San Agustin Travel Guide

Plan your trip to San Agustin with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, the food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to San Agustin, Colombia

Located in Huila in the Andino region of Colombia in South America, San Agustin is a charming town known for its fascinating archeological sites, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will help you plan your trip to San Agustin, explore its cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, the food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

Introduction to San Agustin

San Agustin is a small colonial town in the state of Huila that is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges of the Andes. The town is known primarily for the San Agustin Archaeological Park, which features pre-Columbian statues and ruins that date back to 3300 BCE.

The town’s cultural and natural attractions are its biggest draws, attracting visitors from around the world. Its agricultural surroundings provide a scenic setting for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

List of Places to Visit in San Agustin

Here is a list of the top attractions to visit in San Agustin:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • San Agustin Archaeological Park
  • Museo Arqueológico (Archeological Museum)
  • Museo de arte Religious (Religious Art Museum)
  • Estadora El Tablón (Rural Coffee Estate)

Natural Attractions of San Agustin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Alto de los Idolos (Idol Hill)
  • Alto de las Piedras (Stone Hill)
  • Alto de las Guacas (Guacas Hill)
  • Cascada de Mortiño (Mortiño Waterfall)
  • Cascada de Bordones (Bordones Waterfall)

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Agustin

San Agustin has many hiking and biking routes, depending on your level of experience. Here are some popular routes:

  • Ruta de los obstáculos (Route of obstacles)
  • Ruta de Los Monos (Monkey Route)
  • Ruta del Caminante (Route of the walker)

Best Things to Do in San Agustin: Activities and Tours

  • San Agustin Archaeological Park Tour
  • Bike Tour through the Andean foothills
  • Cultural Tour of small towns around San Agustin
  • Horseback riding tour through the countryside

Week-Long Itinerary for San Agustin

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to San Agustin:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival in San Agustin, visit downtown and the Main Square
Day 2 San Agustin Archaeological Park Tour
Day 3 Hiking or Biking in the countryside
Day 4 Horseback Riding Tour
Day 5 Cultural Tour of small towns around San Agustin
Day 6 Visit the waterfalls of Mortiño and Bordones
Day 7 Departure from San Agustin

Food and Drink Scene of San Agustin

San Agustin has an incredible food and drink scene, and here are some must-try dishes and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ajiaco Huilense (Huila’s Vegetable Soup)
  • Trucha Frita (Fried Trout)
  • Tamal Tolimense (Tolima’s Corn Tamale)

Local Beverages

  • Aguardiente Huilense (Huila’s Aniseed Flavoured Liquor)
  • Coffee from Villa Rosa

Where to Stay in San Agustin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Agustin offers a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury. Here are some options:

  • Posada Turística La Casita (Guest House)
  • Hotel la Casa de Francois (Hotel)
  • La Marande (Guest House)

What to Buy in San Agustin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Agustin is known for its traditional handicrafts made from various materials like clay, wood, and textiles. The following are some popular souvenirs to bring home:

  • Traditional woolen ponchos
  • Clay figurines and statues
  • Woven textiles

Local Culture and Customs of San Agustin

San Agustin has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its festivals and customs. The Huila region is famous for its unique music and dance, which is an essential part of its cultural identity.

Best Time to Visit San Agustin

The best time to visit San Agustin is during the dry months of December to February and July to September. The weather is pleasant, and there is less rainfall, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Agustin

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Learn some Spanish phrases before your trip

Don’t:

  • Ignore local customs and traditions
  • Litter in public spaces
  • Wear revealing clothing in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in San Agustin

San Agustin is a safe place to visit; however, tourists must be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, like markets.

Health in San Agustin

San Agustin is located at a high altitude, and visitors may feel the effects of altitude sickness. It is recommended to stay hydrated and avoid overly strenuous activities.

Getting to San Agustin: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Agustin is a remote town and is not easily accessible by air. The nearest airport is in Neiva, and the nearest bus terminal is in Pitalito. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near San Agustin

  • Neiva’s Santana Airport

Bus Stations Near San Agustin

  • Pitalito Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Private Transportation: There are a few transportation companies that offer private vehicular transport.
  • Taxis: Taxis can be hired from the Neiva bus terminal or Pitalito bus station.

How to Get Around in San Agustin

The best way to get around San Agustin is on foot or by bike. Taxis are also available and can be a convenient option for longer distances.

Where to Go Next from San Agustin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can take from San Agustin:

  • Tatacoa Desert
  • Tierradentro National Park
  • Purace National Park

Conclusion

San Agustin is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Colombia. Plan your itinerary with our comprehensive travel guide, and you’ll have an unforgettable trip to this charming Andean town in South America.

San Agustín's main church San Agustín's main church View of the village View of the village At the Archaeological Park At the Archaeological Park