Old Peñol Ruins Guide
Echoes of the Past: Exploring the Sunken Town of Old Peñol Guide
Discover the poignant history of Old Peñol, a town submerged beneath the waters of the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir. This isn't your typical tourist attraction; it's a somber reminder of progress and displacement. While the town itself is underwater, remnants of its past can still be seen and felt, offering a unique and reflective experience. Old Peñol was a thriving agricultural community until the late 1960s when the Colombian government decided to build a hydroelectric dam. The entire town was flooded to create the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir, displacing thousands of residents. Today, only the top of the church tower rises above the water, a haunting symbol of the lost town. The new town of El Peñol was built nearby to accommodate the displaced population. While you can't physically explore the submerged town, you can take a boat tour on the reservoir to see the church tower and learn about the history of Old Peñol. Many tours offer glimpses of the old town's foundations and roads beneath the surface. Visit the replica of Old Peñol in the new town, which features a museum and exhibits showcasing the town's history and culture. The local cuisine in the new El Peñol is similar to that of Guatapé, with a focus on fresh fish from the reservoir.
Transportation
From Medellín, take a bus to El Peñol (as described for Piedra del Peñol). Once in El Peñol, you can easily access the lake and arrange boat tours to see the Old Peñol ruins. The replica of Old Peñol is located within the new town and is easily accessible by walking or *tuk-tuk*.