{"id":1207,"date":"2025-05-28T02:28:39","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T02:28:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/boatohotel.com\/?p=1207"},"modified":"2026-02-20T19:14:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T19:14:11","slug":"descubre-la-historia-detras-de-la-piedra-del-penol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/boatohotel.com\/en\/descubre-la-historia-detras-de-la-piedra-del-penol\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the History behind the Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol: the giant of Guatap\u00e9"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol<\/strong> -also known as The Guatap\u00e9 Stone<\/strong>- is a gigantic monolith of approximately 220 meters high<\/strong> from the ground and 1 km underground, located in eastern Antioquia. Its imposing silhouette and its strategic location make it one of the most important Colombia's most iconic tourist sites<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guatap\u00e9, Antioquia, a paradise to visit in Colombia<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

History and cultural significance of the Pe\u00f1ol Stone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the ancient Indians Tahamis<\/strong>the stone was a sacred place, known as the mojarr\u00e1<\/em> o mujar\u00e1<\/em> (meaning \"stone\"). They believed that it had a special energy and they observed it as a spiritual symbol of the territory<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was not until July 16 1954<\/strong> that history was made with Luis Eduardo Villegas L\u00f3pez<\/strong>He and two companions were the first to make the complete ascent, using ropes and wooden stakes. This feat opened the way to what today is a unique tourist experience. From that date on, the following were installed 740 steps<\/strong> in the natural cleft of the rock, facilitating access to its summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water sports for sightseeing in Guatap\u00e9<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The history of Guatap\u00e9 before the dam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before the construction of the dam, Guatap\u00e9 <\/strong>was a small agricultural town surrounded by green mountains and extensive valleys. The area was made up of farms, dirt roads and corn and bean crops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the creation of the reservoir in the seventies, a large part of the old town was left under water, giving rise to the landscape of islands and water mirrors that today make this destination so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The curious dispute: Is the Pe\u00f1ol Stone from Guatap\u00e9 or El Pe\u00f1ol?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Although the stone is physically located in territory of Guatap\u00e9<\/strong>historically there has been a dispute with the municipality of El Pe\u00f1ol<\/strong>which also claims it as its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1987, the Council of Guatap\u00e9 tried to paint \"GUATAP\u00c9\" in giant white letters on the side of the rock. However, they were only able to write the lettering \"G\"<\/strong> and part of the \"U\"<\/strong>before the authorities stopped the project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These marks - visible today as a \"GI\" - have become part of local folklore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to See From the Top?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you reach the highest point, you will be greeted with a 360\u00b0 view of Guatap\u00e9 reservoir<\/strong>with its network of green islands and crystalline reflections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the top you will find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n