Desierto de la Tatacoa

A Dry Tropical Forest Ecosystem Rather Than A True Desert, Eroded Into Red And Grey Ravines, With The Astronomical Observatory Of The Tatacoa. A Fossil Rich Site And The Best Stargazing Area In Colombia. · Villavieja, Huila

The Tatacoa is a dry tropical forest eroded into badlands, in the Huila department, about 40 kilometres from Neiva and a short ride from the small town of Villavieja. It is not a true desert, but the ravines are real: the red Cuzco sector holds a maze of narrow clay canyons and pillars, while the grey Los Hoyos sector is paler and softer, with a few natural pools used for swimming. The land is rich in fossils, and the air is dry and clear, which makes it the best stargazing area in Colombia. A small astronomical observatory gives nightly sky talks, and many guesthouses offer camping and hammocks so you can stay under the stars. By day it is extremely hot, often 35 to 40 C, with almost no shade, so visitors walk early or late and rest at midday. Come prepared with water, cash and a hat, and plan to stay one night so the sky is part of the trip. Nights are clear, dry and surprisingly cool, and the quiet is part of the appeal; expect simple lodging and long, slow days.

Dry tropical forest turned badlands near Villavieja, about 40 km from Neiva, with the red Cuzco and grey Los Hoyos sectors, Villavieja, Huila, Colombia

The desert itself is open all day and costs nothing to walk, but heat makes the mornings and late afternoons the only comfortable times. The observatory runs sky talks at night, usually starting after dark, and may close or change times on cloudy nights, so confirm locally. The fossil museum in Villavieja keeps short daytime hours and may close on one weekday. Pools and small cafes in the sectors open through the day, and lodges serve dinner early.

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