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An update from Evaneos
Neiva

Neiva (Colombia)

Practical information on Neiva

  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Park and garden
  • River
2 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
6hrs by bus from Bogota
When to go
From May to September
Minimum stay
One day

Reviews of Neiva

Laure Alvarez Seasoned Traveller
44 written opinions

The city of Neiva is located in the valley of the Magdalena River and is the capital of the Colombian department of Huila.

My suggestion:
Take a look at the statue of the Mohán at the entrance to the city, with its astonishing moustache.
My review

I spent two nights in Neiva, a not particularly attractive city with little of interest to offer tourists. Neiva mainly serves as the point of departure for trips to the Tatacoa Desert. With almost 400,000 inhabitants, it is a densely populated city. On the way in to Neiva you'll spot an unusual statue adorned with a particularly impressive moustache. This is in fact the "Mohán": the mythical guardian of the waters of the Magdalena River and an emblematic figure in Neiva. The statue actually serves as the entrance to Parque Isla del Mohán, a park reached via a cable car across the river. There are various activities to do there, such as walking, rafting and kayaking.
You should also have a look around the city centre and go and see the 17th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Santander Park and the Institute of Culture.


A trip to the Tatacoa desert is an interesting and enjoyable experience to have when visiting Colombia. To reach it, you need to go to the bus terminus in the city and catch one of the jeeps that take you there. You have the option of either changing vehicles in Villavieja or travelling directly to the desert from Neiva.

The Neiva Quinto Centenario monument
Caroline Gourmaud Seasoned Traveller
221 written opinions

Neiva is a town in northern Columbia situated in the Huila Department, at around 300km from Bogota.

My suggestion:
If you find yourself in Huila, make sure you visit the magnificent Tatacoa Desert and spend a night under the starry skies at Villavieja.
My review

Neiva is a town with a population of approximately 300,000 that's situated in northern Columbia. It's the capital of the Huila Department and where you'll find the gray and red arid lands of the Tatacoa Desert.

Crossed by the Magdalena River, Neiva is a lovely place to spend the day. I had the chance to visit it when on my way to the Tatacoa Desert, which is 40km from the town. Neiva is a fun place to be, both day and night! There are loads of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Suffice to say that Columbians enjoy living life to the full! Of the interesting places to see in the town, I can recommend the Jose Eustasio Rivera Cultural Centre, where you can learn more about the region's history and sit down to a tasty localdish of bread stuffed with meat, cheese and beans

It's worth noting that the town of Neiva hosts the San Juan and San Pedro Folk Festivalsbetween the end of June and beginning of July.

Neiva