El Peñón de Guatapé Rock, Colombia
El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as La Piedra del Peñol, is a massive granite monolith that rises approximately 200 meters (656 feet) above the surrounding landscape in Antioquia, Colombia.
Located just a couple of hours from Medellín, it stands as one of the country’s most striking natural landmarks. What makes this rock especially fascinating isn’t just its size, but the way it dominates the lush countryside, offering visitors panoramic views of the beautiful Guatapé Reservoir from the top.

To reach the summit, visitors must climb a staircase of 740 steps that zigzags up a natural crack in the rock. While the climb may seem intimidating at first glance, many find it manageable with short breaks along the way. The reward at the top is breathtaking — a sweeping 360-degree view of lakes and islands that look almost too perfect to be real.

Historically, the rock was considered sacred by the Tahamí people, the original inhabitants of the region. In the 1940s, it began attracting adventurers who scaled it using wooden boards nailed into its sides. Today, it’s a must-visit site in Colombia, drawing thousands of travelers each year who come not only for the climb but to experience the sense of awe that El Peñón inspires