When people talk about the best day trips from Medellín, one place comes up over and over again.
Piedra del Peñol.
Also known as El Peñón de Guatapé.
The giant rock that rises dramatically above the lakes and islands surrounding Guatapé.
Before visiting, we weren’t entirely sure whether it would live up to the hype.
We’ve travelled enough to know that some attractions look incredible on Instagram but feel underwhelming in real life.
Thankfully, Piedra del Peñol wasn’t one of them.
In fact, it ended up being one of our favourite days in Colombia.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth making the trip from Medellín or adding it to your Colombia itinerary, here’s our honest experience.
Don’t have time to read? Start here:
Is Piedra del Peñol worth visiting?
✅ Yes
How many steps are there?
740+
How long does the climb take?
20–40 minutes
Is it suitable for families?
✅ Yes
Should you visit Guatapé too?
✅ Absolutely
Best way to visit?
👉 Book a Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol day tour
Would we do it again?
Without hesitation.
What Is Piedra del Peñol?
Piedra del Peñol is a giant granite monolith located near the colourful town of Guatapé, around two hours from Medellín.
Standing approximately 220 metres above the surrounding landscape, it’s one of Colombia’s most recognisable landmarks.
The rock itself is believed to be millions of years old.
What makes it particularly unique is the staircase built into a natural crack running up one side.
Rather than hiking a mountain trail, visitors climb a zig-zagging staircase of more than 740 steps all the way to the top.
From below, it looks almost impossible.
From the top, the views are incredible.
Most people combine Piedra del Peñol with a visit to Guatapé, making it one of the most popular day trips in Colombia.
First Impressions Of Piedra del Peñol
The first thing that surprised us was the sheer size of the rock.
Photos genuinely don’t prepare you for it.
As you approach, it rises out of the landscape almost completely on its own.
It looks like somebody dropped a giant boulder into the middle of the countryside.
The kids spotted it before we arrived and immediately started asking questions.
“Are we climbing that?”
“How many stairs are there?”
“Do people really go all the way to the top?”
The answer to all three questions was yes.
Standing at the bottom, it definitely looked intimidating.
But it also looked like something we couldn’t possibly skip.
The Climb: Is It Actually Difficult?
This is probably the question most people ask before visiting Piedra del Peñol.
The honest answer? It’s harder than walking around Guatapé, but much easier than most people imagine.
The staircase contains more than 740 steps, which sounds intimidating at first. However, the climb is broken up by regular landings and rest areas, so you don’t have to tackle it all in one go. You can stop whenever you need to catch your breath, take a photo or simply enjoy the view.
During our visit, we saw all sorts of people making the climb. Families with children, older travellers, backpackers, people taking frequent breaks and even a few visitors racing each other to the top.
Everyone tackled it at their own pace.
For reasonably fit adults, the climb is very manageable. Your legs will definitely feel it, and your heart rate will certainly increase, but it isn’t technical or particularly challenging from a hiking perspective.
At the end of the day, it’s simply a lot of stairs.
How Long Does It Take?
Most visitors take around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top and around 10 to 15 minutes to come back down.
If you’re travelling with children or enjoy stopping for photos, it’s worth allowing a little extra time.
We certainly weren’t in a rush. In many ways, the climb itself was part of the experience. Every few sections we’d turn around and realise the view had become even more impressive than before.
Watching the landscape gradually open up beneath us was half the fun.
Can Kids Climb Piedra del Peñol?
This was one of our biggest questions before visiting.
The answer surprised us.
Yes, most children can absolutely do the climb.
The key is not treating it like a race. Our kids approached it more like a challenge, with each landing becoming a small milestone. Reach the next platform, have a drink, admire the view and then continue.
That simple approach worked brilliantly.
By the time we reached the top, they were far more excited than exhausted. In fact, reaching the summit ended up being one of their favourite memories from the day.
Tips For Families
If you’re planning to climb Piedra del Peñol with children, a few simple things can make the experience much more enjoyable. Consider taking a break afterward by enjoying a palomino river tubing experience. This activity offers a fun and refreshing way for the family to relax and bond after a day of hiking. Floating down the river, you can admire the beautiful scenery and create lasting memories together.
Bring plenty of water, avoid the hottest part of the day and take regular breaks whenever they’re needed. Let children set their own pace rather than trying to hurry them along.
Most importantly, don’t turn it into a competition.
For many kids, reaching the top becomes one of the highlights of an entire Colombia trip, and allowing them to enjoy the journey makes a big difference. Exploring familyfriendly activities in Bogotá can offer unique experiences that keep children engaged and entertained. Outdoor markets and interactive museums provide the perfect opportunities for families to bond while discovering the culture of the city. Additionally, parks with playgrounds and art installations invite kids to unleash their creativity and enjoy the vibrant environment. Adventures in Minca with children can be equally thrilling, as the lush landscapes provide ample opportunities for exploration. Families can trek through the beautiful trails, encounter diverse wildlife, and even visit a local coffee farm together. Engaging in these activities creates lasting memories and sparks a sense of wonder in young minds.
Is Piedra del Peñol Safe?
In our experience, yes.
The stairs are well maintained, handrails run throughout the climb and the entire attraction feels organised and professionally managed. As one of Colombia’s most popular attractions, there are usually plenty of other visitors around as well.
