Welcome to the Tatacoa Desert in Colombia, South America!
We’ve compiled a list of the 6 best things to do in the Red Desert (with INSIDER TIPS), including the best places to stay, the best time to visit, and so much more.
Let’s get started!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Two Deserts: The Tatacoa Desert consists of two areas: the “Red Desert” (Cuzco), known for its red colors, and the “Los Hoyos,” also called the “Grey Desert.”
- Landscape: The desert is characterized by unique, eroded landscapes formed by wind and water, creating a maze of formations up to 20 meters deep.
- Activities: You can enjoy hiking, night walks, stargazing at astronomy sites, and exploring unique natural formations.
Introduction to the Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert, despite its name, is actually a dry tropical forest. Scientists believe that during the Tertiary Period, this area was LUSH and teeming with tropical vegetation, including many types of flowers and TREES.
Over time, the environment gradually dried out, leading to the arid landscape seen today.
Every year, there is still heavy rainfall between April and May, resulting in a greener desert. For this reason, it is technically not a desert.
Nonetheless, the Tatacoa Desert is famous for its eroded landscapes shaped by WIND AND WATER erosion.
The Tatacoa Desert consists of TWO AMAZING DIFFERENT DESERTS, the red and gray desert.
- The CUZCO area: often referred to as the “Red Desert” due to its color, which is a result of iron oxides that are present in the ground. This is the most Instagram-worthy desert.
- LOS HOYOS: About 30 minutes further by car lies the famous second area in the Tatacoa Desert Los Hoyos also known as the “Grey Desert“.
INSIDER TIP: Please note that climbing the formations is forbidden because it’s extremely easy for the formations to break or be damaged. Remember, it’s not rock but soft soil. The soil is filled with minerals that give it many different colors (like the Rainbow Mountain in Peru).
FUN FACT: Plants in the Tatacoa Desert have adapted to survive the harsh climate by developing extensive root systems. Some species have roots that extend up to 30 meters horizontally and 15 meters vertically, enabling them to reach and absorb water from deep underground sources.
The Tatacoa Desert is a maze of gullies that can reach depths of up to 20 METERS.
Even Lonely Planet and Colombia Report recommend a visit to the Desierto de Tatacoa!
Things To Do
1) Red Desert of Tatacoa
One of the most popular off beaten path trails is the RED DESERT HIKE at the Desierto de Tatacoa.
The Red Desert, also known as Cuzco, is the most iconic section of the Tatacoa Desert. It is also known as the Rainbow Valley in the Colombian desert because of all its different magnificent colors.
The Red Desert features several viewpoints along the road, offering stunning views of its surreal landscapes. The red colors in the soil are due to the presence of iron, which imparts shades of ocher, rust, and copper. Some great viewpoints are Mirador El Cuzco and Mirador Laberinto.
After taking in the views from the viewpoints, you can descend into the valley and follow the trail through a mesmerizing maze of wavy soil formations, resembling natural artwork. This well-marked loop trail offers a chance to see a variety of CACTUS PLANTS (often bearing fruit), vibrant birds, scorpions, curious goats, and occasionally snakes.
The name ‘Tatacoa‘ actually comes from the Spanish word for ‘rattlesnake‘. The walking distance, which is mostly flat, takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
Hiring a guide costs about 30,000 COP, or about $7.50 USD per person.
Play safe and book a tour with a local showing you the best spots!
If you plan to hike in the Tatacoa Desert, it’s advisable to join an organized tour and seek shade frequently. The region experiences high temperatures, averaging around 35°C, but it can reach up to 40°C on sunny days.
2) Explore La Piscina
La Piscina is also known as Piscina Mineral, a free man-made SWIMMING POOL located in the heart of the Tatacoa Desert.
The pool draws water from one of the Tatacoa Desert’s scarce water reserves, which has raised concerns among local residents. It’s easily accessible, and you can ask your driver to stop at La Piscina, they know the way.
However, the pool’s condition was a bit uninviting, as we saw that it was quite DIRTY. Additionally, using water from the desert’s limited reserves is not environmentally beneficial. Therefore, we suggest to avoid visiting the pool.
If you want to visit La Piscina, the entrance fee is 2 USD.
3) Take a Night Walk Through the Desert
This is another MUST-DO in the desert!
Trust us: taking a night walk through the Tatacoa Desert is like stepping into another universe. Especially as there is NO LIGHT POLLUTION, giving you a clear view!
The best routes take you through the Cuzco and Los Hoyos gullies, where you can spot constellations and planets with the NAKED EYE. You can always book a tour with a guide for this experience!
4) Visit Tatacoa Astronomy Sites with Little Light Pollution
The area enjoys a privileged geographic location, with a latitude of 3º13′ north and a longitude of 75º10′ west, not far from the equatorial line.
It has the ideal atmospheric conditions for star-gazing.
The Observatorio Astronómico de la Tatacoa offers you the opportunity to look at our Milky Way! Using Google Maps can help you navigate to the observatory, ensuring you don’t get lost in the desert.
At the Observatory, you can
- Observe 88 different constellations.
- Tour the various celestial objects.
- Admire fascinating phenomena such as meteor showers.
The ENTRANCE FEE to the observation tower + tour is 10.000 COP.
The observatorium also serves as a planetarium. Here, you can learn more about the cosmos through interactive exhibits. You can visit this tower FOR FREE!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to the Cerro La Tetona lookout tower for an even more panoramic view of the night sky, all by yourself!
5) Have Your Own Private Picnic In One Of The Many Secluded Coves
The Tatacoa Desert may seem like an unlikely spot to have a private picnic, but with over 300 square kilometers of rocky terrain and hidden coves, it’s the perfect secluded spot to enjoy a peaceful lunch.
