San Agustín - Discovering Colombia

Travelling to San Agustín

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in San Agustín, a pretty good destination in Colombia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to San Agustín and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around San Agustín, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Colombia, here's everything to know about San Agustín for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to San Agustín

San Agustín is a small town located in the department of Huila, in southern Colombia. It is known for its impressive archaeological park that features numerous pre-Columbian statues, tombs and other structures that date back to the 1st century BC. The park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural significance. In addition to the park, San Agustín is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, mountains, and valleys. The town also offers opportunities for adventure tourism, such as rafting and horseback riding. San Agustín is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in history, culture, and outdoor activities.

What to visit in San Agustín

Here are some of the tourist attractions in San Agustín, Colombia and some details about them: 1. San Agustín Archaeological Park: This park is known for its collection of pre-Columbian statues and tombs. There are over 130 stone statues featuring depictions of humans, animals, and deities. Visitors can also explore the surrounding nature reserve which includes waterfalls and forests.
2. Obando Archaeological Park: This park contains the remains of the Obando culture, which flourished in the region between 400 and 1100 AD. The park features several burial mounds, petroglyphs, and a museum showcasing artifacts from the culture.
3. Alto de los Idolos: This site is located just outside of San Agustín and is home to several large stone statues up to 7 meters tall. Visitors can hike to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
4. Alto de las Piedras: This site is similar to Alto de los Idolos, with several large stone statues and tombs. The site is surrounded by lush forests and has hiking trails for visitors to explore.
5. La Chaquira: This site is known for its stunning views of the Magdalena River Valley. Visitors can hike up to a large rock outcropping with several carved stone figures.
6. Salto de Bordones: This waterfall is located outside of San Agustín and is one of the tallest in Colombia, with a height of over 300 meters. Visitors can hike to the base of the waterfall for a refreshing swim or take a guided tour to the top for panoramic views.
Overall, San Agustín is a great destination for anyone interested in exploring the pre-Columbian history and culture of Colombia, as well as enjoying the region's natural beauty.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Colombia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in San Agustín.

When to go on holiday to San Agustín

San Agustín, Colombia's archaeological capital, has a moderate climate due to its altitude, making it a desirable place to visit all year round. However, the peak tourist seasons are December to February and June to August, coinciding with Colombian school holidays. If you prefer fewer crowds, it's best to avoid these months. The rainy season in San Agustín is from April to May and September to November, so if you prefer dryer weather, it's best to visit from December to March and from June to August.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to San Agustín

San Agustin is located in the Huila Department of Colombia. Here are a few different options for getting there: 1. Fly: The nearest airport is Neiva Airport, which is about 3 hours by road from San Agustin. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to San Agustin.
2. Bus: You can take a bus to San Agustin from Bogotá, Cali, or Neiva. The trip from Bogotá takes around 8-10 hours, while the trip from Cali takes around 6-8 hours.
3. Car: If you have your own car or are renting one, you can drive to San Agustin. It's about a 7-hour drive from Bogotá, 4-hour drive from Neiva, and 6-hour drive from Cali.
It's important to note that the roads leading to San Agustin can be winding and sometimes unpaved, so it's recommended to have a skilled driver or take a bus.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit San Agustín, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in San Agustín

1. Trucha (Trout): San Agustín is known for its delicious trout, which is typically served grilled or fried. It's usually accompanied by rice, salad, and plantains.
2. Empanadas de Pipián (Pipián Empanadas): These are corn-based pastries stuffed with a mixture of mashed pumpkin, potatoes, and spices. They're typically served as a snack and are very popular in San Agustín.
3. Caldo de Costilla (Rib Soup): This is a hearty soup made with ribs, potatoes, vegetables, and herbs. It's a great way to warm up on a chilly day and is a staple of Colombian cuisine.
4. Arepas de Choclo (Sweet Corn Patties): These are patties made from sweet corn dough and stuffed with cheese and other ingredients. They're typically fried or grilled and served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
5. Champús: This is a traditional drink made from maize, pineapple, lulo fruit, cinnamon, and panela (unrefined cane sugar). It's sweet and refreshing and is typically served cold.
6. Changua (Milk Soup): This soup is made with milk, onions, and coriander, and is typically served with an egg on top. It's a popular breakfast dish in San Agustín.
7. Tamales: These are a traditional Colombian dish made from corn dough stuffed with meat, vegetables, and spices. They're typically steamed and served as a snack or a meal.
8. Bizcochos de Achira (Achira Biscuits): These are crunchy biscuits made from achira flour, a type of root vegetable. They're typically served as a snack or with coffee.
You can find general info about typical foods in Colombia here.

