Looking for something completely different from Colombia’s jungles, beaches and cities? The Tatacoa Desert feels like another planet. Just a few hours from Neiva, this dry tropical forest (not technically a desert!) is known for its red canyons, grey moonscapes, and some of the clearest night skies in the world. It’s a place where adventure and wonder come together – and it completely amazed us.
Our Experience in the Tatacoa Desert
We started our adventure towards the Tatacoa Desert with a boat ride over the Magdalena River, followed by a short stop at a lake where we spotted baby crocodiles – not something you see every day!
Because it had rained the day before, the famous Red Desert was still too muddy, so we began our hike in the Grey Desert. Even here, the clay was sticky and within minutes our shoes were covered in mud – but the surreal lunar-like landscape made up for it.
After a short break at a desert pool (yes, there’s really a swimming pool in the middle of the desert, though we skipped taking a dip), we finally made our way to the Red Desert. This was the real highlight: the dramatic formations glowing in the late afternoon sun were absolutely breathtaking.
We ended the day watching the sunset with a fresh juice in hand, before joining a stargazing session once it was fully dark. Seeing planets and constellations through the telescopes under one of Colombia’s clearest skies was the perfect ending to a long, but unforgettable day!
Things to Do in the Tatacoa Desert
- Hike through the Red Desert – the most famous and photogenic part
- Explore the Grey Desert – with its eerie moon-like landscape
- Cool off at the swimming pool (weird, but popular!)
- Visit the Astronomical Observatory for stargazing
- Enjoy the desert at sunset with a fresh juice or cold beer
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Dry season (December-February and July-August) offers the clearest skies.
- Getting there: Most travelers visit from Neiva or Villavieja. You can take a bus or join a tour.
- Shoes: The desert can be muddy after rain – bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Overnight Stay: Consider spending the night in or near Villavieja to enjoy the stargazing without rushing back.
Final Thoughts
The Tatacoa Desert is one of Colombia’s hidden gems – a place where you can hike, disconnect, and look up at a sky filled with thousands of stars. For us, it was a day full of surprises, from baby crocodiles to red canyons and seeing planets through a telescope. If you’re traveling through Colombia, make sure to add Tatacoa to your itinerary – it’s an experience you won’t forget.
