Climbing the 740 Stairs of El Peñol
The 740 stairs of Piedra del Peñol are the most famous staircase in Colombia. They wind up the side of a 220 meter granite monolith and end at a panorama that has appeared on a million Instagram feeds.
Climbing them is easier than it looks if you pace yourself. This guide walks through what to expect, how long it takes and how to handle the climb if you are not in peak shape.
Why 740 stairs
The original ascent was carved into a natural crack in the rock by three local climbers in 1954. Engineers later built the zigzag concrete staircase that visitors use today, designed to follow the same fissure on the safer side of the monolith.
The exact count is 740 going up plus a separate flight of 8 stairs at the very top. Most people lose track around step 300 and just keep going.
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How hard is the climb
The stairs are steep but not technical. There are sturdy handrails the whole way and several flat landings every 100 to 150 steps where you can stop, drink water and let faster climbers pass.
An average adult in normal health takes 25 to 35 minutes from the base to the top. Slower climbers should plan 45 to 60 minutes without pressure, the rock is not going anywhere.
What to wear and bring
Closed shoes with grip are essential because the stone steps get slippery after rain. Light breathable clothing works best since you will warm up fast even on cool mornings.
Bring water, a snack and small bills in pesos. There are vendors on a few landings selling fresh fruit and isotonic drinks if you forget to pack.
Best moment to start the climb
Arrive between 8 and 9 AM and you will share the stairs with a handful of locals instead of large tour buses. The sun is also lower so the light on the lake is soft and the shots from the top read clearly.
Late afternoon, around 4 PM, is a second sweet spot for golden hour photography. Avoid the noon to 2 PM window when the heat peaks and crowds clog the upper section.
Coming down safely
The descent is faster but harder on the knees. Take it diagonally instead of straight on, hold the rail when you can and watch out for tired climbers stopping suddenly.
Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the way down. If your knees complain there is no shame in side stepping and resting on every landing, the staircase is wide enough to let others pass.
The 740 stairs are the kind of small challenge that pays off the moment you step onto the summit deck. Take your time, hydrate, and remember that every step up makes the view that much more earned.
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