San Agustín Turns 235 – A Journey Through Time to Colombia’s Mystical Heart

San Agustín celebrates its 235th anniversary today: history and highlights of a mystical place.

San Agustín, a picturesque village in southern Colombia, is celebrating its 235th birthday today. The municipality, located in the department of Huila, was officially founded on November 20, 1790 by a Spanish colonial official. But the roots of San Agustín reach much deeper into the past.

The History of San Agustín: Colonial Beginnings on Ancient Ground

Long before 1790, the lands around San Agustín were home to one of the most significant early civilizations in the region. Between the 1st and 8th centuries AD, these anonymous builders created impressive stone sculptures and burial sites whose secrets remain largely unsolved to this day. Their works – some massive, carved in volcanic rock, depicting humans, gods, and animals – remained hidden for centuries in the green hills of the Andes.

With the rediscovery of these archaeological sites in the 18th and 19th centuries, San Agustín evolved from a sleepy Andean village into a magnet for archaeologists and world travelers. In 1995, the San Agustín Archaeological Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a recognition that confirms the global importance of this site.

Highlights for Visitors in San Agustín

Today, more than ever, San Agustín has much to offer. The “birthday child” delights with a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a thrill-seeker – San Agustín has something for everyone.

• Archaeological Park: The heart of the village, featuring several hundred mystical stone sculptures and burial sites. The largest collection of pre-Columbian monuments in South America (UNESCO World Heritage since 1995) invites visitors to dive into an enigmatic past.

• Nature & Landscape: Lush highland valleys, rushing rivers, and spectacular waterfalls shape the surroundings. Nearby, the mighty Magdalena River rises, squeezing through a gorge only two meters wide. Another highlight is the Salto de Bordones – at nearly 400 meters, one of the tallest waterfalls in Colombia.

• Outdoor Adventures: Explore the region on foot, horseback, mountain bike, or even rafting down the Magdalena River. Numerous trails lead to scenic viewpoints and hidden cascades. Horseback rides through the hilly landscape are especially popular and offer unforgettable panoramic experiences for adventurers.

• Culture & Hospitality: San Agustín lies in the coffee-growing region of Huila – be sure to enjoy a cup of freshly roasted Colombian coffee straight from the farm. At the local market, you'll find exquisite Andean handicrafts and authentic souvenirs. Most of all, you’ll feel the warm hospitality of the locals, who welcome visitors with open arms.
  

San Agustín unites history and the present in fascinating ways – a destination truly worth celebrating on its anniversary. We at Chaska Tours warmly congratulate San Agustín on its 235th birthday and look forward to sharing the magic of this place with many more travelers. Happy birthday, San Agustín!