El Peñol is a municipality in Colombia, located in the eastern subregion of the department of Antioquia. The entire macroregion where this municipality of El Peñol is located is known as “El Oriente Antioqueño.” It is also the location of the Montecielo Ecotourism Mega Project.
Founding date:
June 20, 1714.
Founder’s name:
Fray Miguel de Castro
y Rivadeneira
El Peñol began writing its history in 1654 with the missionary work of Friar Miguel de Castro y Rivadeneira, whom local tradition recognizes as its founder. In 1714, the Spanish authorities of the time granted the foundation of the Indian village, which was initially called the San Antonio del Remolino de El Peñol Indigenous Reserve. Later, in 1774, it was established as a parish and municipality with the name of El Peñol.
The industrial boom in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley led to the construction of a hydroelectric reservoir in the Nare River basin, which had three particularly important conditions: its course was relatively short, its flow was rapid, and its basin was highly rainy. In 1957, the final studies were conducted, and in January 1961, the community of El Peñol was officially informed that its urban area and some of its villages would be flooded.
Photo, Old Peñol
In 1978, the town of El Peñol was completely flooded, along with some of its rural plains, to make way for the reservoir that now feeds the Guatapé hydroelectric plant. Since then, the municipality has referred to the area buried under the waters as Old Peñol, and the area known as New Peñol refers to the current, modern urban center.
After a social process to preserve its history, the construction of Nuevo Peñol was concretized with the drafting of the Master Contract. Thus, with the help of its leaders and its community, similar to the mythological bird that rose from the ashes, El Peñol reemerged from the waters. This is a municipality with more than 300 years of history that, with dignity, they have not allowed to die, and upon which they have built their future ever since.
This municipality became a tourist destination after much of its territory was flooded for the construction of the gigantic El Peñol-Guatapé reservoir. It is a municipality that offers water sports facilities, including motorboating and sailing.
For this reason, it’s also an excellent place for boat trips, jet ski rides, and yachting. Furthermore, within the municipal area, the town has natural attractions such as the Piedra del Marial, which are part of the broad portfolio of tourist attractions this municipality offers.
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An Apartment Lodge is an ideal space for those who crave some time alone. A space designed to relive memories.
A self-contained lodge is an ideal family space. A space with comfort and a wonderful view.
