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San Agustin: Ancient Megalithic Sculptures
San Agustín is home to the largest collection of ancient megalithic sculptures in South America. Set in Colombia’s mountainous southwest—where fertile pasturelands and rain-forested hills plunge into river gorges—this UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the legacy of the Agustinian Culture, which flourished from the 1st century BC through the 8th century AD.
These early inhabitants created massive stone artworks, monumental platforms, and complex burial mounds over the next seven centuries. Today, visitors can explore these sacred sites amid breathtaking Andean landscapes, gaining insight into one of South America’s most enigmatic ancient civilizations.
San Agustin Archeological Park
More than 100 such monuments are clustered in the Archeological Park, located just west of the town of San Agustin. San Agustin’s four mesitas (manmade hills) are believed to serve as ritual anchors. Near the park’s entrance, a small archeological museum displays other statues, as well as a collection of ceramics, jewelry and other funerary artifacts.
Fuente de Lavapatas & Alto de Lavapatas
Fuente de Lavapatas, located nearby, is a ritual bath site, painstakingly sculpted into the riverbed rock. Carved channels link the geometric fonts, with lizards, snakes and turtles marking the rock face. From the river, an uphill trail leads to Alto de Lavapatas, the area’s oldest archeological site. First occupied around 3300 BC, Alto de Lavapatas is a burial and ceremonial center overlooking some of the area’s most photogenic landscapes.
El Tablon
El Tablon is famous for its stone statues. Closeby, La Chaquira showcases living rock that has been carved into a diety—its ancient hands reaching up to the sky above. Just over a mile to the west sit the compact sites of La Pelota and El Purutal. Here, the dolmen tombs are guarded by stout divinities. San José de Isnos, 16 miles north of San Agustin, is flanked by two other ceremonial centers.
Alto de los Idolos & Alto de las Piedras
The hilltop known as Alto de los Idolos is populated by a menagerie of 37 funerary monuments. Captivating visitors from near and far, examples of the peculiar “double-self” or “alter-ego” statuary are arranged around one of the site’s mounded tombs. Some of the tombs and statuary at Alto de los Idolos sustain traces of their original paints.
Located six miles to the east, Alto de las Piedras is known for its impressive carvings of anthropomorphic divinities, one of which is nearly 23 feet high. These sites are within easy reach of two spectacular waterfalls: Mortiño and Bordones.
What to do in San Agustin
Visitors to San Agustín come to explore its archeological treasures and striking landscapes. The centerpiece is San Agustín Archeological Park, although the other ceremonial sites are often visited.
LANDED can arrange guided horseback tours to El Tablón and La Chaquira, where figures etched in living rock reach toward the sky. Short drives lead to the neighboring ceremonial sites of La Pelota, El Purutal, Alto de los Ídolos, and Alto de las Piedras.
Beyond its archeological treasures, the San Agustin can be appreciated for its glorious scenery. This region also offers whitewater rafting, mountain biking, jeep excursions, and waterfall visits. The Mortiño and Bordones falls plunge 590 and 1,050 feet respectively. If visiting on a Monday, don’t miss the colorful agricultural market in San Agustín town.
What is the Weather Like?
The San Agustín area enjoys a generally temperate climate due to its elevation and surrounding forests. Days tend to be mild, with cool mornings and evenings. The best time to visit is during the sunny months of January, February, August, and September—ideal for archeological exploration and outdoor excursions. Rain showers are possible year-round, so layered clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.
These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
San Agustín’s remoteness lends to its mystique. The nearest airport is in Neiva, a regional capital approximately four hours northeast by road. Travelers coming from Bogotá typically make the journey overland, which takes roughly seven hours. Another option is to route through Popayán, 78 miles to the northwest. A new paved road under construction is expected to reduce the current five-hour drive significantly. LANDED arranges private transfers, charter flights, and overland transport to and from San Agustín.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in San Agustin.
How to combine San Agustin
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
