Whether it's misty or sunny, you'll love the unusual landscape in the Cocora Valley. The enchanting ambiance and the sheer number of wax palms, a national symbol, are impressive, to say the least!

The lofty heights of the Corcora Valley.

 Bogotá, a high-altitude capital sitting squeezed in between two mountains, is a verdant, bustling, thrilling and emotionally rewarding city,

South America

Colombia

Bogotá

Situated on the border with Brazil and Peru, Leticia is the departure point for trips into the Colombian Amazon. If you love an adventure, the jungle awaits!

Leticia

The Columbian Amazon, a beautiful and isolated adventure in Columbia.

The Amazon

 The capital of the Department of Caldas, Manizales is part of the Colombian coffee region.

Manizales

The Tatacoa Desert, which is actually a dried out tropical forest, lies a few tens of kilometres from the city of Nieva, in the Colombian department of Huila.

Désert de Tatacoa

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The Tatacoa Desert isn't quite what you might expect; you won't see any expanses of sand here, and with good reason: it's actually a dried out tropical forest. Visiting and seeing the Tatacoa Desert and finding out how it evolved is very interesting. When you first set eyes on this area, you're immediately struck by the extensive amount of erosion and all the intermingling canyons and gullies that have been created in the clay surface. The water of the rainy seasons and the wind have slowly sculpted the earth here and shaped this landscape. However, the numerous several-million-year-old fossils that have been found (molluscs, rodents, giant sloths, etc.) are proof that a diverse range of flora and fauna once existed here. A day is enough to fully enjoy what the Tatacoa Desert has to offer, and hiking enthusiasts will particularly enjoy this place. I recommend either spending the night in the desert (hammocks are available for hire) or staying in Villavieja, which is the closest village to the site. This way you'll get the chance to make the most of the fact that the sky stays extremely clear almost all year round. The Tatacoa Desert also happens to be famous for having very little noise and light pollution. There are jeeps to take you from Neiva to Villavieja and across the strange, exotic landscape of this arid zone, which is a more pleasant place to explore in the "coolness" of the morning.

The Tatacoa Desert is not exactly easy to get to. Once you arrive in Neiva, you still have another ten kilometres or so to go before you reach the little town of Villavieja: the gateway to the Colombian desert. There are two options open to you: jeep or mototaxi (a motorbike-based taxi).
The Tatacoa Desert is actually a dried out tropical forest that has slowly been converted into an area of canyons and lunar-like valleys over time due to the effect of the climate. The desert takes its name from a type of rattlesnake that used to inhabit the area. The Tatacoa Desert is – it has to be said – crawling with snakes and scorpions. But no need to panic: these little creatures are generally shy and tend to avoid people; in fact it's true to say they're probably more afraid of you than you are of them.
The Tatacoa Desert has something of the pseudo Grand Canyon about it, with its ochre-coloured rock surfaces, cacti and hot, dry air. However, the similarity ends there because this rocky expanse is actually unlike anything else I saw in Colombia before I came here. Tatacoa is made up of two deserts. The red-coloured part, Cuzco, consists of a tangle of ochre-coloured labyrinths and canyons, whilst the grey part, Los Hoyos, is made up of grey anthracite rock walls and surfaces: it's actually this part of the desert where it's possible to observe large numbers of colourfully plumed birds. It should be pointed out though that they're easier to spot in Los Hoyos because their bright plumage stands out against the grey rock. 
Something interesting to note is that an astronomical observatory has been built in this desert. This is because the relatively clear, unpolluted sky above it makes it a good place for star gazing. Don't forget to sample the taste of cactus before you leave the region!

The Tatacoa Desert is located in the northern part of Huila Province, around ten kilometres from Villavieja.

