San Agustín Archaeological Park

About this place

South America's largest group of ancient monumental stone statues, in green hills at the source of the Magdalena River, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage in 1995. They were carved by a mysterious people who lived here some two thousand years ago and about whom little is known. You walk through forest and pasture on paths leading to hundreds of stone statues: human faces with animal fangs, warriors, birds of prey and half-human, half-animal creatures, some several metres tall. They stood guard at sacred sites, and the small museum at the entrance explains what is known of their makers. One of the loveliest spots is the «Fuente de Lavapatas», a stream bed whose rock was carved with channels, basins and shapes of snakes and lizards, probably a ritual site. The ticket also covers two other, more distant sites: Alto de los Ídolos and Alto de las Piedras. The park is large with long walks, and rain is frequent, so wear proper shoes. Many governments advise caution in Colombia, and in some departments especially, so check your own government's travel advice before the trip.