San Agustin Archaeological Park has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is located in the department of Huila and is one of Colombia’s archaeological treasures. This area of the country, according to historians, was a sacred site for the indigenous communities, and it is also said that people from all regions came to San Agustin to bury their dead and offer them to the gods. Visiting San Agustín Park is an experience in which the past revives to provide a magical account of ancient Colombian culture.
HOW TO GET TO SAN AGUSTIN PARK?
San Agustín Park is located on the eastern Colombian mountain range, approximately 220 kilometers south of the department of Huila, and 33 kilometers from Pitalito. To get to San Agustin Park from Bogotá it is possible to take a bus from the bus terminal to San Agustin, this trip will take about 10 hours. If you are in another part of the country, you should arrive at the Neiva bus terminal and take a bus to San Agustín from there. Another option is to get to Pitalito and from there take a van that provides transportation service to San Agustin. The San Agustin Archaeological Park is located three kilometers from the town of San Agustin, the best option is to walk, since it is a short route in which you can take advantage of to know the town.
The park offers service from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN SAN AGUSTIN PARK
San Agustín is located at 1,730 meters above sea level, and has an average temperature of 20°C. If you are going to visit San Agustín, it is recommended that you take warm weather clothes, light clothes that allow you to enjoy the good climate of Huila. Remember to take bathing clothes since the climate of the region will allow you to find swimming pools in the lodgings. Do not forget to put sunscreen and repellent in your suitcase.
ATTRACTIONS IN SAN AGUSTIN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
San Agustín is the municipality that encompasses all of Colombia’s archeology. San Agustín itself is a tourist attraction in Colombia because foreign travelers don’t miss the opportunity to see all the magic that is hidden in the Archeological Park and its surroundings. San Agustin is crossed by the most important river in Colombia, the Magdalena River and if you have the chance to see it, it will be an amazing experience. San Agustin has more than 20 interesting sites that you can visit and that, without a doubt, will make an enriching cultural experience, besides being a perfect plan for the whole family or to enjoy as a couple. If you are going to visit this beautiful town, make sure you spend enough days so that you don’t miss anything that San Agustin has to offer.
WHAT TO DO IN SAN AGUSTIN?
Clearly, if you visit San Agustín, it is essential that you visit the Archaeological Park. There you will find archeological pieces of the ancient indigenous cultures of the country, indigenous tombs, statues made of volcanic rock from the Colombian massif that have become the most striking pieces since they represent anthropomorphic beings such as deities, priests, warriors; and anthropozoomorphic ones that represent sacred and mythological animals of the indigenous culture; vessels, bowls and plates are also part of this historical collection. Inside the park you can visit interesting sites such as El Tablón, El bosque de las Estatuas, la chaquira, la fuente y el alto del Lavapatas.
Lavapatas
A few kilometers away from San Agustín, you can visit places like Alto de los Idolos and Alto de Las Piedras that are also part of the archeological richness but are outside the San Agustín Park grounds.
In addition to all this, the Strait of Magdalena is on the way to the Alto de los Ídolos and Piedras and it is a wonderful event to be able to admire it, and to be able to see the power of its waters. This site has become a tourist attraction, and you cannot miss it if you visit San Agustín. Since there is a great affluence of rivers in the municipality, you will be able to enjoy places like the Ojos de Dios Waterfall, Hurnoyaco, the Guadual and the Molino River.
In short, visiting San Agustín is an incomparable experience, because in addition to enjoying a delicious climate, you will take home a lot of experiences, culture and beautiful landscapes in your memories.
Estrecho de Magdalena
GASTRONOMY IN SAN AGUSTIN
Since San Agustín is located in Huila, the gastronomy of this municipality is based on the agricultural production of this department. You can enjoy dishes like Asado Huilense de Marrano, fried mojarra, cocido huilense and broth from spoons. And of course you should try the famous achiras huilenses with masato.
As the town of San Agustin has become a recognized tourist site, the inhabitants have opened various types of restaurants offering everything from local food to international dishes, the offer of restaurants in this area is quite complete.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN AGUSTIN?
As this region is one of the preferred tourist destinations for travelers, you will find a good number of hotels, hostels and camping areas in the town and near the Archaeological Park. If you are visiting San Agustin and don’t know where to stay we will present you with some good options below:
Cabañas Gamcelat is located 500 meters from the center of town and on the way to the San Agustin Archaeological Park. It offers cabins with private bathroom, hot water, television and WiFi. It also has free parking and restaurant. The lodging offers other services such as guide, ecological walks, horseback riding, torrenting and rafting. You can also spend the night under the stars in the comfortable camping area of the lodge. Don’t forget to bring your tent and equipment to spend a pleasant night.
Contact: Luis Alfonso Quintero – 313 245 8373
Buena Vista San Agustín Hotel and Camping is a hotel that is located on the road that leads to the San Agustín Archaeological Park. It offers a restaurant, comfortable rooms with private bathroom and television, with a beautiful landscape around and eco-tourist trails. It also has a camping area in the middle of a variety of fruit trees. The hotel also offers additional services such as tours, horseback riding, rafting, motorcycle and bicycle rental.
Telephone: 3118467555
Camping Buena Vista
COSTS
To enter San Agustin Archaeological Park you must purchase a passport at the park entrance ticket office, this passport expires two days after purchase. Children under 12 years old, adults over 60 years old, natives and do not pay entrance to the park.
GENERAL PUBLIC: $25,000
STUDENTS WITH A CARD: $10,000
GROUPS WITH PRIOR AUTHORIZATION: $15,000
