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Municipality and town in Huila Department, Colombia
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Parque Arqueologico is San Agustin's main attraction. It features several ancient burial sites, a lot of statues and a small museum. It's 3 km west of San Agustin and can be reached by frequent minibusses.
Far less visited, a bit smaller, but equally impressive as the archaeological park. The views from the park are amazing. There is no transportation to and from San Agustin, only to San Jose de Isnos.
Within easy walking distance are the four small sites, El Tablon with several statues; La Chaquira, carved rocks dramatically set overlooking the valley of the Rio Magdalena; La Pelota, with some coloured statues in excellent state and El Purutal. These can easily be visited in one day walking.
Far north of San Agustin is Obando a small site with some underground tombs and a tiny museum with some of the excavated pottery. There are carros going to and from San Agustin to Obando.
Other archaeological sites are Alto de Las Piedras, Alto de las Guacas, Alto del Mortiño o del Tigre, Granada, El Jabón, Lavaderos o Naranjos and La Parada
El Estrecho is the place where the Rio Magdalena is at its narrowest.
Salto de Bordones (400m) and Salto del Mortiño are two waterfalls, easily accessible by public transportation from Isnos.
Take a carro to Obando and walk the beautiful way back to San Agustín and visit El Estrecho on the way. It's about five hours walking.
Walk to Alto de los Idolos and back. Leave early because it is a long walk. You can visit Granada on the way and if you have some energy left take the detour to Alto de las Guacas and Alto del Moriño o del Tigre.
Many of the hostels can arrange riding trips to the archaeological sites and the surrounding countryside.
To visit the more remote sights in one day, you can take a jeep tour. Usual circuits allow you to see statues at Alto de los Idolos, waterfalls at Salto Bordones and Alto del Mortiño, Tombs and museum in Obando and the estrecho del Magdalena.
El Tablón is a good warm up, La Chaquira is a spectacular hillside location overlooking a valley of waterfalls - with some cliff carvings, El Purutal and La Pelota are an eye-popping finish with statues that retain some of their original colorings.
BBQ places owned by brothers and located next to one another that serve big plates of the typical asado huilense.
Great small grill, excellent grilled fruit and vegetables with meat of your choice, always good music (but not too loud)
Run by an extremely friendly Swiss (Rene) and his wife (Paloma), Finca el Maco is a little piece of paradise about 1 km out of the town. Dorm beds and private rooms are available and there is also a restaurant and bar which serves incredible meals.
Beautiful views, exquisite breakfasts and dinners prepared by request. Both dorm and private rooms available. Excellent backpacker hangout with all of the amenities.
Very beautiful farm hotel 3 km of San Agustin. Owned by a Swiss (Dominique) and run by a friendly Colombian (Alirio). Beautiful view over the Magdalena canyon. Ample and very comfortable rooms with modern bathrooms. Swimming pond. Camping. Tours. Restaurant. Bar. Shop.
Rustic coffee farm, with a great view of the village and its surroundings, comfortable rooms with private bathroom, hot water, television, restaurant, surrounded by beautiful gardens and nature.
None of the hotels in town even approach mid-range quality, but this is a friendly, basic, clean place that is also very inexpensive.
Gamcelat is a family run hostal/organic farm. It is a natural place where you can relax in hammocks, be part of the daily work of the field, use one of the prepared tours and explore the archeological sites in the surrounding area.
Spacious clean rooms, some with balcony, hot shower, good breakfast, very helpful owner who will also organize transportation out of town if required.
Accommodation options include private rooms and dormitories. Facilities include Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, hot-water showers, laundry service, a bar and several common areas. The hostel also has a rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Staff can provide information about local attractions, hiking routes, horseback riding, rafting and other outdoor activities in the region. The property is pet-friendly and offers a quiet setting while remaining close to the town centre.
By motorcycle
It is a rough road from Popayan or Cali to San Agustin. The drive has beautiful views but is not paved at times.
The different archaeological sites are scattered over a large area. If you have the time walking is the best option, the scenery on the way is amazing and some of the local transportation can help you on your way.
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Popayán · Regional · PPN
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