Parque Arqueológico - Ruin San Agustín - Colombia

The main attraction in San Agustín is the Parque Arqueológico, which encompasses four mesetas (A, B, C and D), artificially leveled hills containing tombs and in-situ sculptures that are hallmarks of the “Agustinian” culture. Between these mesetas are Fuente de Lavapatas, hand-carved pools used for ceremonial purposes, and Alto de Lavapatas, home of more tombs and sculptures. A path near the museum leads into the Bosque de Estatuas (Forest of Statues), which displays over 30 carvings. The museum houses pottery, jewelry and other finds from this site, dating from 1000 B.-900 AD, and explains the society and culture of these mysterious people.

Location:

Located three kilometers (1.8 miles) from San Agustín.

Ruin

Getting There

The park is located three kilometers (1.8 miles) from town, a gently uphill, 45-minute walk starting along Calle 5. Busetas leave from Parque Bolívar (daily, every 20 minutes 6 a.m.-6 p.m., $0.60). A taxi costs about $2.80 one way.

Travel Tips:

SPECIFIC HOURS: Mesetas and Fuente de Lavapatas 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Alto de Lavapatas 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Museum 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Ticket Sales 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

It takes at least four hours to visit all the sites in the Parque Arqueólogico. Guides for hire, some of whom speak several languages, wait near the ticket office ($23 for group of 1-10). Some of the explanatory signs are in English and Spanish.

Price Description:

Colombians $5.60, Foreigners $8.50. Children 7-17 years old, adults over 62 years $2.80; children under 7 years old free.

You can ask for your ticket to be valid for two days.

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:Daily 8 a.m.

Open Hours to:Daily 5 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring:

Water, high-energy snacks, sun block, hat, rain gear, sturdy footwear.

The Parque Arqueológico is a good introduction to the other archaeological sites in the area: El Tablón, El Purutal, La Pelota, La Chaquira, Alto de los Ídolos, Alto de las Piedras, among many others.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 18 Aug 2011