Showing posts with label desierto Tatacoa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desierto Tatacoa. Show all posts

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Celebramos el puente: Desierto Tatacoa

It's a three-day weekend. It's raining in Bogota. It's time for a ROAD TRIP!

The choice for this weekend: Desierto Tatacoa near Neiva, Huila...

Our transportation - half the fun is getting there...

THE BUS: We started bright and early at Bogota's Terminal de Transportes - catching a comfy Cootranhuila (including juice and snacks) to Neiva.


THE TRUCK: Five hours later, we unloaded the bus to add some gas (yes, required here)...then 30 minutes later embraced the heat of our destination. After a $2.50 lunch special, we set to find ourselves some transport to Villavieja (60 minutes away) and el Desierto. So what did I find: a mini-pickup, the opportunity to save 50 cents, and a highlight of our adventure. The best were the looks we received as we oozed out of the back of our first class accommodations.


THE DESERT CRUISER: From there, we hoped on the next most unique transport we could find and headed straight into the desert. I full recommend our guide


The hospitality for the weekend was also unforgettable...

Dona Lina: We enjoyed a comfy little cabin and helped the local economy. The municipio created these cabin's on people's homesteads as a source of income. Our night supported a widow, her daughters, and her daughter's family. Camping is also a free option for others.


The Food: Romantic dinner by candlelight, the finest of Colombian delicacies, and a Poker is always a hit!

The Sacrificial Land: Yes, I just jumped back to those farm roots as they prepared the freshest ingredients for Sunday dinner...too bad, we were on our way back to Bogota!

The Cactus Man: Candies, jellies, lotions, and shampoos . . . you name it and he'll find a way to make it out of cactus. Who knew it was such a versatile plant? This place is a must see in Villavieja.
The Helados! Yes, once again, we are attracted by what's in the back of a truck. This time it is fruttie flavored ice cream for the bargain price of 50 cents. Two scoops, please!



The return to Bogota...a picture is worth a thousands words
(or, maybe we are just recovering from smelling the fried chicken and coca-cola we had to stop a pick up for the bus drivers through about three lanes of traffic?!)