Archaeology, Adventure and Enchantment in San Agustìn

Day 0

Let yourself be captivated by the ancestral magic of Huila while we undertake a voyage full of mystery. We leave the night before from the El Campin stadium in Bogota at 8pm, entering into the dark to wake up in the light of the next day in a town which holds the secrets of a mysterious 

Pre-Colombian culture.

Day 1

We start our adventure exploring the Archaeology Museum of San Agustin, recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. This fascinating museum will plunge us into the past, offering an exhibition which demonstrates the vestiges of the distinctive societies which lived in this region. We will discover the marvels of augustinian archaeology and the massive impact this had on history. We end the day travelling to La Chaquira, a site of outstanding natural beauty located in a lovely canyon, where majestic waterfalls plunge to meet the Magdalena River, at a place where oral history records that the ancestors came to observe the sun to calculate their planting calendars, adding a blend of history, culture and mysticism to our journey.

Day 2

On the second day, we will delve into a circuit full of thrills. We will visit the impressive Mortiño Waterfall and walk across the Glass Bridge, an experience that will challenge us and provide breathtaking panoramic views. We will also visit the Magdalena River gorge, a natural setting of awe-inspiring beauty. As we marvel at the narrowness of the river, surrounded by imposing mountains and majestic rocks, we will understand the grandeur of nature and its transformative power. Our next destination will be the Alto de los Ídolos Archaeological Park, where history comes to life through imposing stone sculptures. Here, we will delve into the essence of pre-Columbian culture and unravel the mysteries held by these ancient idols. To add excitement to the afternoon, we will have an adrenaline rush by zip-lining between the central and eastern mountain ranges, enjoying the thrill and the spectacular panoramic view that surrounds us.

Day 3

We will wake up early to immerse ourselves in a day filled with the aroma of coffee at a Sustainable Farm, where we will learn about the various species and the creation of a good cup.

Prepare to dive into a journey full of history, mysticism, and nature. Huila awaits you with its ancient secrets and untamed beauty. We will have lunch on the way and return to the city of Bogotá.

The Archaeology Museum of San Agustin

This museum presents a general overview of augustinian archaeology in an exhibition which presents archaeological remains related to the distinct societies which lived in this region: stone tools, ceramics, funerary urns and objects making up part of the daily life and ritual practices of these pre-Columbian people.

Archaeology Park: Idol Heights

This location stands out for its uniqueness and the wealth of human and animal sculpted representations, the dimensions and the construction of funerary structures and the use of paint to adorn not just the statues themselves but also the walls of tombs and temples. It represents one of the best preserved sites of funerary objects and structures anywhere in the world and is the subject of continuous archaeological investigation.

The Narrows of the Magdalene River

This is a passage of outstanding natural beauty, formed at a point where the Magdalene River was forced to squeeze itself into a channel measuring only 1.7metres in width, framed in a landscape of rivers, streams, mountains, dense vegetation and massive rocks standing proud of the river bed, making a wonderful contrast with the crystalline green colour of the water.

La Chaquira

It appears that the central purpose of this site was astronomical observation of the sun, thereby helping the ancestors to determine their planting and growing calendar. Situated in a lovely canyon showcasing attractive waterfalls cascading into the Magdalene river below.

💧 It is vital to bring a water bottle and maintain constant hydration, as we will be in a place where the heat can be very strong, and staying hydrated will keep us in optimal conditions for the journey.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. If you are very sensitive to the sun, we advise bringing an umbrella. It is important to use sunscreen, remember to use a mineral sunscreen for your face.

👕 Pack light clothes, enough for two days in hot weather. We suggest long pants and a long-sleeved shirt on the second day since the route has trees with long branches, which will help us avoid scratches. It's also important to bring a raincoat.

🩱 Don't forget to pack your swimsuit and a personal use towel.

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes. Avoid ballet flats or fabric tennis shoes. It's important to bring a spare pair of shoes in case your primary ones get wet during the journey.

💊 Bring your medications and personal documents (medical insurance card and ID). There are no ATMs in the area, so we suggest bringing the cash you consider necessary for your personal expenses.

🎒 Avoid using a wheeled suitcase and instead bring a small backpack or fanny pack to carry your personal items during hikes.

🔦 We recommend bringing a blanket for the cold in the early morning when leaving Bogotá, as well as insect repellent and a flashlight.

• Please be aware that you are responsible for your belongings. Protect your electronic devices and personal documents from rain and humidity.
• Ensure your cellphone is fully charged; this will allow you to take photos and use it in case of an emergency.
• Your safety is paramount, so please be cautious, keep the group in sight at all times, and follow the guide's instructions.
• Avoid joining hikes if you are sleep-deprived, intoxicated, pregnant, or have medical conditions.
• Strictly adhere to your doctor's instructions regarding injuries, and remember to bring your personal medications if needed.