Is San Agustín an expensive destination for tourists?

San Agustín (Colombia) is not considered an expensive destination for tourists. However, prices may vary depending on the season and the type of accommodation and activities chosen. Accommodation options include budget hostels, mid-range hotels, and luxury lodges. Meals and transportation are also reasonably priced. Tourist attractions such as the archaeological park, museums, and natural reserves have admission fees that are affordable. Overall, San Agustín is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Where to find accomodation in San Agustín

San Agustín is a small town located in the south of Colombia, known for its wonderful pre-Columbian archeological park. If you're planning to visit San Agustin, there are a couple of different areas where you can find accommodation that would be convenient. The first option is to stay in the town center, which is where most of the restaurants, shops, and bars are located. Staying here would give you easy access to explore the town's colonial architecture and culture. The second option is to stay closer to the archaeological park, which is where the main attraction of San Agustin is located. This area is a bit more rural and peaceful, and you'll have easy access to the park's different sites, which you can explore at your own pace. Both of these options offer their own unique experiences, so it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a bit more nightlife and easy access to shops and restaurants, stay in the town center. However, if you want to be closer to the attraction and have a more peaceful stay, choose a place closer to the archaeological park.
You can check hotel prices at San Agustín here:
Booking.com

Is San Agustín a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, San Agustín is generally a safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Some precautions that you can take include avoiding walking alone at night, not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you, and being careful in crowded areas such as markets and transport hubs. Additionally, it is always a good idea to check with your hotel or a local tourism office for any specific safety tips or warnings prior to your trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Colombia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting San Agustín.

What type of travelers will enjoy San Agustín the most?

San Agustín, Colombia is a great destination for those interested in history, archaeology, and outdoor adventure. Visitors who are interested in learning about ancient civilizations and exploring archaeological sites will enjoy visiting San Agustín. The area is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including rivers, waterfalls, and gorges, which offer ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.
San Agustín can be enjoyable for all types of travelers, but it is most suitable for adventurous couples, solo travelers, or families who enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. There are also many cultural and historical sites to explore, such as the San Agustín Archaeological Park. Families with young children may find some of the hiking and outdoor activities to be too challenging, but there are still plenty of ways for children to enjoy the trip, such as horseback riding or exploring less challenging archaeological sites.

How to get around San Agustín

In San Agustín, the main form of transportation is by taxi or hiring a private driver. Buses also run from the town to nearby sites of interest, such as the archeological park and waterfalls. However, they may not always run on a set schedule and can be quite crowded. Another popular option for exploring the area is by horseback or hiking.

What to see around San Agustín

Here are a few places you could consider visiting in a day trip from San Agustin: 1. Archaeological Park of San Agustin - this is a must-see site for any visitor to San Agustin. It's home to dozens of ancient stone statues and tombs and provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's prehistory.
2. Salto de Bordones waterfall - located just outside of San Agustin, this stunning waterfall is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It's a bit of a trek to get there, but the views are well worth it.
3. The Pitalito Coffee Region - just a short drive from San Agustin, this region is known for producing some of the best coffee in Colombia. Take a tour of a local coffee farm and learn about the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee.
4. El Estrecho del Magdalena - this narrow gorge on the Magdalena River is a popular spot for rafting and kayaking. You can also hike to the top of the gorge for some breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
5. La Chaquira - this is a remarkable viewpoint overlooking the Magdalena River Valley. It involves a short hike through the countryside and provides a great opportunity to see some of the region's wildlife.
For every travel information about Colombia you can click here.

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