The Community Tour Biodiversity Latatacoa Desert Villavieja offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Tatacoa Desert. This 12-hour adventure promises an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s rich flora and fauna. Priced at $41.75 per person, the tour includes private transportation, guided wildlife viewing, and a scenic cruise on the Magdalena River. Participants can expect to witness exotic wildlife, discover ancient fossils, and enjoy an astronomy experience at Astrosur Observatory. With its diverse itinerary and the chance to explore the desert’s captivating natural wonders, this tour may just be the ultimate way to connect with the great outdoors.
Key Points
- The tour offers guided wildlife viewing and exploration of the diverse flora and fauna of the Tatacoa Desert near Villavieja.
- Participants can witness exotic birds, reptiles, and smaller mammals in their natural habitat during the tour.
- The itinerary includes a visit to the Valle De Los Xilópalos, a significant paleontological site in the region.
- The tour provides an opportunity to discover ancient fossils and learn about the desert’s rich geological and ecological heritage.
- Visitors can also experience an astronomy program at the Astrosur Astronomical Observatory as part of the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The community tour "Biodiversity Tatacoa Desert Villavieja" is priced from $41.75 per person and lasts for 12 hours.
It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, allowing them to book their tour without an upfront payment.
The tour includes private transportation from Villavieja to the desert and back, entrance fees to the red desert and Valle De Los Xilópalos, as well as a bilingual guide and lunch.
However, additional costs may apply for the natural pools and the observatory visit.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Colombia.
Itinerary and Activities
Travelers begin their 12-hour community tour in Villavieja, where they get picked up.
The itinerary includes a guided tour, wildlife viewing, and walking at various locations.
They’ll cruise the Magdalena River for 20 minutes and visit Marina Playa for 30 minutes.
The highlight is exploring the Valle De Los Xilópalos for 110 minutes.
After lunch and free time, they’ll swim at the Piscina Mineral for 105 minutes and visit Las Ventanas Mirador for 45 minutes.
The tour culminates with a 2.5-hour visit to the Astrosur Astronomical Observatory, offering an astronomy experience.
Highlights and Experience
A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to witness the diverse fauna and vegetation of the Tatacoa Desert.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including:
- Exotic birds like the greater rhea and the red-legged seriema.
- Reptiles such as the Gila monster and the red-tailed boa constrictor.
- Smaller mammals like the common opossum and the crab-eating raccoon.
- A wide range of desert-adapted plants, including the towering cardon cactus and the hardy creosote bush.
Plus, the tour offers a chance to explore the region’s paleontological heritage, with opportunities to discover ancient fossils.
The astronomy experience at the Astrosur Observatory also promises an unforgettable glimpse into the night sky.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes private transportation from Villavieja to the desert and back, entrance to the red desert and Valle De Los Xilópalos, and a bilingual guide.
Lunch is also provided. However, the entrance fee to the Natural Pools (10,000 pesos) and the Observatory (10,000 pesos) aren’t included. Transportation from Neiva is also not covered.
It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pre-existing medical conditions, or those prone to motion sickness.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and water, and cash is the preferred payment method.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Traveling with the tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or those prone to motion sickness.
Participants should come prepared with the following:
- Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen.
- Cash for optional activities, as card transactions aren’t commonly used.
- Water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- No alcohol or drugs are permitted.
For any inquiries, visitors can contact the tour organizers via phone or WhatsApp.
It’s important to note that this community-based tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the local culture and explore the stunning Tatacoa Desert.
Pickup and Dropoff
Pickup location for the Biodiversity in Tatacoa Desert Villavieja tour is Villavieja. From there, participants are transported to the various sites in the desert.
The itinerary includes a 20-minute cruise along the Magdalena River, a 30-minute visit to Marina Playa, and a 110-minute exploration of the Valle De Los Xilópalos.
After lunch and free time, the group spends 105 minutes swimming at the Piscina Mineral before visiting the Las Ventanas Mirador for 45 minutes.
The tour concludes with a 2.5-hour visit to the Astrosur Astronomical Observatory. At the end of the day, guests are returned to the pickup location in Villavieja.
Booking and Cancellation
Travelers can book the Biodiversity in Tatacoa Desert Villavieja tour through the provider’s website or by contacting them directly via phone or WhatsApp.
The tour is priced at $41.75 per person and lasts 12 hours. Visitors enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing guests to secure their spot without an upfront payment.
The key booking details are:
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: $41.75 per person
- Free cancellation: Up to 24 hours in advance
- Reserve now, pay later: Book now, pay upon arrival
Contact and Inquiries
Inquiries and bookings for the Biodiversity in Tatacoa Desert Villavieja tour can be made via phone or WhatsApp. The tour operator can be contacted directly for any questions or concerns.
Cash is the preferred method of payment, as card transactions aren’t commonly used. It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pre-existing medical conditions, or those prone to motion sickness.
Guests are advised to come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, and water. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Based on the tour information, it appears participants can bring their own food and drinks. However, lunch is included in the tour price, so bringing your own may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any specific policies.
Do I Need to Have Any Prior Experience in Hiking or Desert Exploration?
No prior hiking or desert experience is required for this tour. The tour is suitable for most participants, though it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or medical conditions. The guide will provide any necessary assistance.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, it may not be suitable for young children or the elderly due to the physical activities involved. Participants should be reasonably fit and able to navigate uneven terrain in the desert environment.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary or Activities Based on My Preferences?
The tour operator may allow some flexibility to customize the itinerary or activities based on the traveler’s preferences, though the core program and logistics likely can’t be significantly altered. It’s best to inquire about customization options when booking the tour.
What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
The recommended attire for the tour is comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes. Guests should also bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the desert climate can be hot and sunny.
Recap
The Community Tour Biodiversity Latatacoa Desert Villavieja offers a captivating exploration of the Tatacoa Desert‘s unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. Enjoy this 12-hour adventure, which includes private transportation, guided tours, and an astronomy experience. Witness exotic flora and fauna, discover ancient fossils, and cruise along the Magdalena River, creating an unforgettable journey into the heart of Colombia’s stunning natural wonder.
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