Coming to Medellin and not going to Piedra del Peñol and Guatape is like not coming to Medellin. It is a municipality 79 km from Medellin, a journey that takes between 1.45 minutes and 2 hours.
Guatape was in the 70s mainly cattle ranchers, farmers, and miners until the Guatape dam was erected, forcing the economy to become tourist related.
In the 70s, 2,262 hectares became flooded to create a hydroelectric complex. This megaproject generated significant social, economic, political, environmental, and cultural impacts in the municipality.
A massive rock stone is in place in Guatape, so the locals tried to change the name and were about to write the word Guatape on it. Fortunately, the population did not let this happen.
Curious fact. The Peñol stone is private property and generates approximately two million dollars yearly in profits for its owners. It has 702 steps and is 220 meters high and is not in the Peñol but in Guatape, and from its top, you can have a 360-degree view of the Guatape dam.
Now the town of Peñol is very close to Guatape and the stone, which is why the stone is known as the Piedra del Peñol, the town of Guatape is almost entirely tourist, where you will be able to find restaurants, colorful streets, and Hotels. In addition, there are many summer properties around the dam, many of which can be rented during the weekends for a relaxing time.
You can also hire a tour around the dam in a boat or rent jetskis to go around the dam.
Guatape is one of the most visited municipalities in Antioquia. Therefore, places like the Street of Memory or the boardwalk are preferred by tourists who come to the area.
