Tatacoa Desert, the Lost Culture of San Augustin & the White City of Popayán

Day 1
Arrival in Neiva & visit to the Tatacoa Desert

Early in the morning, take your flight to Neiva.

Your local, German-speaking driver guide (guide and driver in one person & car) will pick you up here and the first tour will take you to one of the most beautiful areas of Colombia - the Tatacoa Desert.

After visiting the Tatacoa Desert, you will be accommodated in the unique Hotel Bethel Luxury (first, lower picture), where you will spend the night (on the 5 day tour).

On the 4 day tour you will continue to San Augustin, where you will spend the night in the rustic Akawanka Lodge (picture below). - / - / -

Day 2

Visit of the archaeological sights in San Augustin (4 day program) or onward journey to San Augustin (5 day program)

In the 4 day program you will get to know this fascinating area during a jeep tour and be inspired by this pre-Columbian culture that can be found in the site of San Agustín.

The cultural heritage of mankind is here and is made up of a collection of statues, paths and tombs.

The Archaeological Park in San Agustín is composed of two parts:

Alto de los Ídolos is the archaeological part that belongs to the Isnos region. It is characterized by artificially built burial mounds that are connected to each other by heaped paths.

The hills of La Chaquira, La Pelota and Purutal are part of the Huila region. Various motifs are carved in stone here. The figures on the edge of the Magdalena River are particularly striking.

It is also remarkable how the ancestors obtained dyes from wild plants and used it to paint their works.

On the 5-day program, continue from the Tatacoa Desert to San Augustin.

Overnight at Akawanka Lodge for both programs. F / - / -

Day 3
Horseback ride & transfer to Popayán (4-day program), visit to the archaeological sights in San Augustin (5-day program)

Enjoy an exit through the beautiful landscapes (4 day program).

During your ride you will make various stops - for example, you will come to other archaeological finds that will impress you - you can only reach them on horseback or on foot.

"Happiness on earth is on the back of a horse" - on this ride you can experience this feeling up close and you will be impressed by the breathtaking landscapes.

Even if you've never sat on a horse, this ride is possible.

In the afternoon you continue to Popayan, one of the most beautiful treasures of sacred handicrafts, where you stay at the charming, colonial Hotel Dann Monasterio.

In the 5 day program you visit the archaeological sights in San Augustin and stay overnight again at Akawanka Lodge. F / - / -

Day 4

City tour Popayán & Trf. to the airport (4-day program), possibility of horse riding or further visits to the archaeological sights (5-day program)

City tour Popayan & transfer to the airport (4-day program).

Discover the cultural beauties of Popayan, also known as the White City.

Since the colonial era, Popayan has been the religious center on the way from Cartagena to Quito, Ecuador.

It was home to numerous poets, presidents and writers from Colombia.

Popayan is also known as the City of Faith, so Holy Week is one of the most important ceremonies.

Then transfer to the airport (4 day program).

With the 5-day program you can go on a riding tour in San Augustin in the morning.

In the afternoon the unique journey takes place partly over slopes to Popayán.

Accommodation in Hotel Dann Monasterio in Popayán (5 days program). F / - / -

Day 5
City tour Popayán (5-day program) & transfer to the airport

Discover the cultural beauties of Popayan, also known as the White City.

Since the colonial era, Popayan has been the religious center on the way from Cartagena to Quito, Ecuador.

It was home to numerous poets, presidents and writers from Colombia.

Popayan is also known as the City of Faith, so Holy Week is one of the most important ceremonies.

Then transfer to the airport. F / - / -

• 4 days

  Colombia building block: San Augustin & Popayán

  pp € 899

• 5 days

  Colombia building block Tatacoa desert, San Augustin & Popaýan

  pp € 1.099

• Number of participants: from 2 people
• Travel from Neiva Airport / to Popayán Airport (national flights can then be booked later for an additional charge as required)
• Single room surcharge: on request!

Note: Local, country-typical, rustic hotels, in Tatacoa Desert the best possible Hotel Bethel Luxury, in Popayán the beautiful, colonial Hotel Dann Monasterio.

Attention: The price does not include a transatlantic flight, which has to be supplemented in price! We would be happy to make you an offer for an arranged transatlantic flight.

Depending on the booking class and departure airport, this will cost between approx. 790 and 990 euros per person in economy class (business class for a surcharge, information on request).

Booking of an individual pre- and post-program possible! Travel dates freely selectable, fixed dates see under dates! 

Services included in the price:

• Brokered flight to Neiva (not included, will be offered separately later if required)
• For a 5-day program: Transfer from Neiva Airport to the Bethel Luxury Hotel / visit to the Tataco desert with a local, German-speaking guide
•  For 5 days program: Night in Bethel Bio Luxury Hotel (Tatacoa Desert) - double room including breakfast
• Continue to San Augustin with a local, German-speaking guide (with a 4-day program, a short visit to the Tatacoca desert and then direct drive to San Augustin).
• Night in a beautifully located Akawanka Lodge (San Augustin), double room with breakfast
• Visit archaeological sights in San Augustin & the surrounding area with a local, German-speaking guide
• Night in Akawanka Lodge (San Augustin) - double room including breakfast
• Visit to the archaeological park & ​​transfer to Popayán (approx. 2 hours drive partly on gravel road, very interesting landscape!)
• Night in the colonial hotel Dann Monasterio (Popayán), double room including breakfast
• City tour Popayán & transfer to the airport with a local, German-speaking guide).
• Payment security notes from Zurich Insurance (secures your payment)

Services not included in the price:

• Drinks (tea and coffee included)
• Personal expenses and tips
• National flights & transatlantic flights to be brokered (we would be happy to make you an offer)
• Any local airport taxes

Note:
Changes to hotels within the same category are possible.

Dates on request.