Visiting the Southwest Andes of Colombia
The Southwest of Colombia is a unique region, boasting spectacular natural destinations, cultural landmarks and fun things to do. San Agustin Archaeological is a UNESCO World Heritage site while Popayan was declared a first city of gastronomy by UNESCO. The Southwest of Colombia can be reached by flying to Cali, Neiva, Popayan or Pasto from Bogota.
Cali is the biggest city in the Colombian Southwest. Cali is known as the “Salsa Capital of the World” and also features a historic area, warm people and destinations for birding outside the city.
Colombia Tours Including in the Southwest Andes
Private Expedition
San Agustin and Tatacoa Desert Tour
From £975
5 Days
Price based on two people sharing
Explore Colombia’s central Andes: discover UNESCO-listed San Agustín’s archaeological wonders and the surreal, star-filled landscapes of the Tatacoa Desert, Colombia
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Private Expedition
San Agustin Colombia Tour
From £477
3 Days
Price based on two people sharing
Visit San Agustín’s Archaeological Park, admire rock‑carved deities at La Chaquira, see the Magdalena Strait, and dive into Colombia’s coffee culture at a farm
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Private Expedition
Colombia Cultural Tour: Bogotá, San Agustín, Tayrona & Cartagena
From £3,169
12 Days
Price based on two people sharing
Discover Colombia’s heritage, sacred landscapes, Indigenous cultures, Caribbean beaches, and vibrant cities on a 12‑day tour from Bogotá to San Agustín, Tayrona, and Cartagena
More detailsTop Places to Visit
San Agustin
Located in the foothills of the Andes, San Agustin Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America. The sculptures and monuments have been traced back to the mythology of pre-Hispanic people.
Tierradentro
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tierradentro represents one of Colombia's ancient Pre-Columbian civilizations. This region contains the highest density of pre-Columbian monumental shaft tombs with lateral chambers—referred to as hypogea—crafted into the volcanic tuff beneath hilltops and mountain ridges
Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert, situated in the northern part of the Huila department, is the second-largest arid region in Colombia after the Guajira Peninsula. This desert is notable for its grey and ochre hues, complemented by the green of the cacti scattered throughout. Temperatures range from 13°C at night to around 40°C during the day
Popayan
This beautiful city, known as the white city of Colombia for its chalk white buildings, makes visitors feel like they are in a different era. UNESCO also declared Popayan the first city of gastronomy. Popayan can be reached via direct flight from Bogota.
Cali
With its fertile soils and steamy climate, Cali is Colombia’s third-largest city and a destination not to miss. The area is known for growing sugarcane as well as being the salsa capital of the world. This is the perfect city to practice some salsa.
Silvia
This picturesque mountain town is known as the centre of the Guambiano region. The Guambainos are considered one of the most traditional indigenous groups in Colombia. They travel to Silvia every Tuesday to sell their produce, textiles and other products, providing a very traditional market experience.
pasto
This city is often overlooked by tourists who see it as nothing more than a step before crossing the border to Ecuador. But Pasto is in fact, rich in culture and history. Built at the foot of the Volcan Galeras, it has several colonial buildings, and it is the base for visiting the Laguna de Cocha.
las lajas santuary
Las Lajas Sanctuary, located near the Ecuadorian border, is a stunning neo-Gothic basilica built into a canyon over the Guáitara River. It's famous for its impressive architecture and the different legends involving the appearance of the Holy Virgin.
la cocha lake
La Cocha lake is located at 2800 meters above sea level and is the second-largest in the country. It is surrounded by misty mountains and lush forests. Known for its tranquil beauty, the lake is home to Isla La Corota, a nature reserve, making it a serene retreat for nature lovers.is to escape the cities.
Best Things to do in the Southwest Andes
- Visit San Agustín and Tierradentro archeeological parks to learn about ancient Pre-Columbian cultures, see stunning archaeological sites, and admire the breathtaking landscapes.
- Hike in La Tatacoa to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscapes, unique rock formations, vibrant cacti, challenging trails, and breathtaking starry nights.