Spread out a blanket on the warm, sandy ground and soak up the sun as you savor your favorite snacks and treats.
6) Experience a Magical Sunset
Imagine enjoying the GOLDEN HOUR with the colors of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the desert landscape, casting long shadows across the canyon floor. This is THE BEST TIME for Instagram Worthy pictures!
It was a breathtaking experience for us, and we’re sure that it will leave an amazing impression on you too!
How Many Days Do You Need?
To fully experience the Tatacoa Desert, we recommend spending at least ONE NIGHT there.
A full day, from morning to evening, allows you to explore the desert’s diverse attractions, such as the Red Desert (Cuzco), Los Hoyos, and the astronomical observatory.
Staying TWO NIGHTS offers an even better experience, enabling you to spread your activities over two days and also have some downtime to relax as the travel time to this off the beaten path destination was quite long.
How To Get To The Tatacoa Desert?
The Tatacoa Desert in Colombia is located in southwest Colombia.
To get to the Tatacoa Desert, follow the steps below:
1. By Car:
- Route: Bogotá -> Neiva -> Villavieja -> Tatacoa Desert
- Distance: 320 km
- Duration: Around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Directions:
- Take Route 40 south from Bogotá to Neiva.
- From Neiva, head towards Villavieja.
- Once in Villavieja, follow the signs to the Tatacoa Desert.
2. By Bus:
- From Bogotá to Neiva:
- Duration: approximately 5–6 hours.
- Buses: Several bus companies operate daily routes. You can catch a bus at Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá.
- From Neiva to Villavieja:
- Duration: Around 1 hour.
- Transportation: Shared taxis, minibuses, or local buses are available from Neiva to Villavieja.
- From Villavieja to Tatacoa Desert:
- Duration: 15-20 minutes.
- Options: Tuk-tuks, motorcycles, or taxis can take you from Villavieja to the desert area.
You can use our widget below to buy a flight ticket to reach Bogota.
3. By Air and Land:
- Flight to Neiva:
- You can fly from Bogotá to Benito Salas Airport (Neiva) if you prefer a quicker option. The flight takes about 1 hour.
- Ground Transport from Neiva:
- From Neiva, follow the same steps as described above to reach the Tatacoa Desert.
Villavieja
Location and Accessibility
- Geographical Position: Situated near the Magdalena River, about 40 km north of Neiva, the departmental capital.
- Access to the Desert: Villavieja is the last town before entering the Tatacoa Desert, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Demographics and Infrastructure
- Population: Villavieja has a population of approximately 7,000 residents. The small town serves as a central hub for tourists visiting the Tatacoa Desert.
- Economy: The local economy is based on agriculture, small-scale commerce, and tourism, driven by the influx of visitors to the desert.
Facilities and Services
- ATMs and Banking: Villavieja has a few ATMs available. However, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may not always be reliable, and card payments are rarely accepted.
- Communication: Mobile phone coverage is available but can be patchy, especially in the desert areas.
Best Time To Visit
We recommend visiting the Tatacoa Desert in Colombia during the DRY SEASON, with the best times being between December and February, and then between July and August.
Let’s take a look at the weather in the summer months.
Temperature
- Average High Temperature: 33°C to 38°C (91°F to 100°F)
- Average Low Temperature: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
- Peak Summer Temperatures: Exceeding 40°C (104°F)
Humidity
- Average Humidity: Generally low, around 30% to 50%, contributing to the dry conditions.
Sunshine
- Daily Sunlight: The desert receives a high amount of sunlight, between 10 and 12 hours of sunshine per day.
However, if you don’t enjoy walking in the heat (like us), an early morning visit is recommended regardless of the time of year.
Where To Stay
Luxury Option: Bethel BioLuxury Hotel
- Price: Starts from approximately $279 per night.
- Features:
- Unique eco-friendly accommodations, including luxurious “refugios” with organic architecture.
- Offers various “Refugios,” each providing a serene, secluded experience with amenities like private terraces, air conditioning, and stunning views.
- Includes breakfast, private butler service, and free parking.
- Location: Located within the Tatacoa Desert, offering direct access to the area’s natural beauty.
- Booking: Bethel BioLuxury Hotel.
Mid-Budget Option: Hotel Colonial Villavieja
- Price: $44.61 per night.
- Features:
- Offers an outdoor swimming pool, garden, shared lounge, and terrace.
- Rooms are well-maintained with good service.
- Known for its local cuisine, the restaurant and bar.
- Location: Villavieja, 3.6 miles from the Tatacoa Desert.
- Booking: Hotel Colonial Villavieja.
Budget Option: Alojamiento Casa de Campo Los Cactus
- Price: $30 per night (more for a budget traveler).
- Features:
- Simple and comfortable accommodations with friendly staff.
- Features include a garden and outdoor lounging area.
- Popular for its setting and helpful staff.
- Location: Villavieja.
- Booking: Alojamiento Casa de Campo Los Cactus.
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies, depending on the accommodation we choose.
Final Tips and Tricks
To end our guide, we’d love to give you some of our final tips and tricks, so you don’t have to think about them.
- Travel accessories: As you are going to a remote location, don’t forget all your essential travel accessories!
- Start Early: The desert can get extremely hot during the day, so it’s recommended to start your tour early in the morning.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s essential to carry enough water with you due to the high temperatures and arid climate. We recommend 2 liters per person for 4 hours.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for loose, light-colored clothing to stay cool. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Swimming: Some areas in the Grey Desert (like La Piscina) have natural swimming pools. If you plan to take a dip, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.
- For convenience, consider taking a direct bus from major cities like Bogotá and Popayán to Neiva, as it saves time by eliminating additional connections and long waits.
Continue Planning Your Trip To Colombia
Below, you can find useful guides to other amazing destinations in Colombia that are worth a stop in your trip!
