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Exploring Colombia's Tatacoa Desert: A Must-See Adventure For Travel Photographers!

michaelmonacophoto


Colombia is a land of diverse beauty, and few places exemplify its uniqueness like the Tatacoa Desert. Our journey to this remote, otherworldly destination was filled with adventure, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a glimpse into our travels.



The Long Drive to Aipe

Our adventure began with a marathon drive from Cali to Aipe, a small town near the Tatacoa Desert. With three people and three dogs packed into a compact car, the 12-hour journey was both exhausting and memorable. The route took us through winding roads, picturesque countryside, and long stretches of isolation. Just when we thought we’d reached our limit, we found ourselves in Aipe at 3:00 a.m., drenched by pouring rain and desperately searching for a hotel in the dark.

To make matters more stressful, we were running dangerously low on gas, which added an edge of urgency to the already surreal experience. But somehow, despite the odds, we managed to find shelter for the night, providing a much-needed reprieve from the chaos.


Crossing the River to Villavieja

The next morning, we left Aipe and headed toward Villavieja, the gateway to the Tatacoa Desert. To get there, we crossed the Magdalena River on a ferry, an unusual mode of transport in Colombia. The short journey was both thrilling and serene, offering a unique glimpse of the river and surrounding landscapes. It felt like a rare adventure in itself, setting the tone for what lay ahead.



A Night at Hotel Colonial de la Villavieja

Upon arriving in Villavieja, we checked into the Hotel Colonial de la Villavieja. For a small-town hotel, it was surprisingly charming, complete with colonial-style architecture and a refreshing pool that provided relief from the heat. The hotel’s cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made it an ideal spot to rest and recharge. That evening, we had our first encounter with the Tatacoa Desert’s star-studded sky. Sitting under the vast expanse of glittering stars, we soaked in the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable place. It was hot, but the magic of the desert more than made up for it.



Immersing Ourselves in the Desert’s Heart

The next day, we ventured deeper into the desert and checked into an eco-hotel designed entirely with sustainability in mind. This unique accommodation, nestled in the heart of the arid landscape, was a marvel of engineering. Every aspect—from the water systems to the vegetation—was designed to feed back into the hotel and the surrounding desert ecosystem. It was inspiring to see how sustainability could coexist with comfort in such a challenging environment. Disconnected from the world for two days, we immersed ourselves fully in the desert’s beauty and silence.



Luxury at Lunazul

After our eco-adventure, we returned to Villavieja and stayed at Lunazul, a high-end hotel that felt like an all-inclusive resort. The luxurious accommodations were a stark contrast to the rugged desert, offering a serene pool, impeccable service, and beautiful rooms. Our stay was not without surprises, though—we discovered a bat in our room! Thankfully, it left on its own (we still don’t know how), adding an amusing twist to our otherwise glamorous stay.


This is a promotional photo for Lunazul. Honestly didn't take many pictures there, it was just so relaxing.
This is a promotional photo for Lunazul. Honestly didn't take many pictures there, it was just so relaxing.

The Journey Home

Our return journey was as memorable as the trip itself. Traffic along the Cafetero route stretched the trip to two days and 16 hours, but the breathtaking views of Colombia’s lush coffee-growing region made it worthwhile. Despite the delays, the drive was a fitting conclusion to an incredible adventure.





Reflections on the Tatacoa Desert

The Tatacoa Desert is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure. From the chaos of our midnight arrival in Aipe to the peaceful stargazing in the desert, every moment was unforgettable. Whether it was the ingenuity of the eco-hotel or the luxury of Lunazul, each stop along the way added a unique chapter to our journey.

If you’re considering a trip to the Tatacoa Desert, prepare for an adventure filled with surprises, beauty, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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