The landform is a granitic rock remnant that has resisted weathering and erosion, likely as result of being less fractured than the surrounding bedrock.

The Peñón de Guatapé is an outcrop of the Antioquia Batholith[3] and towers up to 200 meters (656 feet) above its base.

Colorful murals of the rock painted by local artists decorate the insides of the restaurants and stores.

A VIP area includes signs where tourists can take pictures with the name of the town and La Piedra behind it.

The indigenous Tahamí, former inhabitants of this region, worshiped the rock and called it in their language mojarrá or mujará (meaning 'rock' or 'stone').

[5] On the western face of the stone there are painted large white letters "G" and an incomplete "U" (only the single vertical stroke was completed, resembling an "I").

It did not take long for the residents of El Peñol to notice the work, and a large mob was assembled to stop it, leaving behind the unfinished graffiti.

At its highest part, on the rear (southeast side), it has an elevation of 2,135 metres (7,005 ft) above sea level, with an average temperature of 18 °C (64 °F).