Overview:

is one of the richest and most important archaeological sites in Latin America. It is located in the jurisdiction of Inza, Cauca in Colombia, and is well known for the finds of pre-Colombian Tairona culture, especially the variety of funerary constructions known as hypogea. Tierradentro Archaeological Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. It is home to a number of ancient tombs and burial sites, spanning from the 7th to the 12th century AD. The tombs are in the form of subterranean galleries, many of which feature intricate pictograms, indicating the importance that the Tairona culture placed on death and burial rituals. The site also includes ceramics, gold artifacts and other vestiges of the indigenous civilization that previously occupied the area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. Monumental Granaries: The “silos”, or monumental granaries are very characteristic of Tierradentro Archaeological Park. They are massive underground structures that reach up to 4.5 meters in height. They’ve been built with an exact purpose: to save their food sources in times of need. 2. Funerary Statues: An important element at Tierradentro are the funerary statues that have been found in several of the tombs. These statues are carved in relief and decorated with geometric and zoomorphic designs. 3. Tombs: One of the park's grandeur is its incredible network of large-scale tombs. These large-scale tombs can reach up to 8 meters deep and many are built in concentric forms giving them a shell-like shape. 4. Petroglyphs: Another feature of Tierradentro Archaeological Park are the petroglyphs that have been scattered throughout. The petroglyphs vary from geometric shapes to human and animal figures. 5. The Rock Caves: The rock caves are among the most impressive sights of Tierradentro. Many of them are adorned with polychrome paintings that date back to the Pre-Hispanic era. They range from simple structures to more elaborate ones. 6. The Terraces: Lastly, the park is also known for its network of terraces. They have been used to control the water flow and are an example of the incredible engineering know-how of the people of Tierradentro. They continue to serve their purpose to this day. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Archaeological evidence suggests that Tierradentro Archaeological Park, located in the Colombian department of Cauca, has been inhabited since the 5th century BCE. The area is known for its impressive hypogea (underground pre-Columbian tombs) which were likely constructed by a pre-Columbian culture known as the Pijao. It is believed that Pijao people lived in the area between the 6th and 16th centuries CE. The site began to be excavated in the early 20th century by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History. Archaeologists have uncovered hundreds of hypogea and pottery artifacts, as well as some gold and stone sculptures. The artifacts indicate that the people of the Tierradentro had complex burial practices, and their artwork suggests a high level of sophistication. The area was declared a National Archaeological Park in 1986, and in 1995 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is now a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in Colombian culture and history. Tierradentro Archaeological Park holds immense cultural and historical significance, and its unique and impressive tombs give visitors a glimpse into life in the pre-Columbian period. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Tierradentro Archaeological Park, located in the Cauca Department, Colombia, is home to an important archaeological complex that dates back to the 6th century. 2. The park contains more than 200 pre-Columbian subterranean tombs and 166 archaeological sites spread over 12,500 hectares. 3. The tombs display unique decorated walls with a variety of symbols that are thought to represent a religious or political language. 4. The tombs are believed to have belonged to the Quimbaya people, a pre-Columbian, indigenous civilization that flourished in the Cauca Valley between 1,000 and 800 BC. 5. The park is home to numerous species of flora and fauna, making it a key site for conservation efforts. Some of the animals found here include jaguars, Ecuraca owls, and velvet spider monkeys. 6. The region is also home to many river basins, allowing visitors to take part in a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, and rafting. 7. Tierradentro was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 in recognition of its historical significance. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.