San Agustín
The south of Colombia plays host to Colombia’s major archaeological sites with San Agustín and Tierradentro both declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
San Agustín in the Department of Huila is a quiet village which lies deep in the Andean Cordillera. The climate is humid which means that the soil is very fertile and a great place to sample the excellent local organic coffees.
The highlight is certainly the burial sites of the San Agustín archaeological park with its religious monuments and megalithic sculptures, we offer multi-lingual guides who can provide detailed explanations and cultural insight.
You can also visit the archaeological park of El Alto de los Ídolos or El Alto de las Piedras, there are white water rafting opportunities in the Estrecho del Magdalena or perhaps you’d be interested in a Jeep tour around the surrounding countryside.
San Agustín combines perfectly with Tatacoa, Tierradentro and Popayán to create a uniquely Colombian trip to the south.
How to get to San Agustín Colombia
San Agustín like other destinations such as Tierradentro, can be a challenge to reach. Typically San Agustín would be combined with other remote destinations, either from Neiva to Popayán or vice versa, or starting from and ending back in Neiva.
The route from Neiva to San Agustín is scenic and despite the distance, enjoyable. There are multiple places to stop en-route. The route over the Páramo de Puracé from Popayán has improved dramatically over the last 10 years but is sometimes subject to delays. We do not recommend undertaking this route after dark. It is not dangerous but so remote that if you have any issues you might spend the whole night there.
Although there are no airports near San Agustín, the destination can be accessed overland from Popayán Airport, Pitalito Airport and Neiva Airport. Pitalito is the closest airport but has infrequent flights.
- From Popayán, Cauca – 140km, a journey of 4-5 hours by car.
- From Tierradentro, Cauca – 180km, a journey of 5-6 hours by car.
- From Pitalito airport – 30km, a journey of 40 minutes by car.
- From Neiva, Huila – 220km, a journey of 4-5 hours by car.
- From Tatacoa or Villavieja – 265km, a journey of 5-6 hours by car.
Programme
The most convenient way to reach the Huila province is by air from Bogotá to Neiva. For clients visiting San Agustín with The Colombian Way, an afternoon in The Tatacoa Desert is a no cost option.
Continuing from either Neiva Airport or Tatacoa, the drive to San Agustín is approximately 5-6 hours. You will have ample chances to stop and take in the scenery at Represa Betania or to stretch your legs in the village of Gigante.
Archeology buffs will want to visit both the archeological park and El Alto de los Ídolos. Time permitting you should be able to visit El Estrecho del Magdalena too. If you have two days in the town then we recommend a visit to La Chaquira.
Culture junkies should consider adding a trip to Isnos or El Alto de las Piedras for even more archaeological delights. Nature lovers might want to include a visit to the El Salto de Mortiño waterfall. Or a day trip to El Alto de las Piedras can be combined with a visit to El Salto de Bordones for some light hiking.
For a complete archeology experience, consider adding Tierradentro on to your visit to San Agustín. To see how such a trip could fit together, our round trip The Colombian Heritage Experience includes both San Agustín and Tierradentro
From both San Agustín and Tierradentro we recommend onward travel to Popayán if time permits.
