Despite its name and its soaring temperatures (which can sometimes reach up to 50°C), the Tatacoa isn't technically a true desert at all; it is actually a semi-arid dry tropical forest. The area takes its name from a now-extinct, snake-like reptile that the Spanish discovered when they first arrived in the region. For travellers exploring beyond the main tourist circuit, it stands out as one of the most extraordinary landscapes to explore in Colombia.
Today, it stands as a striking landscape of eroded cliffs and gullies, sculpted over thousands of years by infrequent but substantial rains. Once you are amidst the surreal pinnacles of sand and soil and the copious canyons that wind where water once flowed chaotically, the dry, clear air becomes the area's most defining feature.
The Cuzco and Los Hoyos zones
Tatacoa features two distinct landscapes. The Cuzco zone is a striking labyrinth of deep red and ochre clay walls with a Martian feel, while the Los Hoyos zone offers a contrasting pale grey landscape of winding dry gullies. We specifically visit in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat, allowing you to comfortably walk the short trails and photograph the dramatic colour contrasts. If you are planning your journey around seasonal conditions, our guide to travelling through Colombia at the best time of year will help you choose the ideal months for comfortable travel and the best regional experiences.
Clear Skies and Spectacular Afternoon Light
Situated near the equator, Tatacoa benefits from a dry climate and exceptionally clear air. Our tours are perfectly timed for an afternoon visit, allowing you to experience the absolute silence of the dry forest and capture the spectacular late-day light playing off the eroded canyons before we continue to Neiva for the night.
Resilient Wildlife and Plant Life
The landscape is much more alive than it first appears. Towering candelabra cacti rise above the canyons, and the semi-arid dry tropical forest supports a highly resilient ecosystem. As you walk through the arid scrub, look out for scorpions, snakes, and up to 72 bird species, including American kestrels, Shining-green hummingbirds, and the wonderfully named Pearly-vented tody-tyrants.
Visiting with Undiscovered Destinations
The Tatacoa Desert is visited on Day 6 of both our Colombia itineraries. The 17-day Secret Heart of Colombia tour pairs it with three days at Villa de Leyva and an onward journey south to San Agustín, and is priced from £3,295 per person. The Tatacoa Desert also features on our 28-day Colombia and Panama – Bridging the Americas tour, which carries the Colombia route through to the Panama Canal and the Caribbean coast. Both Colombia tours are small group only — a maximum of 12 travellers, with guaranteed departures from just two people. Stargazing under Tatacoa's skies is a genuine highlight that very few large-group operators include.
