Tierradentro National Archaeological Park Tour

The Tierradentro National Archaeological Park, a significant gem of Cauca, boasts an incredible array of historical and cultural heritage.

Tour of Tierradentro National Archaeological Park

Your adventure begins with a 5 am pick-up from your accommodation in Popayán, ensuring you maximize your day right from the early hours!

Upon departure, we head towards the National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro, regarded as one of the most vital archaeological destinations in the Cauca region. En route, we'll pause for breakfast in the quaint village of Inzá. As we approach our remarkable destination, steeped in anthropological significance, the intrigue of its name will become apparent—but the secret remains for now!

Your exploration of the park will commence as we delve into three pivotal historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial, and republican. We’ll stroll amidst its magnificent pyramids and the fascinating hypogea—underground tombs carved into the natural volcanic rock. The intricate designs of various burial chambers will captivate you. Did you know some of them extend to a depth of 8 metres (26 feet)?

As we uncover the history of the Paez people, the original inhabitants of this land prior to Spanish colonization, we’ll understand their efforts to preserve their territory. Could these remarkable caves have been constructed by them? The answer awaits!

After our tomb exploration, we'll ascend to the surface to appreciate the stone sculptures of indigenous deities, depicted as animals, and visit the museum showcasing a collection of artifacts discovered during excavations.

Midday breaks call for a nourishing lunch, featuring a choice of either chicken or meat, accompanied by rice, soup, salad, patacones (twice-fried plantains), and a drink to recharge us for the afternoon.

We’ll then turn our attention to the remnants of the colonial past with a visit to the San Andrés de Pisimbalá church, a charming structure built from stone with a thatched roof.

As the day concludes, we will head back to Popayán, culminating our journey with drop-offs at your hotel between 8 pm and 9 pm.