Community and Biodiversity Tour of the Tatacoa Desert from Neiva
Overview
Available languages
14 hours
Mobile ticket
With Backpackers Neiva you will have a complete immersion in the beauty and diversity of the Tatacoa desert. From a walk along the Magdalena River to exploring natural reserves and valleys full of history, you will immerse yourself in the richness of this unique ecosystem.
Unforgettable Encounters with Nature: sighting of fauna such as turtles, birds, reptiles and iguanas, as well as the opportunity to explore rock formations, protected lagoons and the red and gray desert or valley of the xylopalos, provides close encounters with nature in its state purer and fascinating.
Contribution to Local Development and Culture: contribute to local development through community work and supporting the local economy. This adds additional value to the trip, generating a positive impact on local communities and their natural environment.
We conclude at the Astronomical Observatory, experts will guide you in the mysteries of the universe, and the most amazing phenomena in space
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
This is the meeting point, we start at 8:00 am, space to meet the group, prepare what is necessary and a talk about the history of the Hostel, its facilities and an explanation and recommendations of the tour
Villavieja
Transportation from the city of Neiva to Villavieja.70 minutes Tour of the town of Villavieja, its museum and its attractions. Know the history. 10 minutes.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Travel insurance
Traditional lunch from Huila. a protein, Meat, chicken or beef, A Flour: rice or potato, Salad and Drink
Entry and Use of the Hoyos or Natural Pool. Value 10 thousand pesos
Entrance to the Observatory. Value 10 thousand pesos
Pickup points
Hotel Villa Angel
Calle 11 N_ 6 - 32 Neiva Colombia
Hospedaje Casa Cultural Saberes
Calle 8 # 7-63 Neiva Colombia
Hotel San Juanero
7-63 CL 8 Neiva Colombia
Hotel Casablanca
Calle 9, No. 12-48 Neiva Colombia
Hotel Casa Imperial
C. Imperial, 29 Neiva Colombia
Bethel BioLuxury Tatacoa Desert
Tatacoa Desert Neiva Colombia
Hotel Saturno
7-13 Carrera 1h Carrera 1H # 7 - 13 Neiva Colombia
Options
Community and Biodiversity Tour of the Tatacoa Desert from Neiva
Pickup included
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Too long and too much
Agnes N,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Conditions were shockingly bad, run down corroded bus, no safety belts, door barely opened. Very rough drive, the driver didn't even slow down on pot holes. The tour guide didn't even introduce himself, didn't seem engaged at all. First stop was a boat tour on the river which was very contaminated, rubbish floating everywhere, but a few iguanas were seen. Second stop was walking through cows poop like on a minefield looking for caymans but we've seen only ants. Third stop was the actual desert which was pretty impressive. Fourth stop was so called Piscinas Naturales which is nothing else but just an outdoor pool. None of the participants used it so we were just chilling out for half an hour before heading out to do another walk. Fifth stop was a walk through gray desert. We were walking through the mud, narrow canyons and unbeaten path just to see promised "the best view" which was just next to the bus pick up point. Could've just gone there straight away instead of crawling in heat for 1.5 hrs. Sixth stop was the observatory which none of the participants bothered to see and we decided to return back. Only because of good reviews I decided to do this tour but judging by my own experience I believe these reviews are farfetched. If you can skip all the points and go straight to the desert, do it. The only place worth seeing.
Truly wonderful experience, great guides. Do it!
Myles H,,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a really great tour. You don't appreciate the beauty until you see it for yourself. I feel like the pictures don't do it justice. Pro tip, you can get some amazing photos of the galaxy at night at the observatory if you bring a tripod (purchased from someplace like Panamericana) and you use the 30 second night mode exposure on like an iPhone 16. Though obviously it is dependent on whether the clouds cooperate.
Challenging yet rewarding
080MrSun080,,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Before you book this trip, just aware of that this is a very physical demanding tour you'll have with more than 5 hours of hikes total. Otherwise it's a magnificent tour that you can walk within the desert that made of mud, a mountain hike that pass through 3 valleys. The tour and the driver are professional to keep us safe and accommodated, best when book with the backpacker Hostel.
A great experience
alexanderlQ3957PS,,Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour was very good overall. During the journey to the desert, we made several brief stops that allowed us to discover curious and fascinating details of the road. Once in the desert, the tour was wonderful, full of magical places steeped in history and culture. We also saw some of the local animals and plants. The most special moment was, without a doubt, the spectacular stargazing session. Amidst the tranquility of the desert, we enjoyed a breathtaking sky, accompanied by a very complete and enriching explanation that allowed us to better understand the universe and its mysteries. We also visited a natural water pool, perfect for relaxing and connecting with the environment. Miguel, the guide who accompanied us on the second tour, shared a wonderful story about the cultural origins of the desert, giving even more depth to the experience. However, there were aspects that could be improved. The main guide who accompanied us throughout the tour didn't introduce himself or share a clear plan from the start, which somewhat hampered the organization. Furthermore, the boat tour was brief and lacked detailed explanations, which meant a valuable opportunity to learn more about this beautiful place was lost.
FANTASTIC
marianabT7264BY,,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is a very complete tour, you get to know both types of deserts (the red and the gray), the lunch is very rich and with a very good portion, the transportation was punctual, the tour along the Magdalena River is very beautiful, you feel its immensity, the pool is too refreshing, it is recommended to bring a lot of sunscreen, light clothing, since it is too hot, the time at the observatory is something unmatched, they explain the constellations very well, some history, it is too entertaining, I highly recommend the tour.
Great experience
71sergiis,,Jan 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was great. There was no rush to leave a location to move to another one - we had as much time as we needed. Provided lunch was great. The guide Carlos was fun and knowledgeable. We didn’t get to the observatory, but it was because of the rain (obviously we wouldn’t be able to see any stars and there was no point in going there), not because of any fault of the tour provider.
Great excursion
D9283MQsylvainl,,Jan 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Professional and caring guide Fluent in English and integrates all group members to give information Guide shares knowledge about the site and Colombian history ° only downside, dinner could be better.
Highly recommend Fabian's Tatacoa Desert tour!
lolak556,,May 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing time on the Tatacoa Desert tour with Fabian. Fabian is a lovely person and great fun to be with. He organised every aspect of the tour well, down to little details like getting us the perfect spot at a café to watch the sunset at the end. The desert itself is incredible and not one to miss while in the area. It was an interesting and magical tour, thank you!
Perfect day in an unique landscape
Sherpa22485623212,,May 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing. Fabian was an amazing guide who was very nice, took care of everything and has so much knowledge and passion for the area that he shared with us. The driver who joyned us the whole day was very caring and did drive safely. From beginning to end it was a perfect day in a unique landscape and the perfect activities. We especially loved the both hikes in the different areas, the break at the swimming pool and ending the day in the observatory. We could discover the area very well and had also enough breaks in between.
Magic place
736titoh,,May 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00100% recommended experience where they take you to explore the beautiful Tatacoa desert and share with locals who introduce you to their culture. You should be prepared for an intermediate level hike but they also have routes that are friendlier for the whole family. Very good guides like Don Miguel, sharing through their singing and poetry, their tradition and love for the desert. If you visit Colombia you can't miss it.
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Operated by Backpackers Neiva