An enigmatic archaeological site in San Agustín, famous for its mysterious rock-carved sculptures overlooking a deep canyon.
As an open-air archaeological site, it can be visited every day, ideally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To get there, you need to travel about 4 km from the town of San Agustín; you can go by taxi, hire a jeep, or enjoy a walk of about one hour.
Access to La Chaquira is free, as it is not part of the enclosed area covered by the Archaeological Passport. However, the local community may occasionally request a small voluntary contribution for the maintenance of the trail and stairs.
I recommend setting aside between 45 minutes and one hour for the full experience. This includes the descent down the stairs, time to admire the petroglyphs and canyon views, and the climb back up.
La Chaquira is a sacred site where the Agustinian culture carved divinities directly into the living rock facing the abyss. It represents a unique spiritual and astronomical connection with the Magdalena River canyon.
Sunset is magical here, as the golden light illuminates the canyon spectacularly. However, going early in the morning guarantees cooler weather for the walk and clear views of the waterfalls on the other side of the abyss.
Unfortunately not. The site requires going down, and then back up, a steep and rustic staircase of more than 150 steps carved into the mountain. It is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for people with serious knee or heart problems.
You can combine your route with a visit to the archaeological site of El Tablón, located a short distance away and featuring very well-preserved statues. Of course, it is the ideal complement to a visit to the unmissable San Agustín Archaeological Park.
Wear shoes with good grip, as the stairs can be slippery, and bring enough water for the climb back up. If you enjoy photography, keep your camera ready because the panoramic view of the Magdalena River is magnificent.
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