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Colombia Archaeology Tour to San Agustín Ruins

San Agustín

8 Days / 7 Nights per person*

from 1855

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Colombia Archaeology Tour to San Agustín Ruins

Summary

8 Days / 7 Nights

Just outside the village of San Agustín can be found a well known (yet at the same time relatively unexplored), an assortment of ruins in Colombia and archeological remains dating from before the Spanish conquest. Here, between the 6th and 14th centuries AD (a period approximately concurrent with development of the Inca and Maya empires), a mysterious culture grew and flourished, leaving its mark in a number of tombs, burial chambers and large sculptures of carved stone. In Tierradentro, not far from San Agustín, its possible to explore burial chambers decorated with geometrical designs and constructed up to 7 metres below ground. Popayán is a fine example of 17th century spanish colonial architecture, features which led Alexander von Humbolt to visit the place in 1801. The Tuesday market in the nearby town of Silvia is also well know. It is here that the indigenous Guimiano people come to sell their wares.

FROM 1676 Per Person

This tour includes:

All nights accommodations
All breakfasts
All transfers and entrance fees
English-speaking guides

Highlights

Tierradentro Archaeological Park & Museum
"Aguacate" mountain peak hike
San Agustín Archaeological Park & Museum
"Estrecho del Magdalena"

Itinerary

Red leafed tree in front of church in Bogota Colombia

Day 1Bogota - Tierradentro

In the morning, transfer from the hotel to airport and flight Bogotá to Neiva. After arrival, overland trip of approximately 5 hours through the beautiful mountainous landscape to San Andrés de Pisimbala (Tierradentro). Once there, transfer to a small, pleasant hotel or family-run guest house in the village. In the afternoon, visit the Tierradentro Archaeological Park and its caves, including the tombs and the funeral chambers of nearly five meters deep Visit to Tierradentro Archaeological Museum, in order to find about more about the culture that created the relics.

Day 2Tierradentro - San Agustin

After breakfast, hike to the Aguacate Mountain peak, from which there is an extraordinary view of the surrounding landscape. Early afternoon, overland trip of approximately 6 hours to San Agustín and transfer to hotel or a private guest house. At sunset, stroll through the small town of San Agustín. San Agustin is not only one of the most important archaeological sites in the whole of South American, but also one of the most mysterious.

Day 3San Agustín Archaeological Park

After breakfast, the visit to the San Agustín Archaeological Park begins. Tour of Mesitas A-B-C and D which contain more than 35 statues; some of which are 5-meters tall. We continue to the Fuente Ceremonial y Alto de Lavapatas, the Bosque de las Estatuas ending up at the San Agustín Archaeological Museum. In the course of the afternoon El Tablón and La Chaquira sites will be toured on horseback, in order to enjoy the spectacular landscape which this region boasts in addition to its archaeological treasures.

Day 4San Agustín Archaeological Park

Breakfast followed by trip to the village of Isnos, continuing on to the Estrecho del Magdalena, a fluvial straits of only 2 meters wide, through which Colombia’s longest river flows: the Magdalena River.

Crossing Obando, where the most recent archaeological finds have been made, the trip continues to the Alto de los ídolos and Alto de la Piedras National Parks. Aswell as archaeological finds and stone statues, this region contains two waterfalls, the Salto de Bordones and the Salto del Mortiño. Around sunset, return trip to San Agustín.

Day 5San Agustín - Purace National Park

After breakfast spectacular overland trip, from San Agustín through Coconuco to one of the most beautiful spots of Andean moor-land, the Puracé National Park. The park boasts spectacular cascades, streams, volcanoes, thermal waters, flora and animal life and all of this at an altitude of from 2500 to 4800 meters above sea level. After arrival in Pisimbala, we go to a small hotel situated near natural thermal baths. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be free to stroll, relax and bathe in the thermal waters.

Day 6Purace National Park - Popayan

After breakfast, trek through diverse zones, different microclimates and variable vegetation, till reaching the crater of the Puracé Snow Volcano. At noon, return to hotel. Time to rest and to enjoy a thermal bath. The trip will then continue towards Popayán, one of the most beautiful of all South American cities. Around evening time, transfer to a pretty hotel constructed in the Spanish colonial style.

Two women and a dog stand on South America street

Day 7Popayan & Silvia Market

After taking breakfast, tour through this city, which was founded in 1537. From its earliest days, Popayán was one of the most important cities in Colombia. It was also a mandatory stopping point for Spanish settlers on their route from Cartagena to Quito. Popayán possesses splendid churches and museums, has a mild climate and a unique atmosphere. The afternoon will be free for individual recreation. If this visit falls on a Tuesday, there will be the chance to visit the famous indigenous market in nearby Silvia. In that case, a tour to the market will be programmed for the afternoon, (without additional cost).

Day 8Popayan - Bogota

In the course of the day, transfer to Popayán airport and return flight to Bogotá.

On arrival, transfer to hotel or fly back home.

Summary

In Tierradentro, not far from San Agustín, its possible to explore burial chambers decorated with geometrical designs and constructed up to 7 metres below ground. Popayán is a fine example of 17th century spanish colonial architecture, features which led Alexander von Humbolt to visit the place in 1801. The Tuesday market in the nearby town of Silvia is also well know. It is here that the indigenous Guimiano people come to sell their wares.

Tour Highlights

Tierradentro Archaeological Park & Museum
"Aguacate" mountain peak hike
San Agustín Archaeological Park & Museum
"Estrecho del Magdalena"

Included

All nights accommodations
All breakfasts
All transfers and entrance fees
English-speaking guides

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