Tierradentro & San Agustín Archeological Parks 3-Day Trip

Embark on a 3-day journey through the archeological wonders of Tierradentro and San Agustín, where you will uncover the intricacies of Colombia's heritage set against breathtaking natural landscapes.

Details of the 3-Day Journey

Day 1

Your adventure begins with a punctual pickup from your hotel, after which we will depart Popayán towards our first destination: the National Archeological Park of Tierradentro, recognized as a premier archeological site in Colombia.

Our route will take us to the captivating Valle de los Frailejones, home to native flora that creates lush forests unique to the Andean ecosystem. Our next stop is the vibrant town of Inzá, where we will enjoy a delectable traditional Colombian breakfast.

Post breakfast, we will embark on a leisurely hike lasting about one hour to explore the mysterious caves of the Pyramid of Inzá. These tunnels are believed to have been constructed by ancient Indigenous peoples for ceremonial reasons or as burial sites for their leaders.

Following this, we will reach Tierradentro after approximately three hours and commence a guided exploration of the park. Here, the remnants of the Prehispanic, Colonial, and Republican eras await your discovery. Strolling among pyramids and subterranean tombs known as hypogeums, you will behold chambers intricately carved from volcanic rock, some extending to an impressive depth of 26 feet (8 meters).

Moreover, you will gain insight into the legacy of the Páez people, who occupied this area prior to the Spanish conquest. Unravel the mystery of whether these tombs were constructed as part of their cultural practices.

After our exploration of the hypogeums, we will ascend to admire the animal-shaped carvings that depict Indigenous deities, followed by a visit to the museum of the park, showcasing items unearthed during excavations.

In the afternoon, a lunch comprising meat, rice, soup, salad, patacones, and a beverage will be served. We will then explore the San Andrés de Pisimbalá Church, a remarkable stone building topped with a thatched roof.

After an enriching day, we will head to our hotel in Tierradentro for an overnight stay. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow!

Day 2

The second day dawns with a hearty breakfast followed by our journey to San Agustín, nestled in the stunning Andes mountains.

We will take a break for lunch en route and anticipate a travel time of around five hours before arriving at our San Agustín accommodation for the evening. Once you've checked in and settled, the remainder of the day is yours to leisurely explore this vibrant town.

Day 3

Good morning! Our third day begins with breakfast and preparation for a visit to the San Agustín Archeological Park and its adjoining museum. During the guided tour, you will encounter funerary structures uncovered by both domestic and international archeologists over the years.

These sites often display animal motifs and natural elements. You will also have the opportunity to appreciate artifacts crafted from stone, ceramics, wood, and gold.

Lunch will be a delightful affair featuring a traditional meal that includes a main dish accompanied by rice, soup, and salad. Afterward, we will venture to the Magdalena Strait, one of Colombia's most striking landscapes, where the Magdalena River carves its path through a channel measuring merely 5.58 feet (1.70 meters) wide.

We will also explore the Alto de los Ídolos and Alto de las Piedras Archeological Parks, where the distinctiveness of human representations and the vivid colors adorning the statues and tomb walls can be appreciated.

As the day concludes, we will commence our return journey to Popayán, expecting to arrive around 7 pm. Until we meet again!

Accommodation for the Trip

Your journey includes 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast in a double room at the following hotels:

• Tierradentro: Hotel Cabaña Campestre Los Lagos or Hotel La Portada
• San Agustín: Hotel Alto de los Andaquies