TATACOA DESERT

The area in and around the Tatacoa Desert in northern Huila is the driest in Colombia. To reach the Tatacoa desert from Huila take a small bus (colectivo) from the bus terminal to the town Villavieja. From there you can get a taxi or minibus to cover the short drive to the desert. From Neiva the terrain gradually gets more and more arid passing through Villavieja until the vegetation suddenly disappears completely. The vegetation-free area is actually relatively small, but it is quite impressive. Rather than sand the desert consists of a flaky earth which crumbles underfoot. Cacti dot the foreground with Huila's greener hills off in the distance. There is next to no shelter so sun cream is essential.

At the side of the main road which passes through the desert is a small observatory. For a small fee you can rent a tent for a night and enjoy the wonders of the celestial night sky through the lens of the telescope. The telescope is available to use as part of a presentation given by an astronomer in the early evening.

If you're feeling a tad peckish after clambering around the desert, the shop by the observatory sells sweets made from cactus. Although not quite to my taste I did notice others woofing them down so give them a try and make up your own mind.

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