Tourism in Huila

The department of Huila combines two world heritage sites, a tropical desert unique in Colombia and the origin of the best specialty coffee in the world. The San Agustín Archaeological Park (shared with Cauca) and Tierradentro are world-class archaeological destinations. The Tatacoa Desert —Colombia's second largest desert, although technically a tropical dry forest— is one of the best places in Colombia for astronomical observation. Neiva celebrates the Bambuco Festival, the Huila folklore celebration that is a national cultural reference.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF HUILA

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Huila:

Attraction	Type	Description
Tatacoa Desert	Unique nature	Tropical dry forest with red and gray eroded formations. Astronomical observatory, cacti, iguanas.
San Agustín Archaeological Park	UNESCO Heritage	Over 500 pre-Hispanic stone statues, tombs and fountains. The largest in Colombia.
Rivera Hot Springs	Wellness	Sulfurous thermal waters at 40 °C in a tropical setting. Thermal hotel with Magdalena River views.
Bambuco Festival — Neiva	Festival / Music	June–July. National bambuco pageant, parade, typical costumes, Huila music and dance.
Pitalito and Huila Coffee Zone	Coffee tourism	Huila is Colombia's largest specialty coffee exporter. Coffee farms in Acevedo, Palestina and Pitalito.
San Agustín — Town	Tourist town	Mountain town at 1,700 m, El Mortiño waterfall, hiking, paragliding, adventure tourism.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN HUILA

The Colombian Massif, birthplace of the country's most important rivers, has pristine páramo and Andean forest ecosystems. Nevado del Huila (5,364 m) is the highest active volcano in Colombia and a natural reserve of hydrological importance. Cueva de Los Guácharos National Park protects the only cave with oilbird colonies in the country.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF HUILA

Bambuco, declared Colombia's national music and dance, has its most important festival in Neiva. La Chamba pottery (Tolima-Huila) is a unique polished black clay craft. Huila culture mixes Muisca, Inca and Spanish influences in its gastronomy and music.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF HUILA

Asado huilense (roast suckling pig with enchilado rice), achira biscuit, corn insulso, plantain wrapped, rice masato, Huila potato broth, bizcochuelo. Trout from the upper Magdalena River is the star dish in San Agustín.

HOW TO GET THERE

Benito Salas airport in Neiva, flights from Bogotá (45 min) and Medellín. Bus from Bogotá (6 h) or Cali (5 h). Tatacoa: 1 h by bus from Neiva. San Agustín: 4–5 h from Neiva.

Also check the climate of Huila and the list of municipalities of Huila to plan your visit.