Archaeological Site
Parque ArqueológicoThis 78-hectare archaeological park is 2.5km west of the town of San Agustín. There are over 130 statues in the park in total, either found in situ or…
Cauca & Huila
These two departments are home to Popayán, one of Colombia's most charming cities, plus two of the country's most important archaeological sites – San Agustín and Tierradentro. Here you'll also find the peculiar Desierto de la Tatacoa, a striking anomaly near Neiva, halfway between Bogotá and San Agustín.
In the days of river travel in Colombia, both Cauca and Huila were major hubs of commerce. The introduction of the railroad and highways in the early 20th century stunted their growth, and these days a sleepy languor envelops the region.
Explore Cauca & Huila
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Cauca & Huila.
Archaeological Site
Parque ArqueológicoScattered across the hills around the little town of San Andrés de Pisimbalá, Tierradentro's Parque Arqueológico includes four tomb sites, an above-ground…
Church
Iglesia de San FranciscoDating back to the late 18th century, Popayán's largest colonial church is also its most beautiful. Inside are a fine high altar and a collection of seven…
Museum
Casa Museo Negret & MIAMPThis 18th-century house is the home of world-renowned Colombian artist Edgar Negret, whose vast abstract iron sculptures dot plazas around the country…
Observatory
Observatorio Astronómico AstrosurFormer Tatacoa Observatory resident astronomer Javier Rua Restrepo now runs his own observatory around 1km further away from town. He is a dynamic teacher…
Desert
Desierto de TatacoaTechnically not a desert but a landscape of red and gray rock, sculpted by ancient waterways, the Desierto de Tatacoa is one of Colombia's most unique…
Market
Mercado de SilviaOn Tuesday, market day, members of the Guambiano community come down from their surrounding villages to Silvia to sell fruit, vegetables and handicrafts…
Archaeological Site
Alto de los ÍdolosLocated across the Río Magdalena 4km southwest of San José de Isnos (26km northeast of the town of San Agustín), this is the second-most important…
Archaeological Site
Alto de las PiedrasThis site is 7km north of Isnos and has tombs lined with stone slabs, some of which still show traces of red, black and yellow coloring. One of the most…
Museum
Museo Arquidiocesano de Arte ReligiosoYou don't have to be an expert on religious art to be impressed by this collection of paintings, statues, altar pieces, silverware and liturgical vessels,…
Archaeological Site
El Tablón, La Chaquira, La Pelota & El PurutalThese four sites are relatively close to each other; most people visit them as part of a horseback-riding tour, although you can also hike up here from…
Archaeological Site
Alto de San AndrésThis site (1750m) is visible from San Andrés de Pisimbalá and has seven large tombs; one of which, Tomb 5, has remarkably well-preserved depictions of…
Archaeological Site
SegoviaThe most important burial site has 28 excavated tombs, some of which have extremely well-preserved geometric pattern decorations. Twelve of the tombs have…
National Park
Parque Nacional Natural (PNN) PuracéPNN Puracé is the only place in Colombia you can see Andean condors in the wild. Nearly a dozen of the great vultures were reintroduced to the park –…
Archaeological Site
El AguacateThe most remote burial site at Tierradentro, El Aguacate (2000m) is reachable via a stiff 1¾-hour climb from San Andrés de Pisimbalá, with the best views…
Museum
Museo PaleontológicoThe surrounding region used to be a seabed and contains numerous important fossils from the Miocene era, some 3.8 million years old; paleontologists…
Hill
Cerro El Morro de TulcánBehind the Universitario de Tulcán, this hill is topped with an equestrian statue of the city's founder, Sebastián de Belalcázar, and is said to be the…
Museum
Casa Museo MosqueraThis interesting museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion that was once home to General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera, who was Colombia's president on…
Archaeological Site
El TablónThis site (1700m) consists of a collection of nine weather-worn stone statues of warriors, women and priests, located under one roof and similar to those…
Observatory
Observatorio Astronómico de la TatacoaThis observatory makes the most of the desert's clear skies and is open to the public in the evenings from 7-9pm for stargazing with the resident…
Top experiences
Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Cauca & Huila.
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
Tatacoa Desert Tour extreme day