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for family tours with kids

Family tour ideas in Colombia

Colombia’s culture is so unlike that of any other continent that it is certainly a must-see <a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/">family destination</a> for any families looking to immerse themselves in a culture other than their own. Colombia with kids can be a hugely rewarding experience both for children and parents and there are so many fascinating places to visit and experience that you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re after a historical <a data-destination-id="92" data-internal-link="destination">holiday in Colombia</a>, cultural tour, action-packed adventure or relaxing family getaway, our local travel agents are there to create your tailor-made tour.<h3>Best things&nbsp;to see and do in&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;with kids</h3>With so much to see and do, you won’t know where to start your family adventure in Colombia. Why not begin by exploring the city of <a data-place-id="15524" data-internal-link="place">La Candelaria</a> after landing? Here, you’ll be able to get a healthy dose of culture while exploring winding streets and amazing interactive museum exhibits together. Once you’ve had your fill of city life, head out to visit an Ostrich farm, which always goes down a treat with every visitor, no matter their age. For jungle exploration and beach relaxation in equal measure, <a data-place-id="29897" data-internal-link="place">Tayrona National Park</a> is home to tropical waters, white sand and a jungle brimming with native animals and wildlife. Go sea kayaking, swimming, snorkelling or simply take time to relax as a family and enjoy this incredible adventure. To take this tropical relaxation one step further, you can head off to <a data-place-id="32910" data-internal-link="place">Mucura Island</a>&nbsp;by boat and feel like pirates as you escape the real world and experience a truly laid back atmosphere. In the Barichara area, you can bring yourselves back to reality with a bit of adrenaline on a thrilling river rafting adventure. Older kids can even try paragliding - the ultimate Colombian thrill that none of you will ever forget. With adventure, relaxation, culture, history and welcoming people, its no wonder that Colombia is such an incredible family destination. <h3>Best time to visit&nbsp;Colombia as a family</h3>Since Colombia is so close to the equator, temperatures are generally stable throughout the year. Rain does vary however, with the Amazon (it isn’t called a rainforest for nothing) remaining showery throughout the year. The driest periods fall between December and March and then July and August and so these are often considered the <a data-document-id="2975" data-internal-link="article">best times to visit</a>. Rain during the wet season is by no means constant though and can mean that prices of accommodation and attractions are lower. The busiest time is from December to February and during the week before Easter, Semana Santa and so, whilst there is a lot to do during these periods, it can become stressful to travel with children, with crowds of tourists flocking to the more popular destinations. Bear in mind that temperatures can vary a lot between inland areas and the coast and so its worth planning a little in advance to make sure you pack the right kind of clothing for the locations you and your family plan to visit. <h3>Family holiday tips for travelling to&nbsp;Colombia</h3>With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Colombia, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday. <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Check in with your GP before leaving to see what vaccinations and medications you will need before and during your trip. Its also worth packing some anti-nausea medications for children who get travel sick since some roads here can be winding and exacerbate travel sickness. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Insect repellent is a god send and will save you the annoyance of itchy mosquito bites further down the line. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Colombia has a huge range in altitude and visiting to places such as Bogota can result in altitude sickness if you don’t take it easy. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Consider flying where possible since long drives here don’t always go down well with younger children and a quick and easy flight leaves more time for adventure and exploration. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">If you don’t already know some Spanish, learning a few key phrases can be incredibly useful and save time and hassle during your trip should you encounter someone who isn’t getting the gist of your flailing hand gestures. Plus, it’s always nice to put in the effort and greet or thank people in their own language.</li></ul>

Start planning your family tour in Colombia

The best tailor-made Colombia tours for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect family holiday with a local expert in Colombia

Family holidays in Colombia

Family Tours

Family Holidays in Colombia | Child-Friendly Tours

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for two week tours

Two week tour ideas in Colombia

The best two week tours to explore Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect two week tour with a local expert in Colombia

Two weeks in Colombia

Two Week Tours

Two Weeks in Colombia | 14 Day Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for one week tours

One week tour ideas in Colombia

The best one week tours to explore Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect one week tour with a local expert in Colombia

One week in Colombia

One Week Tours

One Week in Colombia | 7 Day Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for wildlife tours and safaris

Wildlife tour ideas in Colombia

The best safaris and wildlife tours in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect wildlife holiday with a local expert in Colombia

Wildlife in Colombia

Wildlife & Safaris

Wildlife Tours & Safaris in Colombia | Meet Colombia's Wildlife

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for hiking and trekking tours

Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Colombia

The best hiking and trekking tours and excursions in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect hiking tour with a local expert in Colombia

Hiking in Colombia

Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia | Tailor-Made Tours

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for island tours

Tour ideas for exploring Colombia's islands

The best island holidays and island-hopping tours in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect island holiday in Colombia with a local expert

Islands in Colombia

Islands

Island Holidays in Colombia | Explore Colombia's Islands

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for cycling tours

Tour ideas for exploring Colombia by bike

The best cycling holidays and bike excursions in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect cycling tour with a local expert in Colombia

Colombia cycling tours

Cycling Tours

Cycling Holidays in Colombia | Explore Colombia By Bike

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for nature holidays

Tour ideas for exploring Colombia's nature

The best tours and excursions for exploring Colombia's nature, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Design your perfect nature holiday with a local expert in Colombia

Nature in Colombia

Nature & National Parks

Nature Holidays in Colombia | Explore Colombia's Nature

The best local travel agencies in Colombia for desert tours

Desert tour ideas in Colombia

The best desert tours and excursions in Colombia, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Désert de Tatacoa Holidays

Désert de Tatacoa: How to get there?

Désert de Tatacoa: See when to go?

Désert de Tatacoa: For how long?

Désert de Tatacoa: What to see nearby?

Colombia: our articles for your holidays