'''San Agustin''' is a small town in the department of Huila in Colombia that is famous for its precolumbian statues.
Understand
San Agustin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
Landscape
Get in
From Bogota you can take a bus (9 hours), the way is safe and there are beautiful places to see like the Magdalena River, the most important of Colombia.
There are several direct busses from Popayan to San Agustin, it's a long 7 hour bus trip on unpaved road.
If you go to Tierradentro take a bus to ''Pitalito''. From there you have to take a bus to ''La Plata'' either at 6AM or 10AM. From there you can make connections to Tierradentro.
Get around
There different archaeological sites are scattered over a large area. If you have the time walking is the best option, the scenery on the way is amazing and some of the local transportation can help you on your way. It is also possible to rent horses. Several agents run jeep tours to some of the more remote sites.
See
'''Parque Arqueologico''' (open 8AM-4PM everyday, entrance COP$6.000) is San Agustin's main attraction. It features several ancient burial sites, a lot of statues and a small museum. It's 3 kM west of San Agustin and can be reached by frequent minibusses.
'''Alto de los Idoles''' (open 8AM-4PM everyday, entrance COP$4.000) if far less visited, a bit smaller, but equally impressive as the archaeological park. The views from the park amazing. There is no transportation to and from San Agustin, only to San Jose de Isnos.
Within easy walking distance are the four small sites ''El Tablon''', with several statues; '''Chaquira''', dramatically set overlooking the valley of the Rio Magdalena; '''La Pelota''', with some coloured statues in excellent state and '''El Prutal'''. These can easily visited in one day walking.
Far north of San Agustin is '''Obando''' a small sites with some underground tombs and a tine museum with some pottery. There are ''carros'' going to and from San Agustin to Obando.
Other archaeological sites are ''Alto de Las Piedras'', ''Alto de las Guacas'', ''Alto del Mortino o del Tigre'', ''Granada'', ''El Jabon'', ''Lavaderos o Naranjos'' and ''La Parada''.
Besides the archaeological sites there is some beautiful nature to visit.
'''El Estrecho''' is the place where the Rio Magdalena is at its narrowest.
'''Salto de Bordones''' and '''Salto del Mortino''' are two waterfalls.
Do
Take a carro to ''Obando'' and walk the beautiful way back to San Agustin and visit ''El Estrecho'' on the way. It's about five hours walking.
Walk to ''Alto de los Idolos'' and back. Leave early because it is a long walk. You can visit ''Granada'' on the way and if you have some energy left take de detour to ''Alto de las Guacas'' and ''Alto del Morino o del Tigre''.
Riding. round 25 000 COP for 5 hour trip. Many of the hostels can arrange riding trips to the archaeological sites and the surrounding countryside.
Money
There are ATMs in San Agustin, buy they are not very reliable. To get money you may have to go to ''Pitalito''. Bring your passport or you might end up in the DAS office in Pitalito.
The only ATM in town does give cash advance on VISA credit cards.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
'''Finca El Maco'''. Run by an extremely friendly Swiss (Rene) and his wife (Paloma) Finca el Maco is a little piece of paradise located about 1km out of the town of San Agustin on the way to the archaeological site. Dorm beds and private rooms are available from 14,000 Pesos pp and there is also a restaurant and bar which serves incredible meals.
'''La Casa de Francois''' - Beautifully set in the countryside, a short walk from downtown. Beautiful views, exquisite breakfasts and dinners prepared by request. Both dorm and private rooms available. Excellent backpacker hangout with all of the amenities. [http://lacasadefrancois.com/en/]
'''Finca El Cielo'''. Very beautiful farm at three km of San Agustin near to fascinating archeological sites. Owned by a Swiss (Dominique) and run by a friendly Colombian family. Beautiful views over the Magdalena canon. Ample and very comfortable rooms with modern bathrooms. Swimming pond. Camping. Tours. [http://www.fincaelcielo.com]
Stay safe
Most guidebooks may tell you this area is guerrilla territory, but this is no longer the case.
Some of the agents organizing jeep tours are more interested in your personal belongings. Set up tours at your hostel.
Get out
Bogota Coomotor has three daily buses (12h), one in the morning and two in the evening, to the capital of Colombia.