The Tatacoa Desert is one of Colombia’s most fascinating destinations. In this travel guide, written from our experience, we will tell you where it is, how to get there from Bogotá, Neiva, and other cities, and we will recommend some tours and accommodation options.
Let’s start planning your adventure!
Where is the Tatacoa Desert and How to Get There
The Tatacoa Desert is a tropical dry forest located in the Huila department, near the municipality of Villavieja, Colombia. It is approximately a 1-hour drive from Neiva, 7 hours from Bogotá, and 10 hours from Medellín.
To get to the Tatacoa Desert from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, you first need to travel to the city of Neiva. You can do this by bus, plane, or private vehicle. Then, you must take a bus to Villavieja, the closest town to the Huila desert.
If you’re traveling in a group and don’t have a car, renting one is a great idea, as it allows you to travel at your own pace without relying on public transportation schedules. Plus, when splitting the cost among everyone, it could be more affordable than other transportation options. It’s also a much more comfortable choice if you’re traveling with children.
Find the Best Car Rental Deals Here
Book a tour to the desert with transport from Bogotá
To book the Tatacoa Desert tour with transportation from Bogotá, click this link to see the available scheduled dates, including the experience, full itinerary, price, and reviews from other travelers.
The tour lasts two days and includes: roundtrip transportation from Bogotá, accommodation, expert guide, and a tour of natural attractions such as the Valley of the Xylopalos, the Labyrinths of Cuzco, the Paso de la Señorita, a visit to the Astronomical Observatory, and a boat ride on the Magdalena River.
After choosing your preferred date, you must register with your email, select the type of room, and secure your spot with a 30% deposit of the total value.
See price and tour details to the desert from Bogotá
What to Do in the Tatacoa Desert, Colombia
1. Explore the Gray and Red Desert of Tatacoa
Now that you know where the Tatacoa Desert is, keep in mind that, despite its name, it is not actually a desert but a tropical dry forest that has undergone a desertification process. It is divided into two main zones: one with reddish tones and another in gray.
During your trip to Colombia’s desert, make sure to visit the Laberintos de Cuzco, which are known for their intense red color. There, you can hike through natural trails among arid mounds in one of the most photogenic spots in Tatacoa.
The other zone, known as Los Hoyos, is gray and has a landscape reminiscent of the lunar surface. This area is where most prehistoric fossils have been discovered, many of which are preserved in the Paleontological Museum of Villavieja.
If you plan to travel on your own, we recommend these accommodations: Hotel Colonial Villavieja, Cosmos Tatacoa Hotel, Biohotel Tatacoa Qji, Casa Hotel Estelar, Tatacoa Star Eco Hotel, Mana Star Lounge Hotel, and El Peñon De Constantino.
Tips for finding great and affordable accommodation: The best way to secure the lowest prices is to book early. If you wait until the last minute, the cheapest and highest-rated places will likely be sold out, and you’ll have to settle for what’s left.
Our favorite platform for finding hotel deals is Booking.com. By booking through this link, you can save up to 15% on your next stay. The best part is that, in many cases, you can pay directly at the property, and cancel for free if your plans change.
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Recommended Tour: 3-Day Tatacoa Desert Experience
On this trip starting in Villavieja, you will discover the wonders of the Tatacoa Desert. You’ll adventure through the red and gray desert labyrinths, and on clear nights, you can see shooting stars, constellations, and planets.
The package includes accommodation in a private room, a guided tour of the desert, a visit to the Astronomical Observatory, a city tour of Villavieja, the Paleontological Museum, and a boat ride along the Magdalena River. It also includes free parking at the hotel and insurance.
Plan available every weekend. Local guides in Spanish.
Price per person from: $715,900 COP
2. Explore the Valley of the Xilopalos
Another great activity in the Tatacoa Desert, Huila, is exploring the Valley of the Xilopalos, located in the Los Hoyos area, which is part of the gray zone. We recommend visiting in the morning when the heat is less intense.
If you plan to explore the Tatacoa Desert, be sure to include a hike through the Valley of the Xilopalos, where you can visit the Estrecho de la Señorita and the Valley of the Hermosas. You will also have the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna that have adapted to these extreme conditions.
