The archaeological park in San Agustín: information and tips

The archaeological park in San Agustín, is one of the best-preserved archaeological parks in Colombia and it is also one of Colombia’s best-kept secrets, because this special place is not on the popular tourist route in Colombia. Here you will find information on prices and opening hours and tips.

The different archaeological sites
The statues and tombs are scattered among several archaeological sites that are quite a distance apart: Parque Arqueologico, Alto de Los Idoles, La Chaquira, El Tablon, El Purutal, La Pelota and Alto de Las Piedras. The highest statue is in Alto de Los Idoles. Parque Arqueologico is closest to the town of San Agustín, at a distance of 3 km. This park is easily reached by cab, van or walking. The other sites are more remote and are best reached by jeep tour or horseback.

Below we talk about the archaeological park 3 km from San Agustín.

Prices and opening hours
A ticket for the Parque Arqueológico costs COP65,000/$16 (2024). This ticket also gives you access to other archaeological parks, such as Alto de las Piedras and Alto de los Ídolos. However, you must use the ticket on two consecutive days. Keep in mind that the Parque Arqueologico is closed on Tuesdays and Alto de las Piedras / Alto de los Ídolos on Wednesdays. (April 2024)

The route
The archaeological park consists of 4 sections:

• Museo Arqueológico de San Agustín
  At the entrance to the park is a small museum with smaller sculptures, jewelry, pottery, utensils and interesting information about San Agustín culture.
• Bosque de Estatuas (sculpture garden). This trail goes through the rainforest, where a number of sculptures are placed along the route.
• The Mesitas, where the other statues are placed in groups (mesitas A, B, C, D). At each mesita are a number of signs with brief explanations.
• Alto de Lavapatas is the oldest archaeological site in San Augustín. From this site which is higher up, you have a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

If you want to take it easy, you can certainly entertain yourself for half a day in the park, as the sites are quite far apart.

If you want to explore the park with a guide, check out here for options.

You can also take a jeep tour where you visit the archaeological sites outside San Agustín and the Salto del Mortino waterfall.

If you want to plan a short trip from Bogotá and not travel further around southern Colombia, then this tour is an option.