Uncovering an Otherworldly Destination in Colombia
As the demand for authentic, nature-based, and lesser-known destinations grows, the Tatacoa Desert is emerging as one of Colombia’s most hidden gems.
Located in the Huila Department, just outside the town of Villavieja, the Tatacoa Desert is about a 7-hour drive from Bogota or 2 hours from Neiva. Despite being called a desert, Tatacoa is actually a semi-arid dry tropical forest, marked by red ochre canyons, sculpted rock formations, and fossil-rich badlands.
This landscape feels more like Mars than Colombia, a bold contrast that makes it ideal for eco-conscious travelers, photographers, and explorers.
A landscape that sparks curiosity
The Tatacoa Desert surprises everyone who visits. Instead of sand dunes and burning temperatures, it offers dramatic eroded canyons, natural swimming holes, and silent vistas that feel like science fiction. The colors are surreal: from deep rust reds in the Cuzco area to stark greys and whites in Los Hoyos. You can stand in one spot and see the Earth telling its geological story, a massive contrast to Colombia’s more familiar rainforest, mountain regions, and beaches.
Top Experiences in the Tatacoa Desert
Stargazing like nowhere else
Tatacoa is one of the best places in Colombia for astronomy tourism. With virtually zero light pollution and a privileged geographic location, you can visit the astronomic observatory, where travelers can stargaze with professional telescopes and guides. These night tours are a must during any visit to observe constellations, celestial bodies, and meteor showers.
Hiking in Cuzco & Hoyos
The two main desert zones with very characteristic colors, ochre in Cuzco and gray in Los Hoyos, are perfect for hiking. Guided hikes take travelers through surreal rock landscapes, rare shapes over the desert´s landscapes, deep canyons, and impressive cacti that can grow up to 5 meters high. Also, spot some species, including turtles, rodents, ocelots, and eagles, among others.
Swimming in Natural Pools
After a dusty trek, travelers can cool off in natural swimming pools like “El Hoyito”, a unique reward in the middle of the desert, surrounded by arid cliffs and endless sky.
Explore Paleontology & Fossils
The nearby Villavieja municipality is home to the Paleontological Museum that showcases fossils of animals and plant remains dating back over millions of years.
Tips & Recommendations
- How to get to the Tatacoa Desert? It may feel remote, but it is accessible. By air, travelers can arrive at Neiva, which has daily direct flights from Bogota (approx. 30 min). Alternatively, for clients who enjoy scenic drives, Tatacoa is about 6–7 hours by road from Bogota. This route can be included as part of a multi-stop Colombia itinerary, especially for those interested in slow travel, photography, or cultural immersion.
- The best months to visit are from December to February and June to September. The dry season means clear skies and comfortable hiking weather.
- It is ideal to stay a minimum of 2 nights to visit the main highlights of the region.
- A visit to the Tatacoa Desert works better as part of a broader itinerary that will include a road trip to Bogota, San Agustin, or visiting the Coffee Cultural Landscape.
The Tatacoa Desert offers a side of Colombia that few tourists experience. It’s not about five-star luxury or flashy attractions; it’s about disconnection, stargazing, unique sceneries, and the sense of being somewhere completely different.
Ready to add this destination to your clients’ next adventure in Colombia? Contact us!
Published in October 2025
