5 / 5 - One review
How to get there
45 minutes from Neiva in a jeep and then 15 minutes in a motorcycle-taxi to get into the desert
When to go
In July (for the star festival)
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Villa Vieja (Colombia)
©
Flickr cc Erik Cleves Kristensen
Practical information about Villa Vieja
Reviews of Villa Vieja
45 minutes away from Neiva, the town of Villavieja can be found in the very centre of the Tatacoa desert, a dry and arid forest and one of the two desert areas of Colombia along with La Guajira.
My suggestion:
Once night falls, temperatures are cooler and therefore become quite pleasant. Wake up before dawn to go walking in the open desert, the moonlight allows you to see it (almost) as if it were daytime.
Summary:
For both professional and amateurs in astronomy, this place is perfect for stargazing. In fact, the Tatacoa desert is home to an astronomical observatory which regularly organises conferences on observation and star formation.
A unique arid desert region along with La Guajira, the Tatacoa desert has incredible landscapes. A rocky desert with cacti capable of reaching 4 to 5 metres high, fantastic ghostly rock formations where you can come across some cows just as surprised as you to find a living soul, barracks scattered across the desert that come straight out of a western film.
Despite the daytime temperatures that can reach over 40°C, equip yourself with hats and litres of water to reach the natural thermal waters, the thing you're advised most to do in these arid areas. The road is a bit long but well signposted and the freshness of the mineral waters is amazing when you arrive!
©
Flickr cc Erik Cleves Kristensen
89 travellers' photos
