Hello everyone! This is Nicholas, your American guide living in Colombia. Today, I’m excited to share with you the unique beauty of the Tatacoa Desert, a remarkable destination spanning about 330 km² in Colombia.
The Origin of Tatacoa
The name ‘Tatacoa’ interestingly translates to ‘Yararaca’ in the native language, referring to a now-extinct venomous snake, believed to be an ancestor of the rattlesnake.
In this article, I’ll provide all the essential information you need for your journey to Tatacoa. From transportation tips, must-see spots, practical advice, to the local cuisine, I’ve got you covered!
First Impressions
Upon arrival, you’ll immediately notice the vast expanse and the unique landscape formations that give Tatacoa its picturesque charm. While it’s termed a desert, it’s more of an arid terrain, dotted with small green patches and natural pools.
Practical Information:
- Area: 56,576 hectares
- Elevation: 386 to 900 meters above sea level
- Climate: Tropical dry and very dry forests
- Annual rainfall: Between 1,000 to 1,100 mm
The desert’s origins trace back to the Cretaceous period, shaped by geological folding that led to the formation of both marine and terrestrial environments. This history is evident in the fossil remains found across the desert, showcasing its transformation over the centuries.
Exploring Tatacoa
Highlights of your visit should include enjoying the views at El Cuzco, exploring an astronomical observatory, and relaxing in a natural pool. Don’t miss out on the local flavors like nopal and goat dishes, which I’ll delve into later.
The rugged area of El Cuzco offers a breathtaking sight of eroded land, creating a spectacle of reddish earth and striking crevices.
El Cuzco is a part of the initial stretch of the desert tour, which also includes an astronomical observatory, perfect for stargazing under clear night skies.
At La Venta, one of the desert’s remote areas, archaeologists are actively unearthing new animal fossils.
The archaeological museum in Villavieja, located near Tatacoa, houses an extensive collection of fossils discovered in the area, ranging from animal jaws to remains of a 25-million-year-old monkey.
Las Ventanas, situated about 4 kilometers from El Cuzco, offers incredible desert views, while Los Hoyos presents a refreshing oasis with groundwater pools and simple cabins for overnight stays.
Note: Las Ventanas and Los Hoyos are more remote. If you’re short on time or energy, it’s advisable to stay around the observatory and El Cuzco, where you’ll find plenty of accommodations and dining options.
For those seeking a dip in a natural pool, head towards Los Hoyos and take a left turn to reach El Peñón de Constantino, a small complex offering a pool, accommodation, and a restaurant just a few kilometers from the main entrance.
To wrap up your visit, ensure you experience these three activities:
- Visit an astronomical observatory.
- Walk through the picturesque trails of El Cuzco and Los Hoyos.
- Swim in one of the desert’s natural pools.
Observatory entry fees range from 5,000 to 10,000 COP.
Villavieja
The quaint town of Villavieja serves as the gateway to the Tatacoa Desert. A peaceful and pleasant town, it’s the ideal place to stock up on water and supplies for your desert adventure.
In Villavieja, you’ll find quality accommodations, enjoy chilled beers, and savor Huila’s cuisine. Don’t forget to visit the Paleontological Museum and the Totumo House Museum.
Gastronomy – What to Eat
Besides stargazing and desert walks, indulge in local dishes made with nopal, a common cactus in the area. Nopal is used in sweets, stews, and even mild liquors, and is rich in fiber and vitamins.
Another local specialty is goat stew, a hearty and flavorful dish marinated in beer and spices overnight and slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Remember, packing canned food, non-perishable items, and some fruits is wise, especially if you’re camping on a budget.
Flora and Fauna
The Tatacoa Desert is home to over 70 bird species, including falcons and toucans. You might also encounter typical desert wildlife like snakes, lizards, scorpions, and small rodents.
The flora is mainly diverse cactus species, some with beautiful blooms, and shrubs adapted to the arid climate.
Getting to Tatacoa Desert
The entrance to the desert is about 4 kilometers from Villavieja, which is accessible by bus from Neiva, 37 kilometers away. To reach Neiva, you can travel by plane, bus, or car.
For long-distance bus journeys, I recommend Expreso Bolivariano for comfortable and reliable transport from major cities like Bogotá, Cali, or Medellín to Neiva.
Traveling from Neiva to Tatacoa Desert
In Neiva, take a bus to Villavieja, then it’s easy to reach Tatacoa from there. You can also hire a guide in Neiva for a comprehensive desert tour or rent a car for a self-guided road trip.
Cost of Visiting Tatacoa Desert
Entry to the Tatacoa Desert is free, but consider costs for accommodation, transport, food, water, and perhaps some beer for your stay. Budget-friendly lodging starts around 8,000 to 10,000 COP, and a hearty goat meal might cost between 10,000 to 15,000 COP. Overnight hammock or camping fees vary.
Festivals and Events
The Tatacoa Festival, a popular electronic music event, offers an unforgettable experience under the starlit desert sky. This festival includes weekend passes, camping zones, showers, security, medical services, and transportation.
Other noteworthy events include star observation nights, local festivities in Villavieja, and beauty pageants.
Where to Stay
Accommodations in Tatacoa range from hostels and inns to the most common option, camping. Many campsites offer tents and cabins, and hammocks are available for a unique experience. Luxury options are emerging, but they are more expensive than traditional lodgings.
What to Bring
For your desert and camping adventure, pack essentials like sunscreen, kitchen utensils, camera, power bank, flashlight, first aid kit, binoculars, swimwear, drinking water, lightweight sleeping bag, mat, canned food, snacks, and toilet paper. You can buy some items in Villavieja to save on luggage weight.
Dressing for the Desert
Wear breathable, light clothing, and don’t forget a swimsuit for the pools. Include both long and short pants, and a wide-brimmed hat or visor for sun protection.
With this comprehensive guide, I hope you have a fantastic time exploring the Tatacoa Desert!
➡️ Discover more about the Huila department