Attraction Guide: Viejo Peñol (Old Peñol), Guatapé, Colombia

Viejo Peñol (Old Peñol) Guide

Submerged History: Explore the Ghost Town of Viejo Peñol Guide

Step back in time and beneath the surface at Viejo Peñol, the original town of Peñol, now largely submerged beneath the waters of the Embalse El Peñol-Guatapé. This isn't your typical tourist attraction; it's a poignant reminder of progress and displacement, offering a unique glimpse into a community lost to the creation of the hydroelectric dam. While most of the town lies hidden, the church steeple dramatically rises from the lake, a haunting symbol of the past. The story of Viejo Peñol is one of sacrifice. In the 1970s, the decision was made to flood the valley to create a reservoir for hydroelectric power. The residents of Peñol were relocated to a new town, also named Peñol, leaving behind their homes, businesses, and memories. Today, the submerged ruins serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of development. The church steeple, intentionally left standing, acts as a memorial and a point of reflection. While you can't physically walk the streets of Viejo Peñol, you can experience its presence through boat tours on Lake Guatapé. Many tours will take you close to the church steeple, allowing you to appreciate its scale and the story it represents. Some tours even offer glimpses of other submerged structures when water levels are low. Consider visiting the new town of Peñol as well, where you can learn more about the history of the community and see how they rebuilt their lives. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly tied to Viejo Peñol, the surrounding region offers delicious Colombian cuisine, including bandeja paisa and fresh trout from the lake.