Neiva

Neiva is the capital of the Department of Huila, located 5 hours South from Bogotá and 9 hours East from Cali, traveling by bus. The city is best known for its connection with the Tatacoa Desert, located one hour North of the city. 

The city has a pleasant downtown area with shopping streets and nice parks. On many streets you’ll see local markets. Perfect place to wander around for half a day!

What to do

Tatacoa Desert is one of the most beautiful places in Colombia. Located one hour North of Neiva, it is the perfect place to hike, swim and look at the stars and planets at the Astronomical Observatory. You can spend the night close to the desert or go camping if you like. The closest town is Villavieja. The other option is to book a hostel/hotel in Neiva.

The desert is divided in two parts, Los Hoyos is the gray area and Cuzco is the red area. It is perfectly doable to visit and hike through both of them in one day! 

The red color of the landscape indicates the iron in the rocks. Water and erosion have carved the shapes we can see today. 

I did a full day tour leaving from Neiva. Here are is the itinerary: 

  • Pickup in Neiva at 9:00 am

  • One hour drive to Tatacoa Desert

  • Stop at El Mirador De Miguel viewpoint

  • Walk through Ventanas, a place with different kinds of sands

  • Lunch

  • Hike through Los Hoyos for 2 hours

  • Swim stop at the pool in the middle of the desert

  • Hike through Cuzco, the red desert part during the sunset

  • Have a sunset beer / drink with an amazing view over the desert

  • Go to the Astronomical Observatory 

  • Arrive back in Neiva by 9:00 pm

The total price of this day trip is around 40 EUR. Try to book it through your hostel, it might be cheaper. 

What’s not included?

  • The pool: 2 EUR. It is filled with natural water that comes from the desert. There are changing rooms, showers and bathrooms available. 

  • Astronomical Observatory, 3 EUR. A guide will explain the different stars and planets that can be seen from the desert. 

What to bring to a 30 to 40°C desert

  • Sunscreen 

  • Hat

  • Long sleeve shirt

  • Sunglasses

  • Water

  • Snacks 

  • Bathing Suit

  • Money

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Island Park Mohán
Back to Neiva itself. Right next to Island Park Mohán is the perfect place to chill. Hammocks, close to the river and underneath the trees. Cold drinks and snacks, what do you want more?

Where to stay?

Backpackers And Travellers Hostel    
Small hostel in Neiva. Next to a bakery, basketball field and some restaurants. Amazing hosts! 
The hostel works together with Tacaya, a tour agency who covers the Tatacoa desert, you can ask them for a discount.