Present safety situation in San Agustin and Tierradentro?

jimbeam7 says on May 9, 2008, 17:48:

I have traveled to Tierradentro twice in the last few months, in March 08 and December 07. Traveling by the main routes to get there is very safe. There has not been any reported gurella activity in in the Tierradentro area in several years acording to locals. I also was in San Agustin in November 07 and found it to be likewise.

Feel free to send any other questions to jkbeam7 at earthlink.net

bufalo says on May 9, 2008, 18:35:

years ago my wife was stopped by the rebels, but that was yeeeears ago. From what I hear there are more foreigners living there than in Salento (although Salento has it infiltrators as well.....). My guess is it's fine.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

ColombianoGringo says on May 9, 2008, 18:36:

I hate to be contrary, but there is still a fair amount of farc activity in Huila district. In that area, their "columns" tend to be more urban operations instead of the military style fronts that are most typically associated with the farc.

It is true that they have been leaving San Agustin alone for the most part, but you should still be careful in Huila department. Most people go through Neiva, and sadly, street crime is a problem in that city. I wouldn't dissuade you from going, but stick to well traveled areas and use common sense.

Gator says on May 9, 2008, 18:55:

I must agree with Colombian Gringo-would not be on my list at this time. Better that it was but still a problem area.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Rubito says on May 9, 2008, 18:57:

There's also this crazy priest running around San Agustin threatening to run people out of town on a rail if you don't practise his religion, even if you are simply engaging in activities that are PERFECTLY LEGAL under the Colombian Constitution. Be careful.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Cheers Terry says on May 10, 2008, 10:10:

I just spent a few weeks in the San Agustin region and found it to be a lovely place. The surrounding countryside is very nice and there's lots to see and do in a laid-back kind of a way.

Accommodation, food etc. is very reasonable. There are lots of foreigners living in and around San Agustin so the variety of hostels is one of the best I found in two and a half months of traveling through Colombia.

There's a guide (jeep and horse tours to see that statues, etc.) named Lucas who hangs out at the Colonial Hotel. He's excellent. I'll dig up a cell phone number for you...

Cheers,
Terry

Cheers Terry says on May 10, 2008, 10:29:

Lucas Garzon, telephone 314-318-1074.

Manager of the Hotel Colonial is Ramiro Moreno, telephone 300-222-7741.

If you do happen to hook-up with Lucas, tell him you found him on the Internet, recommended by Terry and Mona. He'll get a big kick out of that.

Cheers,
Terry

Cheers Terry says on May 10, 2008, 10:39:

A few shots of Lucas...

Cheers Terry says on May 10, 2008, 10:41:

Robert Jorge says on May 10, 2008, 10:42:

Cool pics!

Cheers Terry says on May 10, 2008, 10:45:

Thanks Robert. The area really is very nice.

Lucas is a typical cowboy, born and raised in San Augustin. He knows the area like the back of his hand, and everyone who lives there. Nice guy with decent, honest service so I don't mind giving him a good plug here...

Cheers,
Terry

Gerda says on May 10, 2008, 17:42:

Thanks for all your advice and tips,
Beautiful pictures Terry!

Gerda

webmanco says on May 10, 2008, 17:51:

I was in San Agustin at the begining of January, and went to nearbytowns as well. I rode the motorcicle thru unpaved roads and the views were fantastic. There was even a backpacker who for saving money slept outside of an abandoned house. I guess if it was safe for him it is safe for any foreigner with commun sense.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

bickerss says on May 10, 2008, 17:58:

Great pics - this is one place in colombia I have not been and its def on my radar!!

webmanco says on May 10, 2008, 18:30:

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

ColombianoGringo says on May 10, 2008, 18:40:

Despite all its problems, I love El Huila. I spent a lot of time around there as a kid. I am half Opita and I met Opita wife there.

Like I said, I wouldn't suggest that you stay away. Just be careful and don't go too far off the beaten path.

ColombianoGringo says on May 12, 2008, 08:00:

As I mentioned, there is still quite a bit of farc activity in the region. Over the weekend, there was a minor confrontation between the army and some alleged farc guerrillas in the municipality of San Agustin. One of the guerrillas ended up dead as a result. Don't fool yourselves for a minute thinking that there are no real dangers in many parts of Colombia. Rural Southern Colombia is a world away from Poblado and Rosales.

http://diariodelhuila.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16...


On a more positive note, more detailed plans were revealed for the construction of a "recreational park" in San Agustin. The plans include a museum, sports facilites, stables, "mechanized attractions", etc. The plan is to develop the park in eight phases and it is projected to take 32 years . According to the article, some of the work has been completed.

http://diariodelhuila.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16...