Colombia

Tatacoa Desert, Huila: Where is it, How to get there and Tips

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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

How to get to the Tatacoa Desert from Neiva, Bogotá, and Medellín
Photo: Travelgrafía

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

Find cheap flights to Neiva

Cactus known as mother-in-law's seat
Photo: Travelgrafía

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

What to see in the Tatacoa Desert
Red Desert. Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Book accommodation now!

Buy bus tickets to Neiva

Estoraques rock formations in the Huila desert
Photo: Travelgrafía
Goat in the Tatacoa Desert
Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

Plus, if you book frequently, you’ll reach Genius Level 3, Booking’s highest loyalty tier, which gives you exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and room upgrades — helping you save even more.

Book your accommodation here and save up to 15%

Recommended Tour: 3-Day Tatacoa Desert Experience

Trip to Tatacoa Desert from Bogotá

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

Get more details!

2. Explore the Valley of the Xilopalos

Bird among the cacti in the Tatacoa Desert
Photo: Travelgrafía

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

Valley of Sadness
Photo: Travelgrafía
Vegetation of the very dry forest
Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

This platform compares prices from hundreds of airlines and agencies to show you the most affordable options. Simply click here, enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates, and filter by price, time, or stopovers to find the perfect flight.

Is it safe to book flights on Skyscanner? Yes, it is. Just keep in mind that Skyscanner doesn’t sell tickets directly — it redirects you to the airline or travel agency’s official site. For extra peace of mind, we recommend booking through the link that takes you straight to the airline’s website.

Find cheap flights now

3. Visit the Tatacoa Desert Astronomical Observatory

Meteor shower in the Tatacoa Desert
Photo: @larepubblica

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.

Tip for your next international trip: Stay connected from the moment you land with this eSIM, easy to activate and with unlimited data. Use your favorite apps and share your best moments without relying on WiFi or paying roaming fees.

Get 5% off your unlimited data eSIM

4. Explore the museums of Villavieja

Museo paleontológico Villavieja precio
Photography: @mnomelin

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.

Book now tour from Bogotá

Find cheap flights to Neiva

Paseo en lancha por el Río Magdalena
Photography: Travelgrafía
Martín pescador chico
Martín pescador chico. Photo: Travelgrafía

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.

If you’re traveling abroad, stay connected with an eSim from Holafly and enjoy a 5% exclusive discount for being a Travelgrafía reader. And don’t forget your travel insurance from Protegetuviaje.com, it offers excellent coverage, 24/7 assistance, and great value for money.

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Tips for Traveling to the Tatacoa Desert

Red desert in Colombia
Photo: Travelgrafía

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

Things to Do in Medellin

The 10 Best Beaches in Colombia

Things to do in Cartagena de Indias

Recommendations for visiting the Tatacoa Desert
Photo: Travelgrafía

Tip: An unexpected event abroad can cost you thousands of dollars. Getting sick, having an accident, or losing your luggage can not only ruin your trip but also hit your wallet hard. With international insurance from protegetuviaje.com, you’ll have medical assistance and protection in many situations — from flight delays to cancellations.

Travel insurance isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in peace of mind. In addition to medical coverage, most policies include benefits like repatriation, early return due to family emergencies, and even dental emergency coverage. In fact, in many countries, travel insurance is already an entry requirement.

Don’t let an unexpected setback ruin your trip! Click here to purchase our recommended international insurance — it offers excellent coverage, 24/7 assistance, and fair pricing for travel anywhere in the world. Protect your health, your luggage, and your investment — and focus all your energy on enjoying the adventure.

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Other Trips You May Be Interested In:

San Agustín Archaeological Parks: 4-Day Travel Package

Tour to San Agustín Park

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

Request more information!

Recommended Trip: 4 Days in the Amazon, Mocagua & Puerto Nariño

All-Inclusive Amazon Tour

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

Start your booking!

We hope you enjoyed this travel guide! If you found our information helpful, consider supporting our work by booking accommodations, tours, and services we recommend, or directly through the following affiliate links:

Booking.com: Top hotels at great prices

Skyscanner.com: Find flights on sale

Guruwalk.com: Free walking tours around the world

Civitatis.com: Guided tours and excursions

Bookaway.com: Bus, ferry, and train tickets

Holafly.com: International eSIM

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Travelgrafía

At Travelgrafía, we connect travelers passionate about nature and culture with travel guides that inspire them to discover unexplored Colombia and explore Latin America.

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