San Agustin & Neiva
Travel Guide

After breakfast, your local guide and transfer will pick you up for your half day trip to the Parque Arqueológico de San Agustín, one of Colombia’s most important archaeological sites. A magical place where over 500 stone statues and tombs are surrounded by verdant nature and the stunning landscapes of the Magdalena river gorge. Shrouded in mystery and silence from an ancient culture that disappeared long ago, the carved stone idols and burial sites are thought to date back as far as 5000 years ago. The adventure of discovery does not stop with the mystery of these statues, as winding paths thread their way through the deep folds of the hills and tropical forest, hiding the secrets of this sacred site.

You will visit the archaeological and natural sites of El Tablon, where you will find five sculptures and the Ethnographic Museum then you will go to the Chaquira viewpoint where you will see sculptures carved in situ in the middle of the landscape of the Colombian mountain chain, a special place for meditation and connection with nature. Finally, you will arrive at the Purutal site where the only preserved color sculptures can be found.

On this day you will travel along the tourist ring of the South of Colombia, where you will visit natural and archaeological sites such as: Salto de Bordones considered the second highest waterfall in Colombia, Alto de los Idolos y Las Piedras Archaeological Park, also declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1995, Strait of the Magdalena River where the most important river of Colombia is reduced to 2.20 m in the middle of a canyon of amazing beauty, and last but not least the archaeological museum of Obando where you will appreciate fabrics made of banana fiber and panela products.

The Tatacoa Desert is somewhat of a hidden secret in Colombia and is filled with adventures from searching for fossils that are scattered throughout the desert to exploring the labyrinth of red and orange hillocks that strut out of the arid land around you. This is without a doubt one of Colombia’s best and most unique natural playgrounds!

Neiva benefits from moderately high temperatures throughout the year, which range from about (20°C) and 86°F (30°C). Neiva is hottest in September and coldest in November/December, so you might want to take this into consideration when planning your trip, although it is pleasant to visit Neiva all year round. If you want to take part in some local celebrations head to Neiva in June and July, when you can experience the Folk Festival and the El Bambuco beauty pageant. A two week street party will allow you to indulge in some true Colombian festivities, complete with parades and live music.

Neiva’s small Aeropuerto Benito Salas Vargas receives regular flights from Bogota. The best way to get around the city is by bus, and numerous routes operate throughout the city and its surroundings. In San Agustin, the best way to get around is by taxi, but make sure to fix an amount before getting in the car. There are also regular shuttle buses to the archaeological park every 15 minutes, or alternatively we can organise a private transfer for you, just speak to one of our travel advisors. Visiting the Tatacoa Desert is slightly more challenging if you want to do it independently, but we can arrange hassle-free transport for you if you wish to make the trip smoother.

While San Agustin has a number of cheaper lodging options in the center of town, it is a better idea to stay at one of the more charming, rustic properties outside the town centre itself for a more authentic experience. Neiva is a developed city and there is plenty of choice when it comes to places to stay, just ask one of our travel experts and they can book a hotel for you. As the Tatacoa Desert’s popularity has risen in recent years with a growing influx of tourists, there is a good network of hotels to suit all tastes.