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IMPULSE TRAVEL TEAM
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San Agustín is a small town located in the department of Huila, in southern Colombia. It is situated in the mountainous region of the Colombian Andes. While many Colombians admit they haven't visited San Agustín due to its distance from major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, its reputation is impressive, and rightfully so.
In the town itself, options are more limited, but you can stroll around, have coffee, try bread at local bakeries (we recommend tasting the typical fruit bread of the region), or enjoy a meal at a good restaurant (ask your hotel for recommendations).
However, the surroundings of San Agustín offer diverse activities for travelers. Those interested in culture can explore the San Agustín Archaeological Park, while more active travelers can choose hiking, horseback riding, and rafting.
Visit to San Agustín Archaeological Park
Just 3 km from the town lies the San Agustín Archaeological Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its numerous pre-Columbian sculptures and monuments, carefully preserved in a stunning natural setting, it holds profound significance not only for Colombia but for the world. San Agustín Archaeological Park stands as a testament to Colombia's rich pre-Columbian history and cultural heritage. Located in the Huila department of southern Colombia, this park is renowned globally for its exceptional collection of ancient stone sculptures and monuments.
The park spans over 500 hectares and is home to hundreds of monumental stone statues, sarcophagi, and tombs dating back to between the 1st and 8th centuries AD. These artifacts are remnants of the mysterious San Agustín civilization, which thrived in the region long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. The sculptures depict human figures, zoomorphic creatures, and mythological beings, offering a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and artistic prowess of ancient Andean cultures. Visiting San Agustín Archaeological Park provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the mysteries of Colombia's prehistoric past. The serene landscape, surrounded by lush mountains and tranquil streams, enhances the experience, creating an atmosphere of awe and contemplation. Each sculpture and monument is strategically placed amidst natural beauty, enhancing their cultural and historical significance.
For archaeologists and historians, San Agustín is a treasure trove of knowledge, shedding light on the complex social structures, religious practices, and artistic expressions of ancient societies. For visitors, it offers a chance to connect with Colombia's indigenous heritage and appreciate the craftsmanship of long-gone civilizations.
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To visit the archaeological park, it is recommended to plan between 3 to 5 hours. During your visit, you can explore the traces of an ancient culture while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and if you wish, practice your Spanish with other visitors or park staff. Colombians always have time for a friendly chat. At the park entrance, you'll also find a museum that you can visit during your tour.
Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is 50,000 COP (with a discount for students) and includes access to this park and other historical sites in the region. Upon entry, you'll receive a passport that includes a map and information. You can also hire a guide who will provide more detailed insights into the different stone figures and sites.
What to Bring: Since the path within the park is approximately 4 km, it's advisable to wear comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear. Additionally, bring enough water to drink and sunscreen. We also recommend carrying an umbrella for rainy days or to shield yourself from the sun.
How to Get There: From San Agustín, you can reach the park by walking, public transport, or taxi. Local buses and taxis are affordable: public buses cost around 2,000 COP per person each way, while a taxi costs about 20,000 COP.
More activities in San Agustín and Surroundings
Archaeological Parks of Isnos
The archaeological parks of Isnos, specifically Alto de las Piedras and Alto de los Ídolos, are fascinating destinations in Colombia that offer a glimpse into the rich pre-Columbian history of the region. These sites are located near San Agustín in the department of Huila and are renowned for their impressive sculptures and monuments.
Alto de las Piedras Archaeological Park:
Alto de las Piedras is notable for its funerary monuments and stone sculptures dating back to the pre-Columbian culture of San Agustín. This archaeological park allows visitors to explore tombs and ceremonial structures, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Discoveries at Alto de las Piedras have significantly contributed to understanding the funerary and religious traditions of ancient Andean civilizations in the region.
Alto de los Ídolos Archaeological Park:
Alto de los Ídolos is another important archaeological site near Isnos, Huila. This site is known for its monumental stone statues depicting human and zoomorphic figures, some of which reach impressive heights. The "idols," as they are popularly known, are testimonies to the artistic skill and complex worldview of the cultures that inhabited this region millennia ago. The park offers well-maintained trails that lead visitors through forests and meadows, providing an enriching experience both culturally and naturally.
Estrecho del Magdalena:
Near San Agustín, you can visit the Estrecho del Magdalena, the narrowest part of the Magdalena River with just over 2 meters wide. This natural phenomenon is framed by beautiful scenery and is a must-visit.
La Chaquira, El Tablón, La Pelota, El Purutal:
These are other historical sites with impressive sculptures scattered throughout the region, which also deserve a visit.
Salto de Borbones Waterfall:
A bit farther away, in the municipality of Isnos (approximately 1.5 hours by car), you'll find the stunning Salto de Borbones Waterfall, standing at a height of 400 meters! You can visit the viewpoint to enjoy this spectacular sight and also descend to the base of the waterfall via an ecological trail.
Rafting on the Magdalena River:
Rafting is undoubtedly an exhilarating experience that combines adventure and nature. During the journey, participants navigate thrilling rapids that vary in difficulty depending on the season and river conditions, offering a challenge for both beginners and experts. This river winds through stunning canyons and natural landscapes, a visual delight for adventurers. The best time for rafting is during the rainy season from April to November, when the river swells and rapids intensify. Local companies provide all necessary equipment, including safe rafts and experienced guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
In addition to the thrill of the sport, rafting on the Magdalena River positively impacts the local economy and promotes sustainable tourism practices. It's an excellent way to connect with nature, enjoy adrenaline rushes, and support local communities. For adventurous travelers and nature lovers, rafting on the Magdalena River is a must-do activity when visiting San Agustín and its surroundings in Colombia.
Horseback Riding:
A highly popular activity around San Agustín is horseback riding. It allows you to leisurely enjoy the landscape and possibly visit historic sites like La Pelota, El Purutal, El Tablón, and La Chaquira.
Coffee in San Agustin: the best one in the country
San Agustín offers a captivating coffee tour experience, perfect for coffee enthusiasts and travelers interested in local culture. The tour typically includes visits to coffee farms where you can learn about the cultivation process from bean to cup. You'll witness traditional methods of harvesting and processing coffee, gaining insights into the region's rich agricultural heritage. Additionally, these tours often offer tastings of freshly brewed coffee, allowing you to savor the distinctive flavors of Colombian coffee. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local economy and enjoy the scenic beauty of the coffee-growing landscapes around San Agustín.
How to Get to San Agustín:
From Bogotá, you can travel by bus or plane. By bus, the journey takes about 11 hours, so it's advisable to take an overnight bus, for instance, with companies like Taxi Verde or Coomotor. There are also direct buses from Popayán and Neiva (different types of buses) and other departure points; check their websites for more details. By plane from Bogotá, it's best to fly to Neiva or Pitalito, but you'll still need to take a bus from there (approximately 4 hours from Neiva and 1 hour from Pitalito), for example, with Satena , Clic Air to Pitalito (PTX), or Avianca to Neiva, and then travel by land to your final destination.
If you want to explore Colombia and visit San Agustín during your trip, please complete our plan my trip form or book the San Agustin 3 day trip directly on our website!
Happy travels!
IMPULSE Travel Team
