El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as Piedra del Peñol, is a massive monolithic rock located in the town of Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia. El Peñón de Guatapé stands at a towering 200 meters (656 feet). Visitors can climb to the top via a staircase with 740 steps.
The formation of El Peñón is a story of a fiery beginning. The journey starts with volcanic activity millions of years ago, likely during the Cretaceous period (around 70 million years ago). Deep underground, magma chambers formed due to the movement of tectonic plates. This molten rock eventually cooled and solidified beneath the Earth’s surface. The solidified rock, known as granite, is the main component of El Peñón.
Over time, the Earth’s crust continued to shift. The region where El Peñón is located was eventually uplifted, exposing the once buried granite. The surrounding rock layers were softer than granite, making them susceptible to erosion from wind, rain, and other elements. As the softer layers eroded away, El Peñón, being a resistant rock, remained standing tall.
The Guatapé Reservoir, also known as Lago Artificial Peñol-Guatapé, was not part of the landscape when El Peñón was being sculpted by time. It was created by the Colombian government in the 1970s for the purpose of generating hydroelectric power for the region, particularly for Medellín. To achieve this, a dam was constructed, flooding the surrounding valley and creating the vast lake as we know it today.
Significance
El Peñón rock was declared a National Monument of Colombia in the 1940s. “El Peñón de Guatapé is a remarkable example of natural geological formation, standing as a solitary monolith that has intrigued scientists and visitors alike. Its origin dates back millions of years, making it a natural monument to the earth’s dynamic history.” — Dr. Andrés García, Geologist.
The climb to the top can be challenging, but the stunning views are worth the effort. “Climbing the 740 steps to the summit of El Peñón de Guatapé is both a physical challenge and a rewarding experience. The panoramic view of the surrounding lakes and landscapes is one of the most breathtaking in South America, offering a unique perspective on Colombia’s natural beauty.” — Carlos Mendoza, Travel Writer
The Rock of Guatapé holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous Tahamí people, who regarded it as sacred. Today, it continues to be a symbol of pride and identity for the region, drawing tourists from all over the world.” — Mariana López, Cultural Anthropologist
