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El Penol is an unexpected freestanding rock that towers above the town of Guatape about a 90-minute drive from Medellin.
Driving to El Penol is scenic and takes you past the airport area in Rionegro. Rolling hills and luscious agricultural landscape lead to El Penol that quite literally protrudes unexpectedly out of the landscape. Something of an Ayers Rock light I’d imagine… The rock itself is roughly 200 feet high (ca. 60m) and it is estimated that 2/3 of its height is below ground. It is in fact an unexplained geological phenomenon.
Stairs built into the rock lead to its summit and is well worth the climb and depending on your fitness levels it should take you anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. I climbed them to reach the summit where there is a restaurant and spectacular views in all directions from the roof. I greatly encourage anyone to make the climb for the experience and don’t worry, it’s completely safe.
Just below the rock lies Guatape, a charming town that lies on the damn that was built in the late 60’s and is used for recreational sports such as boating, sailing and water skiing.
There are a number of restaurants, hotels and houses for rent in the town that is fairly touristy. The atmosphere is generally upbeat and people go to enjoy themselves for a day trip of short weekend trip from Medellin. A unique aspect of the town is the paintings on the tiles along the lower part of the facades of many of the buildings depicting farming and other cultural images.
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