This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in San Agustin.
San Agustin is a city in the southern part of the Huila region in Colombia. The town is the gateway to the San Agustin Archaeological Park, which is famous for its pre-Colombian statues, and a must-do once you are in town! The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and is the predominant source of economy in San Agustin.
The hostels in San Agustin are mostly on the northern edge of town, but you can find a few near the centre as well. Hostels in San Agustin cater to the tourists visiting the park, and several also offer camping within the grounds. Most are spacious, with shared facilities, and friendly people. The word for “hostel” in Spanish is “hostal,” so you should have no problems finding your way around! The closest large town is Pitalito; you can fly or take a bus from Bogota to there and then a taxi or small bus to San Agustin.
San Agustin is not just home to the archaeological park; it has plenty of smaller archaeological sites with statues and stones scattered across a wide area. This area is also popular among hikers and climbers because it lies at the northern edge of the Andes Mountains. If you have the time, walking is the best way to see the area. Further north, and much more remote, are the sites near Obando. If you have a day, take a small bus here to see the underground tombs.
This is also a coffee-growing region and you can find plenty of cafes where you can start your day off with the local blend. After a day among the ancients, visit the Church of San Agustin, a missionary-era church in the main square, or head to one of the waterfalls to cool off. However, the archaeology here is one of the most important prehistoric sites in South America. We know very little about the people who inhabited and traded here in San Agustin, but they left an incredible legacy behind.
Written by local enthusiast for San Agustin hostels
Jakob Lombardi
