Honest Tatacoa Desert Tour Review
TL;DR
Wondering if you really need a tour for Colombia’s Tatacoa Desert? We went on one. Here’s what made it worth it – and what could have been better.
Planning a trip to Colombia’s Tatacoa Desert and wondering if you really need a guided tour? We were asking the same thing. The desert looks stunning in photos, but it’s also vast, brutally hot, and apparently easy to get lost in. That’s why we booked a guided tour.
In this honest, unsponsored review, we’ll walk you through our full itinerary – from riverboat rides and desert hikes to cactus fruit tasting and stargazing. We’ll also share what made the tour worth it (a great guide!) and what we would’ve liked to do differently (hello, Grey Desert). Whether you're short on time or just don’t want to worry about logistics, this post will help you decide if the Tatacoa Desert tour is right for you.
Honest Tatacoa Desert Tour Review
We did this Guided Day Trip to the Tatacoa Desert with Lunch:
Tatacoa Desert Day Trip Itinerary
This is the exact itinerary we did on our Tatacoa Desert tour. It might vary from the one online.
1. Boat Tour on Rio Magdalena
After a very punctual pickup from our accommodation in Villavieja, the first program item was a boat ride on the Magdalena River. We spotted some cool birds as well as turtles and lizards.
2. Red Desert
We started our time in the red desert with a walk through the Labyrinth of Cuzco and ended at the viewpoint. During the whole walk, the guide pointed out interesting plants and rock formations. We even got to try the fruit of a cactus. He also took many amazing pictures.
3. Lunch
Our lunch was in the typical Colombian style with rice, protein, beans, plantain, and lemonade. It was filling and delicious.
4. Swimming Pool
After lunch, it was time to head to the swimming pool. To be honest, we were reluctant at first but it was super hot and we were craving a refreshment.
We did not go to the popular and busy pool at Los Hoyos but to Manantial Tatacoa. Here, we had the whole pool to ourselves. There are bathrooms and changing rooms as well as shaded areas to sit.
5. Valley of the Xilopalos
Next up was the Valley of the Xilopalos. Here, we walked through narrow canyons and spotted fossil wood (Xilopalos).
6. Sunset
For sunset, we were brought to a viewpoint. There were no other people around and we even got a free drink – what more is there to ask for?
7. Astronomical Observatory
Last but not least, we watched the stars. We went to the Astronomical Observatory Astrosur which was cool but unfortunately, all explanations were only in Spanish.
As clouds started to roll in, we started with the astronomical observation, i.e. looking through the telescopes. We were lucky and managed to spot several planets. Afterwards, we got a lecture about astronomy while lying on a comfortable mat on the ground.
Tatacoa Desert Tour – Our Review
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. It was well organised and never felt rushed although we visited a lot of spots. The guide was great and so was his English. He gave a lot of interesting information and pointed out a lot of animals, plants, and rock formations.
The two hikes we did were not hard but there’s rarely any shade so bring a hat, water, and sunscreen.
We didn’t mind that we went to the swimming pool at Manantial Tatacoa instead of Los Hoyos. The views were not as good but the privacy made more than up for it.
The main drawback of our tour was that we didn’t visit the Grey Desert itself but only the Valley of the Xilopalos. While it was cool to see the fossilised wood, we would have liked to see the Valley of the Ghosts.
What Other Travellers Say About the Guided Day Trip to the Tatacoa Desert
⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 (37 reviews)
Our trip to the Tatacoa Desert was pretty special. It was just me and my partner and we hadn’t realised it was going to be a private tour. Transportation was seamless! Our guide, Juan, was enthusiastic and helpful throughout the day. We started with a cool surprise (which wasn’t part of the itinerary) followed by coffees. Then we did an hour trek through the grey zone of the desert, trying some fruit from the cactus. After a tasty local lunch, we went for a swim in a pool (10 Pesos pp), which was good but we would’ve loved a view of the desert. The hour trek of the red zone was amazing!! Saw a beautiful sunset. Throughout the day, Juan was happy to take photos of us and got some amazing pics. We finished at the observatory (10 Pesos pp) we saw Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus through the telescopes before a lecture about the stars (which we didn’t understand as it was in Spanish!). Overall, a really great day. Not sure how we would’ve done it without a guide! Would recommend!!
– Daisy (see more reviews)
What Does the Guided Day Trip to the Tatacoa Desert Include?
The Guided Day Trip to the Tatacoa Desert includes:
- Round-trip transportation from your location in Neiva or Villavieja.
- Boat ride on the Magdalena River.
- Tour through the Red Desert and Grey Desert.
- Lunch.
Not included:
- Swimming pool (10000 COP).
- Astronomical observation (10000 COP).
Conclusion: Is the Tatacoa Desert Tour Worth it?
Yes, the Tatacoa Desert tour is absolutely worth it.
This guided day trip is a convenient and well-organised way to experience the diverse highlights of the Tatacoa Desert in a single day. From river wildlife to desert labyrinths and star-filled skies, the itinerary covers a lot without ever feeling rushed.
What truly sets the tour apart, though, is the value of having a knowledgeable guide. We spotted animals – like the cute owl in the picture below – and learned about plants and rock formations we would have completely missed on our own. The guide's insights, photography skills, and seamless logistics made the day both educational and stress-free.
We also appreciated not having to worry about navigating the desert ourselves – we've heard of travellers getting lost when attempting to explore solo. With a guide, we felt safe and could just focus on enjoying the experience.
For travellers short on time or seeking a deeper understanding of the desert, this tour is a smart and worthwhile choice.
Where to Stay for the Tatacoa Desert Tour
You can start the tour in Neiva or Villavieja.
We chose Luna del Desierto in Villavieja and couldn’t recommend it more highly. The owners are lovely, the rooms comfy, and the kitchen is clean and well equipped – the free drinking water is much needed in the desert heat. You might even meet the tiny dog, Luna.
In Neiva, Backpackers And Travellers Hostel comes highly recommended. They also offer their own Tatacoa tour.
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