- Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
- Address: Insa, Cauca, Colombia
- Date of inclusion in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List: 1995
- Website: icanh.gov.co
- Cost of visiting: $ 6.6
In the Colombian city of San Andreas de Pisimbala, which is located 500 km from Bogota , is the national archaeological park of Tierrendro. Among the locals, it is known as the "land inside", which is understandable, because in its territory were found crypts of the VI-IX centuries. Due to its historical and cultural significance, in 1995 the park officially became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is interesting about Tierradentro?
This park is known all over the world for its underground crypts dating back to the pre-Columbian era. According to the researchers, they were created in the VI-IX centuries AD. The most studied crypts of the archaeological park of Tierradentro are:
- Alto del Aquacate (Alto del Aguacate);
- Alto del Duende;
- Alto de Segovia;
- Alto de San Andrés;
- El Tablón.
Each of the crypts is interesting in its own way. For example, the tombs of the Alto de Segovia are considered to be the largest and most beautiful in Tierradentro, as they are adorned with mural paintings and statues. Stone statues can be seen in the crypt El Tablon, but their condition is slightly worse. Best interior is preserved in the two caves of the tomb of Alto de San Andreas. The crypt Alto del Aquacate is located on a high mountain. By itself, it is the least interesting, but from this point you have an excellent view of the surrounding area.
The crypts of the archaeological park of Tierradentro are at a depth of up to 8 m. A spiral staircase leads to them. Do not be afraid of the dark, as many tombs are equipped with illumination, and to inspect the rest of the guides give out flashlights.
Each Tierradentro crypt consists of a main chamber 12 m wide, surrounded by smaller chambers. According to archaeologists, in ancient times in each of them was placed several bodies. To maintain the vaults of the tombs, powerful columns were used, on some of which people's faces were carved. The walls are decorated with geometric figures, images of people and animals. For their painting, the paint was red, white and black.
Since the discovery of Tierradentro's tomb, treasure hunters have visited more than once, which is why only a small part of their contents were preserved. Found statues and ceramic products are now exhibited in a museum working in the park .
Visit Tierra delendro
You can visit the historical complex as part of the excursion , which also includes visiting the necropolises of San Agustin. They are located about 200 km apart, so travel agencies combine them into one excursion.
The archaeological park of Tierradentro has a large territory, so it is necessary to start its inspection early in the morning, and the visit itself is divided into two days. For the convenience of visitors, a track was laid throughout the complex. If you do not hurry to follow it, then it will take about 8-10 hours to visit all the tombs. The route also includes a visit to several steep peaks, from where a panoramic view of the surroundings opens up.
While in Tierra del Ferraro, you can also visit the museum. There are exhibits of interior tombs, including clay pots, in which once buried the bones of the buried.
How to get to Tierrandentro?
The National Park is 67 km from the town of Popayan . From the capital of the department to Tierra del Ventero you can reach by car, public transport or sightseeing bus. To do this, follow the north-west direction on the road Totoro-Inza. The whole journey takes a bit more than 3 hours. The fare on the bus is $ 6.6.