Private Tour
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the Tatacoa Desert on a private tour from Bogotá. Explore its incredible red and gray landscapes, hike along unique trails, and enjoy a stargazing session with a bilingual guide. Safe transportation and flexible scheduling are included.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private transportation
Insurance policy
Bilingual tour guide / host
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entradas
Two nights lodging
Lunches
Drinks
Dinners
Select a pickup point
2-night stay in a hostel, private room with air conditioning in the town of Villavieja.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Desierto de la Tatacoa
We'll pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Bogotá and depart for the state of Huila on a journey of approximately 6 hours with breaks along the way. (You have different pick-up time options, depending on whether you prefer a day or night road trip and whether you want to arrive in town to rest a bit or go directly to the scheduled activities).
Desierto de la Tatacoa
Arrival at the nearest town to the Desert, Villavieja, Huila. Check-in at the hotel, time to rest.
Desierto de la Tatacoa
We begin our tour in the first area of the desert: El Cuzco. A reddish, arid zone, from where we will contemplate the landscape and take advantage of the perfect setting for taking photographs.
Astronomical Observatory Tatacoa
Registration and entry to the La Tatacoa Municipal Astronomical Observatory. From this geographically privileged location, near the Earth's equator and free from light pollution, we can observe some of the 88 constellations while accompanied by a professional astronomer who will explain all the secrets of the celestial vault.
Desierto de la Tatacoa
We returned to the town of Villavieja. Free time.
Two-night stay in a hostel, private room with air conditioning in the town of Villavieja.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Desierto de la Tatacoa
Town tour. We will explore the town center of Villavieja, learning about the history and customs of the locals. Then we will embark on a trip along the Magdalena River, which will allow us to discover part of the economy of its inhabitants and the fauna of the area.
Desierto de la Tatacoa
Return to the hotel, time for lunch and rest.
Desierto de la Tatacoa
Valley of the Xilópalos. On an approximately three-hour hike, we will visit natural areas such as Paso de la Culebra (Snake Pass), Valle de las Hermosas (Valley of the Beautiful Ones), and Paso de la Señorita (Miss Pass).
Desierto de la Tatacoa
Return to the town of Villavieja. Free time.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Villavieja
- Check out of the hotel and begin our return to Bogotá. - Stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch or a break.
PICK UP TIMES: Depending on your pick-up time, you can arrive after the drive from Bogotá to Villavieja, at the town to rest, or directly to the scheduled desert activities.
Pickup included
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
andreampoole,
Apr 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
What a wonderful adventure traveling with our 8-year old son from Bogota to Desierto Tatacoa during Semana Santa! Ana and her whole team are warm, knowledgeable, and they take care of every detail with excellent communication. We visited both sides of the desert, hiked the Xilopalos canyon trail, studied fossils in the paleontology museum, explored the plaza in Villavieja including a brief stop in the delightful Totumo Museo before taking a lancha down the Rio Magdalena looking at iguanas and birds, then capped the evening off at the observatory. The delicious food, adorable puppy, and welcoming family made relaxing in the hostel during breakfast and the evening a pleasure. This is a special trip for elementary school aged children as it complements many things they are learning in the classroom. The parents learned a lot too! Kind thanks for incredible memories.
742dagobertop,
Mar 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to go hiking. There are several trails available that allow you to explore the different areas of the desert and fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there are options suitable for all fitness levels. Another aspect that impressed me about the tour was how well distributed the time was. Despite the road trip to reach the Tatacoa Desert, the tour was well organized, ensuring that the trip was broken up with stops along the way. This helped make the overall experience more enjoyable and prevented any feelings of fatigue during the road trip.
229taix,
Nov 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
A private, tailored road trip to the desert that offers stunning views and a unique experience. The desert landscapes can be breathtaking, with vast stretches of sand, large gullies form clay soil, and clear skies perfect for stargazing. You're sure to be amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the desert as well form the very kind and welcoming locals. Don't forget to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning views along the way!
momchilv896,
Aug 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Tatacoa Desert tour is a unique and captivating experience that is highly recommended for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The desert, located in Huila, is a dry forest that offers a stunning landscape filled with different paths and rock formations. The journey into the desert is part of the adventure itself. The road scenery is breathtaking, with panoramic views that are a feast for the eyes. It's a bit far, but the trip is worth it. The local people are another aspect that adds to the charm of the visit. They are warm, welcoming and have a great knowledge of the desert and its history. Their stories and insights add a layer of richness to the experience. Overall, visiting the Tatacoa Desert is a memorable experience that offers a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. It's a journey that leaves you with a deeper appreciation of nature and local culture.
J73Skarlb,
Jul 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
One experience I will never forget was the desert adventure along the landscape route. I was overwhelmed by the endless vastness of the desert with its golden sand and breathtaking views. The journey on this road allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty of nature and enjoy the silence of the desert. It was truly an unforgettable journey. Left me in awe of our incredible planet.
Erin B,
Dec 18, 2022
- Review from Viator
This tour was INCREDIBLE. The whole experience was unique and adventurous. Our guide Ana and driver Caesar were amazing and accommodating. Hiking through the Tatacoa desert with our local guide Gladys was so informative and interesting. This was definitely my favorite part about my trip to Colombia because you get to hike the desert, sail on the Magdalena River, explore Villavieja, and we saw wild iguanas, turtles, eagles, parrots, snakes, vultures, and so much more! Plus the star gazing at the observatory was so fun as well






60kamilles,
Nov 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
This is a long trip but every minute is worth it, I'm a road lover so this is something that I enjoy pretty much, the landscapes and the experience to be in a small town, then, watching the stars as a very few times you might be able to see its a must-do. I felt that the staff took care of me, my safety and my preferences even though the itinerary is already settled, they always look for what works best for you.

Saqib8Mahmood,
Feb 28, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Was a great 2 day excursion from Bogota to see one of the most fascinating deserts I've ever seen. The tour had you see different parts of the desert and it was incredible. Pictures turned out great, but nothing compared to the beauty of being there in person. The tour was professional and and well done.
Aaqib M,
Feb 28, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
Don't expect a luxury trip - know that you are going to the desert and the drive there is long - but the overall trip is totally worth it! The two deserts you see and get to explore are unreal and will take your breath away. The guide and driver provided to us for the entirety of the trip were professional, caring, and attentive. Great experience!
HM-Woudrichem,
Mar 13, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful walks through the Tatacoa desert. Some height differences but not heavy, fine to do Officially no desert because there is just a little too much water. El Cuzco: red spectacular landscape with tall cacti and special rock formations and fossil remains. Los Hoyos (grey desert) we found less interesting.



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