Best Outdoor Adventures in San Agustín

Horseback Riding ★★: Nearly every hotel and hostel can set up a horseback riding trip to archaeological sites in the hills outside of town, as well as to waterfalls and the Lagunda de Magdalena, a 3-day trip to the birthplace of the Magdalena River. Usually it’s just a guy with some horses, so if you are looking for an English-speaking guide, be sure to specify. Prices vary depending on your exact needs, though expect to pay around COP$40,000 to COP$60,000 per half-day per rider.

Jeep Tours ★: Similar to the horseback riding tours, jeep trips will bring you to the remote archaeological sites, for around COP$150,000 to COP$200,000 per group. If you are a single traveler, you can usually just join a group to cut down on cost. All of the agencies in town tend to pool together.

Waterfalls ★★: Several stunning waterfalls can be seen near San Agustín, in the upper Magdalena River gorge on the way to Isnos. The 400-meter (1,300-ft.) Salto de Borodones is the most impressive, though the 200-meter (650-ft.) Salto de Mortiño is also quite spectacular. Both can be seen from the road, though several horseback riding tours will bring you much closer.

Whitewater Rafting ★: Magdalena Rafting (www.viajes-colombia.com, tel. 311/271-5333), at Calle 5 no. 16–04 offers a range of whitewater rafting excursions on the Magdalena River. Tours range from half-day excursions on Class II to III rapids (COP$75,000 person) to full-day trips on Class V rapids (COP$175,000 person).