Like anywhere, basic precautions still apply. Keep an eye on your belongings, take care on the stairs and resist the temptation to sprint to the top.
Overall, though, Piedra del Peñol felt very safe, well-run and surprisingly family friendly.
Don’t Forget The Boring Stuff
Whether you’re renting a car, whale watching in Uvita, exploring national parks, or travelling between destinations, things don’t always go to plan.
We’ve used SafetyWing throughout our travels because it gives us flexible coverage while travelling long-term as a family.
The View From The Top
All those stairs lead to one thing.
The view.
And thankfully, the view absolutely delivers.
When you finally step onto the viewing platforms at the top, the first thing you notice is just how vast the landscape is.
In every direction there are lakes, islands, forests and rolling hills.
The reservoir below almost looks artificial from above, with hundreds of small islands scattered across the water.
It’s one of those views that makes everyone stop talking for a few minutes.
Even our kids stood still for longer than usual.
The higher perspective completely changes your understanding of the area.
From the ground, Guatapé feels like a colourful town surrounded by water.
From the top of Piedra del Peñol, you realise just how enormous the entire region is.
We’d seen plenty of photos beforehand.
But standing there in person felt very different.
Is It One Of The Best Views In Colombia?
For us, yes.
It’s certainly one of the most memorable.
We’ve stood on mountain viewpoints, volcanoes and city viewpoints across South America, and Piedra del Peñol comfortably ranks among our favourites.
Piedra del Peñol vs Guatapé
A question we often see online is:
“Should I visit Guatapé or Piedra del Peñol?”
The answer is simple.
Do both.
Trying to choose one over the other would be like visiting London and skipping half the attractions.
Piedra del Peñol provides the dramatic viewpoint.
Guatapé provides the colourful streets, waterfront, restaurants and atmosphere.
The two destinations complement each other perfectly.
In fact, we’d argue that neither feels complete without the other.
A typical day looks like:
Climb Piedra del Peñol
Recover with food and drinks
Explore Guatapé
Walk the waterfront
Photograph the colourful streets
Head back to Medellín
It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable day trips in Colombia.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices change regularly, so always check before travelling.
When we visited, entry was very reasonable considering the experience.
You’ll also find:
Food stalls
Drinks
Souvenir shops
Toilets
Small restaurants
around the base of the rock.
The biggest cost for most visitors is usually transport from Medellín rather than the entrance itself.
Best Ways To Visit
Option 1: Guided Tour
The easiest option.
Many tours include:
Transport from Medellín
Piedra del Peñol
Guatapé
Boat trip
Guide
👉 Check Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol tours
Option 2: Self Drive
If you’re exploring Colombia by car, driving yourself gives maximum flexibility.
👉 Compare rental car prices
Option 3: Public Transport
The cheapest option.
Buses regularly run between Medellín and Guatapé.
What We Loved
The Sense Of Achievement
It’s only stairs.
But reaching the top still feels satisfying.
Particularly for children.
The view feels earned.
The Views
Quite simply, they’re spectacular.
This is the main reason people visit.
And it lives up to expectations.
Family Friendly Adventure
Not every attraction appeals equally to adults and children.
Piedra del Peñol managed to do both.
Easy Day Trip
Compared to some Colombian adventures, this one requires very little planning.
It’s accessible, organised and straightforward.
What We Didn't Love
The Crowds
This isn’t a hidden gem.
If you visit during peak times, expect plenty of people.
Going early helps considerably.
The Stairs On The Way Down
Oddly enough, some of us found the descent harder than the climb.
The legs definitely felt it afterwards.
Tourist Prices
Some of the food and drink options around the base are priced for tourists.
Not outrageous.
Just something to expect.
So... Is Piedra del Peñol Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
In fact, if somebody asked us to recommend one day trip from Medellín, this would be right near the top of the list. Finding the best kidfriendly accommodations in Medellín can enhance your family’s experience in the city. Many hotels offer amenities tailored for children, making it easier for parents to enjoy their stay. Exploring local attractions that cater to young visitors will also keep the little ones engaged and entertained. Finding familyfriendly hotels in Medellín ensures that all members of your family are comfortable and happy during your visit. These accommodations often provide activities for kids, enabling parents to relax and explore the city at their own pace. Additionally, many restaurants nearby are family-friendly, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine without worrying about your children’s needs.
The climb is manageable.
The views are incredible.
The experience is unique.
And when combined with Guatapé, it becomes one of the most enjoyable days you can have in Colombia.
It’s one of those attractions that’s famous for a reason.
Not because of social media hype.
Because it’s genuinely impressive.
Our Final Verdict
Piedra del Peñol ended up being one of the highlights of our time in Colombia.
The climb was fun.
The views were unforgettable.
And watching our children reach the top and take in the landscape made the experience even better.
Would we visit again?
Definitely.
Not necessarily every year.
But if we were returning to Medellín with friends or family, we’d happily do the trip again.
Our Rating
📍 Experience: 9/10
🌄 Views: 10/10
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly: 8.5/10
💰 Value For Money: 8.5/10
⭐ Overall: 9/10
Ready To Visit?
👉 Book a Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol day tour
Or if you’re planning your own route through Colombia, make sure this one finds its way onto your itinerary.
It’s worth every step.
