Huila
Discover the Ancient Stone Gods of San Agustín


The twin towns of San Agustín and Isno located in hold one of South America’s greatest ancient mysteries. These towns
are home to pre-Colombian monuments, burial grounds, and megalithic sculptures that were built by a civilization that still
remains an enigma. Curious travelers are drawn here to study the fascinating history of this UNESCO site.
This region is also celebrated for its world-class coffee, beautiful Andean landscapes, adventure activities, and more. Visit
the stone gods of San Agustín, Colombia, and discover the charms of the Huila department.
While the Huila district is home to some smaller Colombian towns, the flavors are still mighty. The culinary scene offers some delicious, hearty cuisine typical of the Andean region. Rich stews, rice dishes, and warming comfort foods are all a highlight in this region. But there are also some amazing global culinary options to try while traveling through Huila depending on what you’re craving.
This small mountain town has a very welcoming community of locals who will make your stay even more enjoyable. Located in the heart of the Andes, San Agustín’s most alluring feature is the archaeological sites, most notably the UNESCO-listed San Agustín Archaeological Park. Home to the mysterious ceremonial sites from an elusive, pre-Colombian civilization, the statues and structures here continue to awe travelers.
The Magdalena, Colombia’s longest river, runs close to San Agustín and invites daring travelers to brave its waters. Rafting down this massive waterway has become one of the most popular non-archeological excursions in San Agustín. You will find everything from class 2 rapids for beginners to class 5 rapids for expert navigators. While you’re visiting be sure to also try some rock climbing or mountain biking in Villa de Leyva.
Trekking through this region is another fantastic way to see more of the rugged Andean terrain. If you’re up for a challenge, you can attempt the 3-day hike to the sacred Laguna de Magdalena, where the Magdalena begins. This trek isn’t for the faint of heart, but walking through the misty, isolated moorland of the Paramo de Las Papas makes the grueling terrain worth every step.
When booking a luxury vacation to Colombia, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind so you enjoy the spoils of this
untouched Eden to the fullest extent. Be inspired by a few of our signature itineraries, then talk with one of our team
members to begin curating the ultimate luxury vacation to Colombia!
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Although it is considered a year-round destination, you will find the most delightful conditions between December and March
in the dry season of Colombia. This will give travelers comfortable access to the abundance of beautiful nature and off-the-
beaten-path experiences without the presence of too much rain.
Uncover the Mysteries of San Agustín One of the best reasons to visit San Agustín is to explore the Archaeological Park. Statues erected between the 1st and 8th centuries still stand here, though their origin story remains unknown. Visiting this park allows travelers to see just a fraction of the precious work from these enigmatic ancient civilizations. Learn about an egalitarian society that historians are still studying today, and walk through what once served as an important ceremonial holy site.
Tour the Region On Horseback While the rolling Colombian Andes mountains are easily traversed on foot, one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the area is on horseback. As you explore the peaks and valleys of San Agustín, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Andes mountains, and coffee farms scattered on the outskirts, and get a glimpse into rural Colombian life. This is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy your afternoon in San Agustín.
Spend a Day Adventuring In the Andes This section of the Andes Mountains is rich in adventurous excursions for travelers who love to seek thrills. Set off on a white water rafting ride down the Magdelena River, sailing along gentle rapids or braving the more intense waves if you have some experience. Or, if you want to head off-roading without exhausting your body, take a jeep tour to explore the more remote parts of this region full of ruins, waterfalls, and river valleys.
Altos de Yerbabuena Cafe Restaurant After a long day of wandering through ancient sites and visiting Huila’s historic landmarks, you deserve to indulge with dinner at Altos de Yerbabuena Cafe Restaurant. With a selection of Latin American fare, this is an excellent spot to try some of the favorite dishes according to the locals. Dig into the Lomo al Trap, a salted fillet grilled over an open flame. Or enjoy a few vegetarian options with produce picked fresh from the restaurant’s garden.
Monasterio de San Agustín Restaurant Monasterio de San Agustín opens its doors to travelers who want to experience the Mediterranean flavors celebrated in this luxury dining space. At breakfast, you can enjoy a buffet and freshly prepared dishes ordered a la carte before beginning your tour of San Agustín. For dinner, the cuisine really comes to life with a fusion of traditional and innovative flavors served in an elegant fashion.
La Gata Parilla For a dining experience that feels like a luxurious backyard barbeque, visit La Gata Parilla. This restaurant is all about the grill, as you sit back in their beautiful outdoor garden digging into the taste of fiery, smokey meats and vegetarian dishes. Chef Tiko leads a team of creative and friendly individuals who welcome you into their space and serve unforgettable flavors every time.
Akawanka Lodge Restaurant For healthy dining that’s fresh and flavorful, visit Akawanka Lodge which serves up garden-to-table cuisine. The menu uses exclusively local products, so no matter what you’re craving you’ll be enjoying the best of the Huila region. Akawanka is also extremely accommodating for diners who have certain culinary preferences or restrictions, just let them know in advance and you can enjoy a five-star meal with ease.
Masaya Hostel San Agustin Live like a local when you stay at the Masaya Hotel in San Agustin. The unique, comfortable design takes inspiration from the regional indigenous architecture styles. Every view from this hotel is absolutely breathtaking, and the spacious coliving spaces are a great place to mingle with other travelers and nomads. If you want a place to relax, socialize, and enjoy the feeling of local daily life, this hotel is for you.
Hotel Monasterio San Agustin At the top of a hill in the Huila department, you’ll find Hotel Monasterio San Agustin, a boutique hotel experience. With panoramic views from the private balcony included with every room, you’ll feel deeply connected to the land in this space. The space was designed with local details in mind, taking inspiration from colonial and pre-Hispanic styles. This hotel offers guests a charming, comfortable home away from home during their Colombia vacation.
Hotel Huaka-Yo The Huaka-Yo hotel is a scenic accommodation option located very close to San Agustin Archeological Park. For travelers who know they want to spend as much time immersed in the historic parts of San Agustin, this hotel is for you. With a warm, inviting staff ready to welcome you, and an excellent on-site restaurant, this is an excellent place to feel comfortable and relaxed between each Colombian adventure.
Akawanka Lodge Akawanka Lodge offers travelers visiting Huila quality and comfort in a hacienda-style living space. Traditional design and locally sourced materials make this lodge feel extra charming, while the beautiful location offers you a tranquil place to unwind. The on-site garden ensures every dish prepared at Akawanka is as fresh as possible, so you’ll be treated to a wellness experience in addition to your cultural exploration of San Agustin.
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