MYSTICAL AND ANCESTRAL LANDS

ENTER THE ADVENTURE: MYSTICAL AND ANCESTRAL LANDS

Where to visit to step into the pre-Columbian era: places not to be missed

Located in south-west Colombia at 1730m, in the department of Huila with temperatures around 20°C, San Agustín is a must-see destination for history, adventure and nature enthusiasts. Known for housing the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America, the region fascinates visitors with its archaeological mysteries and grandiose landscapes. A visit to San Agustin takes you back in time to the very heart of pre-Columbian civilization, with its rock paintings… and spectacular wilderness.

San Agustín Archaeological Park

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 95, the San Agustín Archaeological Park is the region’s star attraction. The site boasts over 500 megalithic statues, dating from between the 1st and 8th centuries, of as yet unknown origin. The sculptures, depicting human, animal and mythological figures, are scattered among lush natural surroundings. Each statue seems to carry a mysterious story linked to the spiritual and funerary beliefs of the pre-Columbian civilizations that inhabited this region.

Waterfalls : Bordones waterfall and Mortiño waterfall

The San Agustín region is also renowned for its impressive waterfalls. The highest, the Salto de Bordones, reaches a height of 400 metres, and is set in a majestic natural setting. Another site not to be missed is the Salto del Mortiño, a waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for photography and nature lovers.

Activities and adventures in San Agustín

In addition to archaeological visits, San Agustín is a paradise for rafting, hiking and nature lovers. The surrounding area is full of hiking trails that lead to magnificent viewpoints, hidden waterfalls and traditional villages. You can go horseback riding, or take a ¾-day trek on foot or horseback, starting in the town of San Agustin to reach the source of the Rio Magdalena river.

You’ll also have the chance to visit coffee farms with hands-on workshops. This is one of the main Panela-producing regions, a religion in Colombia.

Optional:

• You can opt for a “Well-being and relaxation” theme with yoga classes (Vinyasa and hâta), meditation sessions, reiki (Usui) and various types of massage with a bilingual French master.
• Trekking and integration in indigenous villages for 2/3 days with an indigenous guide who will take you along sacred trails and lakes without any tourists, accessible only after authorization from the village shamans.
• Possibility of visiting volcanic areas to see lava rivers (under certain conditions).

The history and mysteries of San Agustín

San Agustín is home to one of South America’s most enigmatic cultures. Despite archaeological research, very little is known about the people who built these monuments. Their disappearance remains unexplained, but the artefacts they left behind bear witness to an artistically and spiritually advanced civilization. The Magdalena River, which flows through the region, played an important role in their religious rituals.

Anecdote: According to local legends, the region’s inhabitants believe that the giant statues guard hidden treasures buried beneath the earth. Treasure seekers have come from far and wide over the centuries, but no one has yet discovered these supposed treasures.

Tourists like to start in the capital Bogotá and end in the Caribbean.

Don’t miss the chance to discover Colombia’s ancestral lands, and you’ll take home wonderful memories with Colombia Tour Adventure, your tourism partner. You can also include this region of Colombia in our coffee plantation tour if you’re a coffee fan, or in our private tour for à la carte services.

10 days / 9 nights

Day 1: Bogotá

– Arrival in Bogotá, Colombia.

Private transfer from the airport to your hotel in “La Candelaria”, the city’s historic center.

Day 2: Bogotá

– Visit to the Gold Museum and Botero Museum, Bogotá’s two most famous museums.

– Visit La Candelaria: explore the historic district with its colorful streets, museums (such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum), and ancient churches.

– Climb Montserrate: Take the funicular or cable car to admire a panoramic view of the city from this highest point.

Day 3: Bogotá to Neiva

– Transfer to your hotel and in the afternoon visit one of Colombia’s oldest colonial towns.

Day 4: On to the Tatacoa desert

• After a hearty breakfast, off to the Tatacoa desert.
• Possibility of spending a night in the desert

Day 5: Saint Augustin.

– After a night in the desert or the town of Villavieja and a typical breakfast, we head for Saint Augustin.

– Arrival at François’ eco-lounge in the late afternoon, a hotelier who has been in Colombia for 30 years.

– Dinner at the hotel

Day 6: Visit to San Agustin.

• After lunch, visit the San Agustin archaeological park in the morning.
• Afternoon visit to a coffee plantation. Yes, coffee is made here too, and it’s said to be the best in Colombia, with the possibility of buying some.

Day 7:

Your choice after breakfast:

• Horsebackriding, lunch at François’ and afternoon at leisure.
• Rafting on the Rio Magdalena, lunch at François’ and afternoon free.
• Full-day jeeptour to see natural sites and 2 of the 3 archaeological parks: from 9:00 to 16:00.

Day 8: Visit to sacred lands.

• Visit to sacred lands and lakes off-limits to the public, with an indigenous person and the agreement of the shaman.

Day 9: Andean Amazon.

• After breakfast, visit the Andean Amazon region to the south, the Putumayo region and the area around Mocoa.

Day 10: Return to Bogotá.

– After breakfast, off to Pitalito airport for your flight to the capital Bogota.

– You’ ll take your connecting flight to France.

Additional options:

– Excursion to the valley to see the páramos: trek to the source of the Rio Magdalena, 3 or 4 days on foot or horseback.

– Volcano visit.

– Private morning and evening yoga classes for groups of 6 or more.

– Meditation, reiki or massage sessions (to be determined before departure).

FROM €2390 INCL. TAX PER PERSON*

What’s included :

• Private transport to and from visits, hotels and airports.
• Domestic flights – English-speaking guides
• Hotel accommodation (with breakfast) in medium category (3*)
• Activities and entrance fees to sites on the program
• 24-hour assistance

Not included :

• International flights
• Transportation not included in the program
• Guides during your free days
• All meals to leave the choice of restaurants up to you
• Souvenirs, tips
• Cancellation/repatriation insurance

*Average price based on a group of 4 people. These prices are indicative only and may vary according to season and demand. Lunches and dinners can be included on request. The exact price of our tours is shown on our quotations. Itineraries and activities are completely modifiable according to your criteria and wishes.