Parque Arqueológico

Location:
Located three kilometers (1.8 miles) from San Agustín.
San Agustín, Colombia

Ruin

By Lorraine Caputo

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.C.-900 A.D., as well as explains the society and culture of these mysterious people.

Getting There
The park is located three kilometers (1.8 miles) from town, a gently uphill, 45-minut walk starting along Calle 5. Busetas leave from Parque Bolívar (daily, every 20 minutes 6 a.m.-6 p.m., $0.50).

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 ($16 for group of 1-10). Some of the explanatory signs are in English and Spanish.

Price Description: 0-6 years old free, 6-15 years old $1.60, Adults $3.70, over 65 years old free. You can ask for your ticket to be valid for two days.

Relative price: Budget

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.

To See and Do: 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