San Agustín and Tatacoa Desert Excursion

Day 1 - 2 - 3

We will travel from Bogotá to San Agustín, descending overnight to arrive in the morning at this beautiful town in Huila that holds the secrets of pre-Columbian culture!

We will visit the Archaeological Museum of San Agustín, where a general overview of Augustinian archaeology is presented, and a tour exhibits vestiges related to the various societies that inhabited the region.

We will also explore the Alto de los Ídolos Archaeological Park, included in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1995.

We cannot miss the narrowest part of the Magdalena River, a landscape of great natural beauty where the river is forced to narrow to pass between rocks, forming a canal 1.70 meters wide; surrounded by rocks, rivers, mountains, and thick vegetation, with large stones on the shore framing the clean green water flow.

La Chaquira, apparently destined to be a center for astronomical observations, mainly of the sun, which helped determine the agricultural calendar. Located in a beautiful canyon, you can appreciate beautiful waterfalls falling on the bed of the Magdalena River.

Day 4 - 5

We will enjoy the Tatacoa Desert. Accompanied by a local guide, we will visit Cuzco, where a series of sand mounds change color in shades of orange and red. Walking around is a rewarding experience. We will also visit a local family to learn about their way of life. At the end of the night, we will return to the hotel where you can relax and enjoy the pool.

The next day will be equally exciting; we will explore the desert in depth. We will pass through the Valle de los Xilópalos, where the earth takes on an ocher color. You can taste typical regional food, such as roasted kid, in this majestic landscape.

Red Desert

A series of sand mounds changes color to shades of orange and red, depending on the time of day and the sun. Walking through there is a pleasant experience.

Natural Pool at Los Hoyos

A pool of natural water that springs from the depths of the desert. The 42-degree Celsius temperature of the Tatacoa is more than enough reason to immerse oneself in its refreshing waters.

Archaeological Museum of San Agustín

Here, a general overview of Agustinian archaeology is presented, offering a tour that exhibits traces related to the various societies that inhabited the region: stone tools, ceramics, funeral urns, and goldsmith objects that were part of their daily and ritual life.

Alto de los Ídolos Archaeological Park

It stands out for the peculiarity and richness of human and animal representations, the dimensions and structure of funeral buildings, and the presence of paintings both in statuary and on the walls of tombs and temples. It is one of the best-preserved funerary complexes and has been the subject of continuous archaeological research.

Magdalena River Gorge

It is a landscape of great natural beauty. It occurs when the Magdalena River is forced to narrow to pass between the rocks that form a channel 1.70 meters wide; surrounded by rocks, rivers, mountains, dense vegetation, and on the bank of large stones serving as a frame for the flow of clear green water.

La Chaquira

Apparently, the purpose of the site was to be a center for astronomical observations primarily of the sun, which helped determine the agricultural calendar. Located in a beautiful canyon, you can see beautiful waterfalls cascading into the bed of the Magdalena River.

😷 Bring a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit (face masks, hand sanitizer gel, alcohol spray, goggles or face shield, disposable tissues, and a bag for personal waste disposal).

💧 It's essential to carry a water bottle and stay hydrated constantly, as we'll be in a place where the heat can be intense, and staying hydrated will help us maintain optimal conditions for the travel plan.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. If you're sensitive to the sun, we advise bringing an umbrella. Using sunscreen is important, especially mineral sunscreen for the face.

👕 Pack lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather for two days. We suggest wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt on the second day as the route includes trees with long branches, which will help avoid scratches. It's also important to bring a raincoat.

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

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes. Avoid canvas shoes or tennis shoes. It's important to bring spare shoes in case your shoes get wet during the trip.

💊 Bring your medications and personal documents (health insurance card and ID). There are no ATMs in the area, so we recommend bringing enough cash for your personal expenses.

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

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

Relevant Information:

Please be aware that you are responsible for your belongings. Protect your electronic devices and personal documents from rain and humidity.

Keep your cell phone charged; this will allow you to take photos and use it in case of emergency.

Your safety is very important; please be prudent, always keep the group in sight, and follow the guide's instructions.

Do not participate in a hike if you are sleep-deprived, intoxicated, pregnant, or have medical conditions.

Strictly follow your doctor's instructions regarding injuries, and if necessary, bring your personal medications.