Tatacoa Desert

Desert · Villavieja

Tatacoa Desert

Desert · Villavieja

1

Villavieja, Huila, Colombia

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Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
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Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
Tatacoa Desert by null
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Highlights

Discover the stunning Tatacoa Desert, a vibrant landscape of red and gray canyons, boasting an observatory and refreshing pools for starry escapes.  

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Villavieja, Huila, Colombia Get directions

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Villavieja, Huila, Colombia Get directions

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Last updated

Jul 25, 2025

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20 Superb, Secluded, Sometimes Secret Swimming Holes

"If Ray Bradbury would have traveled to the Tatacoa Desert, his “Martian Chronicles” would have been shaped by this otherworldly landscape. Covering a large area around the small town of Villavieja in the department of El Huila, the Tatacoa is home to one of the most important observatories on the continent. Its expansive land is not covered with dunes, as could be expected, but rather with rocky canyons that form dry labyrinths whose red and grey colors are interrupted by the occasional green bush. Its unique landscape is explained by the misnomer that characterizes it: The truth is, the Tatacoa Desert is not a desert at all, but a dry tropical forest. Millions of years ago, it was a lush forest full of vegetation and animals. Today, earth and rock stand where trees and flowers once stood, contrasting the ever-present Andes mountains that stand in the distance. The landscape is divided into two areas: Cuzco, tinted in a deep ochre; and Los Hoyos, colored in an ashy grey. Along the main road that cuts through it is one of the most important observatories in the country. Though small, the observatory boasts thousands of visitors throughout the year, and a team of knowledgeable astronomers who share their enthusiasm. Each night, it opens its doors to visitors, who go up to its roof and spend around two hours gazing at the sky and learning everything from the history of the names of constellations to how distance is measured. The highlight of the evening is, of course, getting to use the telescopes to feel closer to the stars. As the second largest arid area in Colombia, the Tatacoa is one of the most popular places for camping and geological excursions. Most people who head to the Tatacoa plan to walk into the loneliness of the canyons and find a place to set up camp. Isolated from the noise of other people, it is here that they do the best star-gazing. Perhaps the most incongruous sight in the ochre landscape is the aqua blue swimming pool set into the dry rolling landscape. Hostels run by the few families that inhabit the area also offer beds and hammocks for those who want to see the desert without venturing out into its maze. Regardless of their preference, most travelers end up at The Pool at some point. An unlikely oasis, this man-made pool is filled with natural water springing from the desert. Beer runs aplenty, and the coolness of the water is deliciously refreshing." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/swimming-holes
View Postcard for Tatacoa Desert

Janek Stabrawa

Google
Incredible place, visited the grey and red desert, went horse riding, swam in the natural pools and then looked at the stars at night. Would recommend the Hotel Sueño Tatacoa just on the edge of the desert. I had a guide which I would recommend to get the best out of your stay. We paid $80000 to our guide for the day. If nearby, you have to visit.

Speedy bird

Google
Incredible nature, breathtaking. You can go alone but I would recommend taking a tour or a guide. Lots of tourists were risking damaging the environment or themselves as not knowing the local area. Harsh conditions but some of the best views.

Jackeline Galvis

Google
Wonderful place! Get ready for extrem hot weather and lots of sun! Use a cap, sneakers, water and comfortable clothes is key to survey the walk successfully. The entrance is free, there are options if you want a guided tour, they have their own motorcycle for transportation and you can follow them by car.

Gherman S

Google
You can go by yourself if you have a car! Several options to eat and enjoy. Highly recommend before the sunrise or at golden time to enjoy the sunset and then the stars. Is a magical place, sometimes the dry forest of this desert looked more green because of the rain.

Denisse Carreño

Google
Amazing place with a wealthy history background, excellent to explore and to enhance your knowledge about nature

Marije Van Neck

Google
Beautifull! Just Beautifull! I was not easy to get here, but i am so happy that i took the time to visit this gorgious dessert. Important, take enough water with you, even on a cloudy day. Apply lot's of sunscreen even when it rains.

Jonathan Lu

Google
Incredible place!! I went with a tour from backpackers & travellers hostel in Neiva and it was a wonderful experience. Some sand flies at night but definitely worth visiting. It’s like a mini-utah. The grey desert is also quite wonderful with unique slot canyon formations all around. Take advantage of the nature here before it disappears due to weather effects on the red desert!

Christos Kazantzoglou

Google
The deserts are super beautiful, but it's rather small. The observatory we went to was not at all good. You just sat on the roof of a building and got an explanation of some things, but nothing really new. Not worth the 10 000.