- Take a coffee farm tour in Pitalito and learn about an authentic, functioning coffee farm. Visitors will see the whole coffee production process – from planting, picking, drying and roasting. Afterwards, taste various samples and learn about the coffee’s quality.
- Horseback Riding to La Chaquira. It’s a rocky perch overhanging the plunging Magadalena Canyon, where the boulders at the precipice are etched with petroglyphs and great views of the Magadalena River.
- Visit Popayan During Holy Week. Popayan is famous for its Holy Week celebrations. These celebrations are the second-largest in the world (after Seville, Spain) and UNESCO declared them a masterpiece of the oral and intangible patrimony of humanity.
- Visit Purace National Park to see breathtaking volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, including condors and spectacled bears, natural hot springs, rich orchid species, and unparalleled hiking through lush cloud forests and scenic Andean terrains.
- Put on your dancing shoes in Cali and learn how to dance salsa in the city known as the “Salsa Capital of the World.” Learn some moves in a salsa dancing class or go dancing at one of the authentic salsa clubs in the city.
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What our clients say about us
We knew we were in for a treat just looking at the detailed and personalized 18-day itinerary that Uncover Columbia put together for us! Our specific goals were woven in with new and interesting locations and activities that had us very excited. Unfortunately, my father and I succumbed to the flu upon arrival in Bogota. This is when Uncover Columbia revealed themselves to be more like a caring host family! Communication was so smooth and the local guides so helpful that we even had someone to walk us through the process of seeing a local doctor and filling prescriptions. We were sad to miss out on activities, but UC rescheduled a couple key outings with our birding guide, and we didn’t miss the hummingbird observatory! Our next destination was Leticia for the primary birding portion of our adventure. Our second super knowledgeable guide paired up with local and often indigenous guides to acquaintance with the sauna-like Amazonas. It was a truly amazing experience, connecting with the jungle and river on foot and by boat, especially at Marasha Nature Reserve, where a nighttime paddle left us awestruck at the beauty -despite the Caiman being elusive. From there we went to the Caribbean and Sierra Nevada Tyrona National Park. We visited an authentic native village in a manner that was entertaining as well as respectful and educational. We were fully recovered and not really wanting a day at leisure so Uncover Columbia arranged an impromptu city tour of Santa Marta with our third guide and we wrapped up our tour with a fourth guide in beautiful Cartagena with a quick island stop for snorkeling and fishing lesson in Bocadilla. All of the partnering guides, drivers and accommodations were friendly and helpful to the point that saying adios was bittersweet! And here’s a special shout out to Ana at Uncover Columbia for helping us with all the on the ground changes!! She was always accessible on WhatsApp and so sweet and helpful!
– Dana, October 2026
Nidia at Uncover Colombia organised a fabulous 19 day holiday across 5 locations in Colombia for my family. She was wonderful to deal with and really listened to our requests. Ana took over once we were on the holiday and made changes immediately where things weren’t quite as we’d all expected. We all had the best holiday ever. Thank you
– Annie, July 2026
We did the La Boquilla Fishing Village and African Drum Workshop. Sofia and Juan picked us up from our hotel and we took a drive to La Boquilla. We rode the canoes through the mangroves and learned to fish with a net and set crab traps with Señor Juan. We then went to the drum workshop and worked with some amazingly talented young people who introduced various musical styles and different types of drums. We played and danced and they truly made us feel like we were part of the family. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in diving into the culture of Cartagena, and spending time face to face with the guardians of their craft and environment.
– Glen K, July 2026
I have traveled throughout the world and worked with many tour companies. Uncover Colombia is the most organized, detailed and responsive tour company I have worked with. Every guide that was provided is an amazing and enthusiastic person. Accommodations were incredible. Overall , nothing can top it ! USE UNCOVER COLOMBIA and you won't be disappointed.
– Richard, January 2026
Uncover Colombia put together an itinerary for us based on our love of nature, scenery, and hiking, and our desire to see some of the best the country has to offer. We loved their suggestions and we have felt looked after every step of the way - hotel bookings, transfers, internal flights, guides...
