Piedra del Peñol: tickets, steps and what the climb is like

How much it costs

Entry to the rock is COP 30,000 per person (about USD $9), paid at the base before you start climbing. It is not included in tours from Medellín, which cover the transport, so bring it in cash: not everyone in Guatapé takes cards.

What the climb is like

It is 740 steps to the top, on a concrete staircase set into a crack in the rock. There are landings and handrails, and most people make it in 25 to 40 minutes at an easy pace. There is no lift. At the top there are drink stalls and a 360° view over the reservoir: a maze of green water and islands to the horizon.

The way down is quicker, but hard on the knees; take it easy.

What time to go

Early. Leaving Medellín between 7 and 8 a.m. gets you there ahead of the crowds, you climb with less sun and the view is usually clearer. On weekdays the rock and the village are much quieter; if you can only go at the weekend, an early start is what changes the day most.

What to bring

• Proper comfortable shoes, no flip-flops.
• Water, sunscreen and a cap: the sun at that altitude burns even when it is cloudy.
• Cash for the entry and snacks.

If someone does not want to climb

Nobody has to climb for the day to be worth it. At the bottom there are cafés, viewpoints and the reservoir waterfront, and Guatapé village is a few minutes away. With small children, what works best is one adult climbing while the other stays below. We cover it in things to do in Guatapé.

Frequently asked questions