If you join an organized tour, a local guide will explain how the interaction of minerals in the soil has shaped the gray desert of Tatacoa. You will also get to visit some of the few natural sources of potable water, relax in natural pools, and enjoy a craft beer.
Book your organized tour from Bogotá here
You may also be interested in: 10 Must-See Activities Near Bogotá
How to find cheap last-minute flights Although it’s always best to book in advance, we know that’s not always possible. In those cases, Skyscanner is a great tool for finding the best fares and deals worldwide.
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3. Visit the Tatacoa Desert Astronomical Observatory
The Tatacoa Desert is also one of the best places in Colombia for stargazing. Thanks to its low light pollution, it is an ideal place to observe constellations and planets, comparable to the Atacama Desert in Chile.
If you’re wondering what to do in the Tatacoa Desert, don’t forget to visit the Astronomical Observatory. There, you will receive an astronomy lecture, be able to observe the sky through telescopes, and learn about the celestial bodies that fill the night sky.
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4. Explore the museums of Villavieja
Villavieja is one of the closest towns to the Tatacoa Desert, and there you will find two very interesting museums: the Museo Casa Artesanal del Totumo and the Museo Paleontológico. Both spaces are dedicated to the conservation of the archaeological heritage and ancestral practices of the region.
The Casa Artesanal del Totumo Museum houses a collection of instruments and crafts made from the totumo tree. The Paleontological Museum of Villavieja exhibits a collection of fossils found in the desert, some of which are at least 5 million years old.
You can also take advantage of your trip to take a boat ride on the Magdalena River. This tour is special because this river is one of the most important river arteries in the country and home to many species such as kingfishers, otters and babillas.
Want to save time and money on your next trip? Planning with the right tools can make all the difference. To find cheap flights, we recommend Skyscanner.com, which operates worldwide and compares hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to help you find the best fares.
For accommodation, our go-to platform is Booking.com, where you can save up to 15% and access exclusive benefits. Complete your trip by organizing your tours and guided visits through Civitatis.com, where you’ll find everything from free walking tours to excursions around the world.
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Tips for Traveling to the Tatacoa Desert
Now that you know what to do in the Tatacoa Desert, keep in mind that the climate is warm and dry, with hot days and cool nights. That’s why it’s essential to wear appropriate clothing, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
Remember that the desert is a fragile ecosystem. Avoid climbing on rock formations and always follow the instructions of tour guides to help preserve the landscape. Also, do not light fires and make sure not to leave any trash behind.
Since the desert is vast, a tour will allow you to explore it safely without the risk of getting lost, missing important spots, or being stranded in the middle of nowhere. Book your trip from Bogotá here or here if starting from Villavieja.
By the way, if you are discovering unexplored Colombia, you can follow us on @travelgrafia. Here are some other travel guides that will surely be helpful:
Guatavita Lake: How to Get There from Bogotá
The 10 Best Beaches in Colombia
Things to do in Cartagena de Indias
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Other Trips You May Be Interested In:
San Agustín Archaeological Parks: 4-Day Travel Package
On this fascinating adventure of nature and culture, you will discover the Archaeological Parks of San Agustín, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other amazing places such as the Magdalena River Gorge and the Mortiño Waterfall, as well as enjoying a coffee and artisan experience.
The package includes accommodation in a country hotel, breakfasts, private tours of the San Agustín Archaeological Park, the Alto de los Ídolos, the Magdalena River Gorge, the Obando Museum, the Mortiño Waterfall with its Glass Bridge, and a coffee tour.
Departures available every day of the year. Local guides in Spanish.
Price per person from: $1,254,000 COP
Recommended Trip: 4 Days in the Amazon, Mocagua & Puerto Nariño
On this adventure, you’ll explore the jungle, visit Puerto Nariño, and sail along the Amazon River in search of dolphins, piranhas, and wild birds. You’ll also visit the Peruvian community of San Antonio to learn about a responsible tourism project focused on the conservation of sloths and the Victoria Regia water lily.
The package includes boat transfers from Leticia, accommodation in a private room for couples, meals, pink dolphin watching, a night walk in the jungle, and tours of Mocagua, Puerto Nariño, Tarapoto Lakes, and San Antonio (Peru).
This tour is available every day from Leticia!
Price per person from: $1,780,000 COP
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