What to do in San Agustín? The archaeological park is certainly not the only attraction. There are plenty of fun things to do in San Agustín, especially if you like a little action. Its mountain location with lush vegetation, waterfalls and coffee plantations is perfect for active tours. Check out our tips for what to do in San Agustín, from horseback riding to rafting to spotting Colombia’s highest waterfall.
7 Must do’s + bonus tips
1. Get in a jeep and explore the area
A jeep tour is the perfect way to visit the more remote archaeological parks, with the bonus of visiting the impressive -200-meter-high- El Salto de Mortino waterfall. In the archaeological park Alto de los Idolos, you will find the most tombs and statues after the archaeological park in San Agustín. In Alto de las Piedras you can admire the iconic statue “Doble Yo” and In the Obanda archaeological park you will find similar tombs to those in Tierradentro.
2. Admire the highest waterfall in Colombia
The Salto de Bordones is 400 meters high and spectacular to see, from the viewing platform. You can’t get that close so you can swim in the waterfall, but it’s still cool to see the waterfall from the viewing platform. The Salto de Bordones is an hour’s drive from San Agustín. Want to do something really special during your visit to San Agustín? Then stay at the Ecohotel Bordones, from where you have a super view of the Salto de Bordones waterfall. The hotel can arrange transportation for you from San Agustín.
3. Go horseback riding in the beautiful surroundings
There are several options for horseback riding. For example, you can go horseback riding to the various archaeological sites in the vicinity of San Agustín, such as La Pelota, El Purutal, El Tablón and La Chaquira, an archaeological site with panoramic views of the Magdalena River gorge. Another great tour is a horseback ride to the Tres Chorros waterfall where you will pass fincas and swim at the waterfall.
4. Take a stroll through San Agustín and slide in for lunch
Start the walk at the main square Parque Simon Bolivar with the Iglesia de San Agustin and stroll through the streets. If you have ever been in the villages in the coffee region , you’ll notice that the houses here are a lot less colorful. The houses are mostly painted white and green. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants, such as Fonte cafe restaurant, which usually offer a cheap daily menu for COP10,000/$2.50. Specialty of the Huila region is Asado Huilense, a large piece of marinated pork that is grilled or slow-cooked in a clay oven. Want to learn more about the traditions of the locals? Then take a cultural tour, learning about the culture of San Agustín through music, dance, gastronomy and crafts.
5. Learn about the coffee process from "bean to cup"
The region around San Agustín is not nearly as well known as the Zona Cafetara or the surroundings of Medellín, yet good quality coffee comes from here. During this private tour you will see the coffee process from “bean to cup” of the organic coffee finca la Cabaña. The owners have been in the coffee business for more than 50 years.
6. Go rafting on the Magdalena River
Rafting on the Magdalena River gives you guaranteed a huge adrenaline rush! You don’t need any experience to join this rafting adventure. The tour is private and can be adapted to your level, so even if this is your first time rafting, you are more than welcome.
7. Go mountain biking!
With this mountain bike tour you can enjoy nature to the fullest, cycling to a hidden waterfall, crossing rivers, visiting archaeological sites and having breakfast with the locals.
Bonus tips
1. Visit the most "instagrammable" village in Colombia
If you take a tour of southern Colombia, make a stop in the city of Gigante, between Neiva (87km) (the Tatacoa Desert) and San Agustín (135km). At the Montaña la Mano del Gigante you can take a picture by the “giant hand,” but now there are more attractions and viewpoints, such as a slide, a large “dream catcher” and a swing under an arch with rainbow colors .
Buses leave from Neiva to Gigante. Once you are in Gigante, you can take a cab from the central square (around COP25,000/$6) or jeep (around COP10,000/$2.50) The ride on a bumpy road takes about half an hour and the cab will drop you off at the entrance to the Mirador.
Insiders tip: if possible, do not plan your trip on weekends or Colombian holidays! It is extremely busy then with locals taking day trips. Waiting time to take a picture at La Mano del Gigante can then add up to several hours!
2. Visit archaeological park Tierradentro
Tierradentro is an archaeological site of almost 20,000 square meters in the department of Cauca, with statues and tombs from the pre-Columbian civilization lying on top of the hills. You can also visit tombs there, some of which are up to 8 meters deep.
Tierradentro is on the Unesco World Heritage List and is an unusual off-the-beaten-track destination, not often visited by travelers. The easiest way to get there is via Popayán. From Popayán there is a direct bus to San Andres de Pisimbala once a day. (Sotracauca, 4.5h). You can also take an organized tour from Popayán.
You can also get to Tieradentro via San Agustín, but that is a more complicated trip if you are traveling by bus. You then have to travel first to Pitalito, then on to Garzon, and catch the last bus from La Plata to Tierradentro. Most buses stop at the intersection “Crucero de San Andres,” 2km from the entrance to Tierradentro. Here you can take a cab to the entrance. It is more convenient to arrange private transportation from San Agustín to Tierradentro. Check here accommodations near Tierradentro.
Tip: It is a tough hike through the mountains to get to the tombs, so you must be in good physical condition for this trip.
Ready to plan your trip? Then check out our travel guide San Agustín with info on the best hotels and hostels, the best travel time, practical information and info on transportation to San Agustín.
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