Neiva: Tourism, Things to Do & Sights in the Capital of Huila
Neiva is the capital of the Huila department and a laid-back city, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Neiva has a calmer pace of life than the big cities, and its people are welcoming to visitors.
Neiva sits between the broad plateau of the Magdalena River and the Eastern and Central mountain ranges. This location gives the city a warm climate shaped by the rainy seasons.
How to get to Neiva
Thanks to its central location in Colombia's geography, Neiva is well connected to every region of the country.
From the bus terminal, buses depart to the country's main cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Pasto, Popayán, Ipiales, Bucaramanga, Florencia, Mocoa, Pitalito, Manizales, Pereira and La Plata.
Bus and minibus companies: Expreso Bolivariano, Transipiales, Coomotor, Cootranshuila.
Distances from Neiva: Bogotá 290 km, Cali 345 km, Pitalito 195 km, Manizales 393 km, Mocoa 327 km, Medellín 557 km, Pasto 430 km, Popayán 265 km.
Neiva also has Benito Salas Airport, with flights to Bogotá and other Colombian cities.
Tourist information
Neiva is a pleasant city to explore on foot, visiting its most characteristic spots.
The city grew around its main square, Parque Santander — the meeting point for locals and the best place to take in daily life downtown and see the Colonial Church. Around it stand the city's most important buildings, such as the Huila Governor's Office (which houses the renowned Archaeological Museum in an annex), the Courthouse and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Also notable is the arabesque-style Edificio Nacional, which today houses the national tax office and the national postal administration. The surrounding streets are commercial, lined with shops, banks, restaurants and hotels.
The Las Ceibas River crosses the city, and the best place to take it in is from the José Eustasio Rivera riverfront promenade (Carrera Quinta).
Places to visit in Neiva
Hacienda Matamundo: a historic estate that was a setting of the Thousand Days' War.
Railway Station: a building of great historical and architectural value, today home to the Culture Office.
La Gaitana Monument: 30 meters tall, this monument to the famous Indigenous warrior is the work of artist Rodrigo Arenas Betancur; the Paleontological Museum operates beneath it.
Jorge Villamil Cordovez Acoustic Shell: a venue for musical and cultural shows.
Teatro Cincuentenario: today a gaming hall.
El Cristo Intercesor at Peñón Redondo: in this sculpture, Christ seems to step off the cross to throw his open arms over the city. It stands 7 meters tall and weighs 1.5 tons.
La Villa Olímpica: sports facilities built for the 12th National Games.
Things to see around Neiva
Rivera Hot Springs
A few minutes from Neiva, in the town of Rivera, is a hot-springs complex with pools, water slides, jets, showers and jacuzzis. The waters are known for their mineral and therapeutic properties — an ideal place to spend the day with family.
Tatacoa Desert
Less than 50 kilometers from Neiva, an area of unique landscapes and a must-see. + Click to read more: Tatacoa Desert
El Juncal Lagoon
This lagoon lies in the municipality of Palermo and is one of locals' favorite weekend outings. At Laguna del Juncal you can enjoy the water and practice water sports.
Laguna de la Magdalena
Laguna de la Magdalena is the heart of the Yanacona culture and a place of enchanting landscapes. The Magdalena, Caquetá, Cauca and Patía rivers all rise from this body of water. The area has great ecological value, and much of it is part of the Puracé National Natural Park.
Yaguará and the Betania Reservoir
The municipality of Yaguará sits on the shore of the Betania Reservoir, where various water sports are practiced and where, every year during the October 12 long weekend, the Water Festival is held.
Obando and the Magdalena Narrows
The village of Obando is a quiet spot that still keeps old traditions alive, such as preparing roasted guinea pig (cuy). Very close by, the Magdalena River is squeezed into a rock canyon just 2.20 meters wide.
Campoalegre
The municipality of Campoalegre, 28 km from Neiva, is famous for its rice production. The area has varied environments and thermal floors, offering a range of ecosystems worth visiting to discover the region's rich flora and fauna.
Isla la Gaitana Eco Park
La Gaitana Island is a protected area and the place for ecotourism and discovering the nature of the tropical dry forest; there are hiking trails and kayak trips on offer.
Frequently asked questions about Neiva
It is the capital of Huila, on the banks of the Magdalena River, between the Eastern and Central mountain ranges. It has a warm climate and is a base for visiting the Tatacoa Desert.
Through Benito Salas Airport (flights to Bogotá and other cities) or by road: Bogotá 290 km, Cali 345 km, Pitalito 195 km (on the way to San Agustín).
Stroll Parque Santander and the historic center, walk the Magdalena River promenade, visit the Archaeological Museum, and use the city as a base for the Tatacoa Desert and the Rivera hot springs.
The Tatacoa Desert is 38 km from Neiva: you travel by road to Villavieja (the gateway town, 7 km from the desert), with public transport available.
It is the great celebration of Neiva and Huila (around June–July), featuring the Huila Sanjuanero, music and traditional dances of southern Colombian folklore.
Warm weather all year; June–July is the San Juan festival season, the liveliest time in the city.