– Ellie, January 2026
Beatriz was a wonderful tour guide for visiting Guatape city from Medellin. She went out of her way to help me find shoes before we officially started our tour because my shoes got ruined in the rain the day before and I had nothing proper to wear. She has a clear love for the city she grew up in and that personal connection to it made the tour and information she shared more genuine and meaningful.
– Rahma, January 2026
We traveled three weeks across Colombia – from Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Medellín, the Pacific coast of Nuquí, the Coffee Region, Tayrona National Park, and finally Cartagena. In one word: exceptionally well organized. Excellent guides, seamless transfers, and an organization where everything worked exactly as planned.
– Damjan, December 2025
We have travelled to just under 80 countries around the world, often on our own, sometimes, when the country had some problems, relying on an agency; something we decided to do for Colombia as well. I must say that UncoverColombia is absolutely among the best tour operators I have ever met. The organization is immaculate, precise and very accurate...
– Cinzia and Luca, August 2025
Uncover Colombia did a great job in arranging accommodation, transport which included 4 domestic flights and meals. Most importantly, they have assigned tourist guides who are professional, friendly and passionate. They are sometimes funny and always helpful.
– S L, August 2025
Every detail was taken care of, the destinations are world class, communication was excellent. I would give them 6 out of 5 if I could. The guide UC booked for us was exceptional. He knew his stuff, was very good with e-bird, he was an interesting guy and an overall good bean. Our tour actually started in Barranquilla...
– Derek, April 2025
Sol, our tour guide, was amazing. We did a three day tour of Medellin and local villages nearby. Sol shared her vast knowledge of the political and social recent history of the region. She led the tour at our pace. She was lovely to be with. The driver was very cautious. It was a great experience.
– Lynn, February 2025
Uncover Colombia was fantastic to work with! We had a 12 day itinerary and everything went very well. The agency reps were very flexible before and during the trip even when we requested last minute changes. They always did their best to accommodate us. The assigned contact person during the trip was always reachable and responsive...
– Gary, December 2024
My girlfriend and I wanted to visit Colombia, but were late in the planning. We reached out to Uncover just a couple of weeks before our departure and they were able to organize the whole tour in just a few days, and for a more than fair price...
– David, December 2025
We had a FANTASTIC experience with Uncover. Nidia and her team organized the most magical 4-day trip to the Colombian Coffee Region. I am Colombian but needed assistance as I wasn’t familiar with the area. We went to the Cocora Valley, Rafting down a river, had a fabulous coffee farm experience and even visited a cacao farm where we got to make artisan chocolate. We traveled with our school aged children...
– Daniela, July 2024
We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.
– Mal & Michelle, July 2024
My mother and I did a 5-day trip to San Agustin, Tierradentro and the Tatacoa dry forest/desert with Uncover Colombia. It was absolutely brilliant. The communication was great and Nidia helped us to ensure that the trip was tailored to our needs and wishes. Our driver, Jesus, and guide, Jorge, were very friendly and Jorge was very knowledgable...
– Gary, July 2024
Uncover Columbia, specifically Helena (who handled all logistical questions pre-trip) Sergio (our amazing guide) helped make an unforgettable 4 day experience as part of our honeymoon.
– Mates, July 2024
 | Want to know more?Get in touchAll our tours are private and can be customised. Just complete our tailor-made tour form or give us a call. We’re flexible and happy to design the most suitable Colombia tour for you! |
Why Travel with Uncover Colombia
Local Expertise
- As Colombians, we know the best local spots and the stories that bring them to life
- We understand the diversity, traditions, and subtle nuances of every region
- Our guidance is shaped by years of exploring our homeland with genuine passion
Private and Tailor-made
- Private, tailor-made tours designed around your interests
- Hand-picked hotels, meaningful experiences, and real local encounters
- Support and flexibility throughout your trip; travel at your own pace
Trusted & Protected
- UK‑based, fully bonded, and ATOL‑protected
- Transparent, reliable service from planning to travel
- Peace of mind knowing your holiday is financially secure
Positive Impact
- We create journeys that actively support Colombia’s people, nature, and cultural heritage
- Every tour strengthens local communities through fair partnerships and meaningful engagement
- Travel with us contributes to conservation efforts and leaves a lasting, positive footprint