Is El Peñón de Guatapé Worth Climbing?
A steep 700-plus-step climb with one of the most rewarding views in Colombia.
Quick verdict
Walking up El Peñón de Guatapé was one of the highlights of my trip to Colombia. The climb is challenging, but the panoramic view at the top makes it worth every step.
Good to know
- Go on a weekday for smaller crowds.
- There are roughly 740 steps, though some sources count differently.
- The shrine about halfway up makes a good resting point.
At the top
- The summit has sweeping views of lakes and green islands.
- Exiting visitors are routed through a gift shop before heading down.
Walking up El Peñón de Guatapé was one of the highlights of my trip to Colombia. The climb can definitely be challenging, especially with over 700 steps, but the views at the top make every step worth it. Going on a weekday is the best way to experience it since the crowds are much smaller, and you can actually stop along the staircase to catch your breath without feeling rushed.
About halfway up, there’s a small shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which makes for a nice resting point during the climb. The rock has around 740 steps in total — some sources list 708 or 740 depending on whether they count the final observation tower stairs, but most visitors refer to it as 740.
Once I finally made it to the top, I felt so accomplished. The reward is an incredible 360-degree view of the Colombian countryside, with lakes and green islands stretching in every direction. It’s about two hours from Medellín, so it makes for an easy and unforgettable day trip.
As you get closer to the top, there’s an intermediate landing that tricks you into thinking you’re done — but then you realize you still have another section to climb before reaching the very top observation area. To avoid running into people still climbing up, visitors exiting the summit are directed through a gift shop before continuing down the stairs.
One thing I noticed during the climb was water running down the sides of the rock, which made the massive stone feel even more impressive and alive. Some sections of the staircase are pretty steep and narrow, so definitely hold onto the railings.
One tip: skip the restaurants and food near the rock — it all felt very tourist-trap-like. Also, the bathrooms near the shops and restaurants charge a fee, but you can use the bathrooms for free at the ticket office before starting the climb.
And don’t leave the area without stopping by the actual town of Guatapé. Known as the most colorful town in Colombia, it’s filled with vibrant buildings, detailed zócalos, and charming streets that are just as memorable as the climb itself.
Even though the climb leaves you breathless, the experience — and especially the view from the top — is absolutely worth it.