HomeJourneysHuila: Tatacoa & San Agustín5 days

Huila: Tatacoa & San Agustín: 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 5-day version for January: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go.

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5
days
250 km
distance
9.2 h
driving
24
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Neiva

6 curated stops
Transit
1h20
Finish
~16:15
Temperature
15.7°C–25.1°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Neiva read more map ↗
Admire the grand architecture of this city landmark.
50 min · Neiva
10:00
Santander Central Park search map ↗
Stroll through the plaza surrounded by office buildings and historic churches.
50 min · Neiva
11:00
Iglesia Colonial search map ↗
Explore the charming colonial-style church with intricate details.
50 min · Neiva
12:00
Museo Arqueológico Regional search map ↗
Discover pre-Columbian artifacts and ancient megaliths.
50 min · Neiva
open: 08ː30-12ː00 and 14ː00-18ː00 M-F, closed Sa-Su
13:10
Jardín Botánico de Neiva 'Bertha Hernández de Ospina' Park facebook.com map ↗
Walk boardwalks through peaceful lagoons and observe wildlife.
50 min · Neiva
open: may just be open Sat 08ː00-17ː00
14:45
Huila Afrika Salvaje facebook.com map ↗
Explore the unusual park with African themes and a giant crucifixion statue.
90 min · Neiva
open: hard to tell if it is open
Overnight here
e.g. Backpackers & Travelers Hostal Neiva - Desierto de la Tatacoa · Hotel Chicalá

Day 2 Around Neiva

5 curated stops
Transit
0h24
Finish
~14:30
Temperature
15.7°C–25.1°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
Malecon del Rio Magdalena search map ↗
Enjoy the riverside walk with coffee kiosks and unique tower views.
50 min · Neiva
10:00
Monumento Quinto Centenario search map ↗
Visit this historic monument commemorating Neiva's past.
50 min · Neiva
11:00
Sur Andino Casino facebook.com map ↗
Try your luck at this lively gambling venue.
90 min · Neiva
12:40
Edificio Nacional search map ↗
Appreciate the striking arabesque architecture of this building.
50 min · Neiva
13:40
Gaitana Chief Monument search map ↗
See the abstract monument with suspended horses and people.
50 min · Neiva
Overnight here
e.g. Backpackers & Travelers Hostal Neiva - Desierto de la Tatacoa · Hotel Chicalá

Day 3 The Tatacoa Desert

3 curated stops
Transit
1h24
Finish
~14:20
Temperature
15.7°C–25.1°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.8h
10:00
Exploring the Tatacoa Desert search map ↗
Discover arid landscapes, fossils, and unique desert flora.
90 min · The Tatacoa Desert
11:45
Museo Paleontológico search
Explore ancient fossils and a giant sloth model in three rooms.
50 min · The Tatacoa Desert · COP$2,000
open: M-F 7:30AM-1PM and 2PM-5:30PM, Sa Su 7AM-6PM
12:50
Astronomy search
Gaze at the stars through a modern telescope at the desert observatory.
90 min · The Tatacoa Desert · COP$10,000 per person

Day 4 San Agustín

4 curated stops
Transit
4h34
Finish
~17:05
Temperature
11.8°C–20.1°C
Rainy days
~10
Daylight
11.9h
13:05
Parque Arqueologico read more map ↗
Wander among ancient statues and burial sites in this historic park.
50 min · San Agustín · COP$35,000 (COP$75,000 foreigners, June 2026)
open: 8AM-4PM everyday
14:05
Alto de los Idoles search map ↗
Marvel at impressive statues with breathtaking valley views.
50 min · San Agustín · Same ticket as the Parque Arqueológico; ticket is good for three days
open: 8AM-4PM everyday
15:10
Obando read more
Visit underground tombs and a small museum of excavated pottery.
50 min · San Agustín
16:15
Waterfalls search
Admire the towering Salto de Bordones and Salto del Mortiño waterfalls.
50 min · San Agustín

Day 5 Around San Agustín

6 curated stops
Transit
1h31
Finish
~17:45
Temperature
11.8°C–20.1°C
Rainy days
~10
Daylight
11.9h
09:00
Hike to the ruins of El Tablon, La Chaquira, El Purutal, and La Pelota (with GPS Track) search
Discover colorful statues and cliff carvings on a scenic hike through ancient ruins.
90 min · San Agustín
10:45
El Tablon, La Chaquira, La Pelota and El Purutal search map ↗
Discover colorful statues and carved rocks overlooking the Rio Magdalena.
50 min · San Agustín · La Pelota/El Purutal COP$7,000
12:20
Alto de Las Piedras search map ↗
Explore more archaeological sites scattered across the landscape.
50 min · San Agustín
13:25
El Estrecho search
Stand at the narrowest point of the Rio Magdalena.
50 min · San Agustín
14:30
Hiking at El Estrecho search
Trek a scenic path back to San Agustín with a stop at El Estrecho.
90 min · San Agustín
16:15
Hiking to Alto de los Idolos search
Hike a long trail to Alto de los Idolos, visiting Granada along the way.
90 min · San Agustín

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🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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