- Address: Villavieha, Willa, Colombia
- Area: 330 square meters. km
If you dream to visit Mars, and this is possible yet, go to the desert of Tataqoa (Desierto de la Tatacoa). Its landscapes in many ways resemble landscapes of a mysterious and distant planet, but here plants grow and animals are occasionally found.
Desert description
In terms of its size, Tataqoa occupies the second place among the arid zones of Colombia , its area is 330 square meters. km. The desert territory is divided into two completely different parts:
- red - it is called El Cuzco (Al Cuzco), here you can see fantastic landscapes;
- White - named Los Hoyos (Los Hoyos), it is characterized by the presence of sand castles.
Here, too, there are landscapes of gray, green and yellow shades. Tataqoa is considered one of the most beautiful deserts on Earth. It was formed as a result of soil erosion and is a dry tropical forest, overgrown with bushes and grass.
Historical background
In the XV-XVI centuries the territory of Tataqoa was a garden of numerous tropical plants. Here lived the Indian tribes who used them for their needs. Gradually the soil began to dry out, and the terrain turned into a desert. Signs of deterioration were noticed by the conquistadors, who began to call it the Valley of Sorrows.
Its modern name - Tataqoa - the desert received from a poisonous snake, who lived in these parts several centuries ago. Nowadays this reptiles completely disappeared from the face of the Earth.
Weather in the desert
The average air temperature in Tataqoa varies from +37 to +48 ° C, with the shadow here to find quite difficult. When planning an excursion , try and wait out the maximum heat in a secluded place.
Sometimes in the desert there are heavy rains with thunderstorms, which can be accompanied by hail. Water washes away huge layers of soil and is carried by a powerful stream through the territory of Tataqoa. After downpours, nature revives, and the terrain is diluted with bright and saturated colors.
What to do in the desert?
During the tour, most tourists are eager to look at the picturesque surroundings and make unique photos. In the desert you can see mysterious stone forms in the form of turtles, dogs, crocodiles and other animals. There are also clay labyrinths and gullies, the depth of which can reach 20 m.
In Tataqoa you will also be able to:
- Visit the observatory , from which you can conduct astronomical observations of 88 constellations. Everyone can come here, the ticket price is $ 5.
- See the largest rattlesnakes on the planet . By the way, reptiles avoid a person and creep away from the main tourist routes. Scorpions, spiders, turtles, lizards and eagles also live here.
- To get acquainted with the unique desert flora . Plants take their roots to a depth of 30 m, while their growth can reach 4 m. The most attention of travelers is attracted by cacti.
- Swim in the thermal springs . Refreshed in the scorching desert is only $ 1.
Where to stay?
You can walk around the desert for 2-3 days. You can stay overnight in special campsites or bungalows with swimming pools. The price includes lunch (for example, grilled cheese wrapped in banana leaves, goat's milk with whiskey), shelter and a tuk-tuk tour.
Features of visit
You can walk on the territory of Tataqoa on foot (do not do it under the scorching sun), or on motobike with a guide. Hire transport with a guide for $ 7 tourists will be offered in Villaviejo (Villaviejo).
To ensure that your holiday in the desert does not overshadow anything, be sure to bring a large quantity of drinking water, food, hats and a lantern, if you plan to observe the stars. Shoes must be closed and strong for you in case of a meeting with a snake.
How to get there?
The starting point in Tataqoa is the village of Villaweja. You can reach it by the Neiva - Espinal motorway. The distance is about 290 km.