Colombia Archeology Tour
Circuits around Colombia
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South of Colombia keeps the secrets of ancient tombs and stone carved statues which we invite you to explore during this tour. You will get familiarized with world famous archeological sites in Tierradentro, San Agustin and Isnos.
Tierradentro historical area is a national archeological park which belongs to the municipality of Inza in Cauca department. It is very well known for its pre-Columbian hypogea, which were found in several excavations. Tierradentro culture is related to the neighboring San Agustín culture.
San Agustín is a small town in the foothills of the Colombian Massif in southern Colombia. This area is well known for the Archaeological Park of San Agustin which houses pre-Columbian carved stone figures and tombs. Some other archeological spots are El Tablon, La Pelota, El Purutal, La Chakira and other two parks in the nearby town Isnos called “Alto de los Idolos” and “Alto de las Piedras”.
Furthermore, the archeological experience will be enriched visiting the Tatacoa Desert and the Purace National Park and Popayan also known as the White City due to its white colonial architecture.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to El Dorado international airport of Bogota. Transfer to the hotel near the airport.
Day 2: Bogota City tour
The tour starts visiting the Paloquemao market which is the second biggest food market in Bogota. This is where the locals buy their weekly supplies. Here you will be able to get familiarized with all different kind of fruit Colombia can offer. You will also visit the flower and food section and will have a chance to try some typical snacks.
The tour continues to the Monserrate Sanctuary located at 3.100 meters above sea level from where you will get an unforgettable view over this big city. The Monserrate hill is a symbol of Bogotá and it houses the sanctuary of Señor Caído de Monserrate – a pilgrimage place for nationals and foreigners. The hill is ascended by cable car.
Afterwards we will continue walking around the historical center of La Candelaria visiting the main square called Plaza Bolivar, Chorro de Quevedo – the place where Bogota was founded, the narrowest street of Bogota, etc. We will not miss the Botero Museum (closed on Tuesdays) and Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Night in Hotel in Bogota.
Day 3: Flight Bogota – Neiva, transfer to Tatacoa Desert
In the morning hours we will take you to the airport for your flight to Neiva. Upon your arrival we will take you to the small town of Villavieja. Here we will do a short tour of the town visiting the paleontological museum. Later we will catch a “mototaxi” in order to drive to the desert.
Located in Huila department 45 km from its capital city Neiva, Tatacoa Desert is a place where you will find pillars and dry canyons, as well as gullies and caverns of up to 20 meters deep. Given the eroding conditions, high temperatures and low humidity, it is a large plain with little leaf vegetation and fauna where reptiles, birds, rodents and arachnids live.
Today you will visit the red part of the desert called “Labyrinths of Cusco”. At night we will visit the astronomical observatory (if it is cloudy, we will leave it for the next day). Rest in a local family inn in the desert (conditions are very basic, water is scarce, there is no electricity 24 hours, there is a bathroom and shower)
Day 4: Tatacoa Desert
During the day we will travel through different spots of tourist interest within the grey part of the desert. Places like “Ventanas”, “Ghost Valley”, “Valley of Xylopalos”, “Los Hoyos” will not be missed. You will also have an opportunity to fresh up in a desert pool. During this tour we will use “mototaxi” transportation. Return back to the inn in the desert.
Day 5: Transfer to Tierradentro
Early in the morning we will start the journey towards Tierradentro. You will have to travel 210 km for about 5 hours till we arrive to the hotel El Refugio. After lunch we will head to the archeological and ethnographical museum of Tierradentro, here we will get some short insight in the history of the region. We will then continue to Alto de Segovia to get familiarize with the tombs. Return back to the hotel.
Day 6: Tierradentro + transfer to San Agustin
Today we will have a half day in order to visit other archeological sites of Tierradentro. Furthermore we can’t miss to visit the small village of San Andres de Pisimbila which is famous for its particular church. After lunch we will drive to San Agustin (about 5-6 hours). Night in the hotel in San Agustin.
Day 7: San Agustin Archeological Park
In the morning we will visit the main archeological park of San Agustin visiting the Platues ABC and D, La Fuente de Lavapatas, Alto de Lavapatas, The forest of the statues, The archeological museum. The tour around the entire park takes about 4 hours.
After lunch we will visit the Magdalena river straight (the narrowest place of the most important river of Colombia). Finally we will visit La Chakira – another archeological spot which offers an impressive view over the Magdalena river valley. Transfer back to the hotel in San Agustin.
Day 8: Isnos archeological parks and transfer to Popayan
Today we will depart to Isnos archeological park “Alto de lo Idolos”. Here you will be able to see the highest statue of the whole area. Near Isnos you will pass by one of the highest waterfalls of Colombia “Salto del Mortiño” (180m). Lunch.
In the afternoon transfer to the city of Popayan (depending on the road conditions the drive might take between 3 and 4 hours). Night in the hotel in Popayan.
Day 9: Purace National Natural Park
Puracé National Natural Park is a volcanic area located just 40 km from Popayan. Within its beautiful landscapes the Serranía de los Coconucos stands out. It is a volcanic chain which consists of 11 volcanoes. The Park is overlapped with the indigenous reserves of Puracé and Paletara which adds to the destination the cultural value of indigenous populations.
Early in the morning we will drive to the Park. The drive takes about 1 hour till we reach the park’s entrance. After a small introductory speech by parks rangers we will continue driving till we reach the trail of the waterfall San Nicolas which is 4 km long. Afterwards we will continue till the hot springs of San Juan which will surprise the traveller with its bright colors (swimming not allowed). Furthermore, on clear days it is possible to see Purace Volcano from distance.
In the afternoon we will visit the Coconuco thermal springs for a relaxing bath. Return back to Popayan. Nigh in the hotel.
Day 10: Silvia Indigenous market and Popayan City tour
Silvia is a small municipality in Cauca department where the traveller can meet with “guambian” indigenous community. This is one of the most traditional indigenous groups in Colombia still dressed in typical clothing that, according to their color, reveals their marital status, if there is a commitment or if they are authorities of the reservation where they live, etc.
We will pick you up for your hotel in Popayan very early in the morning in order to drive towards the town of Silvia. After a 1 hour drive we will reach our destination. Only on Tuesdays the travellers can immerse in the colors and smells of the local indigenous market. From very early in the morning it is crowded with agricultural and livestock products that come from the countryside and the highest parts of the green and fertile mountains that surround this municipality.
Afterwards we will return back to Popayan for lunch and will continue the tour visiting the most remarkable places of the white city. In approximately 2 hours we will visit the most important churches and other tourist interest sites like “Puente de Humilladero”, etc.
Rest in the hotel in Popayan.
Day 11: Flight Popayan – Bogota
According to your flight schedule we will take you to the airport of Popayan for your flight to Bogota. End of the tour.