While on a Trip to Colombia, the Tatacoa desert is undoubtedly one of the most breath-taking destinations

Villavieja, Gateway to the Tatacoa Desert

From Neiva, largest city in the Huila department, a small road leads to the village of Villavieja, which is a little over an hour away. Along the way, we can observe the evolution of the ecosystem, which is becoming increasingly arid. Once in this small town, and depending on the continuity of your journey, you will have the choice between different rustic lodgings with rather basic comfort. You can also choose to stay in the heart of the desert in accommodations with even more minimal comfort. The hotels in the surrounding area are mainly intended for undemanding travellers. For a higher standard, it is preferable to return to Neiva. By the way, when one chooses to make a trip to Colombia, the Tatacoa desert is not the stage that will require an overnight stay.

Deserts of Colombia

Colombia is home to two famous deserts with distinct landscapes. One of them, the Guajira Desert, lies on the peninsula of the same name at the tip of the Caribbean coast. A desert of dunes with pre-Columbian legends. We’ve mentioned its highlights in a previous article. The second is the Tatacoa, a semi-arid valley located 5 hours’ drive south of the capital.

Dunes of Taroa, Guajira Peninsula

Tatacoa’s Red and Grey Deserts

In Villavieja taxis and tuk-tuks offer their services to bring travellers to discover the desert. You will take a small country road, not always in good condition, which later turns into a dirt track. The first major stop on this tour is the Mirador de El Cuzco, less than 15 minutes’ drive from Villavieja. From there one can observe the formidable, eroded mounds that form the red desert. A stroll through the meanders of the desert is quite possible but be careful not to step on these fragile formations. The heat is to be taken into consideration and it is therefore recommended to start this visit at the earliest possible time.

 

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Further on is the grey desert. This time it is almost lunar landscapes that you will be able to observe. This sector has the particularity of presenting formations resembling certain animals. Indeed, with a keen eye and a touch of imagination, you can observe turtles or elephants-shaped-mounds. Other parts have “ghostly” figures…

Tatacoa Astronomical Observatory

As in any good desert, starry nights are part of the charm. You will find an easily accessible astronomical observatory, located near the Mirador el Cuzco. On busy days, an introduction to astronomy is offered to visitors. This might the activity that will encourage you to spend the night at this “magically realistic” destination.

During your trip to Colombia, the Tatacoa Desert is part of your plans and you would like to know more about it, do not hesitate: