Hello, I’m Nicholas, an American living in the beautiful country of Colombia. Today, let me take you on a journey through Huila, a less-known but incredibly captivating region filled with natural beauty and rich traditions.
The Charms of Huila’s Landscape
Huila’s most striking feature is its abundance of rivers, led by the majestic Magdalena River. These rivers, including the Suaza, Sombrerillos, Aipe, and Ambicá, crisscross the region, contributing to its lushness and prosperity. Covering around 20,000 km², Huila is part of the Upper Magdalena, a mountainous area that the Magdalena River gracefully traverses, creating stunning valleys.
This key waterway has been pivotal for regional agriculture, livestock, and, to a lesser extent, aquaculture for decades, forming the backbone of Huila’s economy.
Must-Visit Spots in Huila
Experience the rich culture and diverse landscapes of Huila. Here are some of the must-visit spots:
- Thermal Springs of Rivera: Located 22 km south of Neiva, Rivera’s main attraction is its mineral-rich hot springs. En route, you’ll find several accommodation options, but the real gem lies within the thermal area itself, offering natural stone pools and a modern aqua park.
- Yaguará: Famous for water sports and beloved by locals, Yaguará is a pleasant town known for its delicious quesillos and mojarra dishes. An exciting yet lesser-known activity is taking a rickshaw or moto-taxi from Yaguará to Hobo, a scenic near-two-hour journey across the Betania dam.
- Betania Dam: Spanning over 7,000 hectares, this dam is not only a significant energy source but also a hotspot for fishing and water sports.
Discovering Huila’s Gastronomy
Huila’s land of contrasts is home to some of Colombia’s most important culinary and folkloric traditions. Let’s dive into some of the region’s culinary delights:
- Achira and Achiras: Made from the canna indica plant, achiras are small, cheese-flavored snacks, a Huila specialty. The achira flour is also used in preparing sevillana, a refreshing drink made with milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Asado de Cerdo: A traditional dish where pork is marinated in garlic, onion, and sour orange juice, then served with sweet potatoes, ripe plantains, yucca, arepas, and insulso, a sweet corn and panela tamal.
- Juan Valerio: A simple yet delicious dish combining roasted green plantains, fried bacon, and green onions.
Huila’s Folklore
Known for its traditional dances like the bambuco, Huila’s cultural identity shines brightest during its dance performances. The Sanjuanero, a dance symbolizing love and courtship, is the highlight of the June 24th San Juan festivities. For those interested in the bambuco, Neiva hosts an annual Folkloric Festival and National Bambuco Pageant, showcasing the best of Huila’s culture and cuisine.
Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and hidden gems in Colombia!