The 200-meter monolithic rock formation dominates the landscape around Guatapé. A staircase with 740 steps winds up one side of the rock, leading to viewing platforms at the top. The climb takes about 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace. You'll find rest stops every 100 steps, and each platform gives you different angles of the reservoir and mountains below. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
Understanding Guatapé's Zocalos
Buildings in the town center display colorful painted panels called zocalos along their lower walls. These panels tell stories about the building's residents, their professions, or local traditions. Walk down Calle del Recuerdo to see panels showing coffee farmers at work, while Plaza Principal's buildings feature scenes from the town's religious festivals. The tradition began in the 1920s and continues today, with new buildings adding their own designs.
Exploring the Reservoir
The El Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir covers 6,365 hectares and contains numerous small islands. Take a 45-minute boat tour through the reservoir's channels, or rent a kayak to explore independently. The waterways wind between forested islands and past abandoned structures from pre-dam villages. The reservoir's hydroelectric dam generates 30% of Colombia's electricity.
Getting to Guatapé from Medellín
Buses depart from Medellín's Terminal del Norte every 30 minutes between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM. The two-hour journey follows mountain roads through Antioquia's eastern region. From the Medellín metro system, take the blue line A to Caribe station, which connects directly to the bus terminal. When buying your ticket, tell the vendor whether you want to stop in town or at El Peñol rock.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your El Peñol climb before noon, as thunderstorms frequently occur in the afternoons, particularly from May to November. Temperatures stay around 22°C (72°F) during the day and drop to 15°C (59°F) at night. Local residents from Medellín often visit on weekends, making weekdays quieter for exploring. During Colombian holidays, the town holds festivals with traditional music and dance performances.
