The Tatacoa Desert

The Tatacoa Desert is an astonishing “desert” that can be found in southwest Colombia. It isn’t actually a desert, but rather a dry tropical forest with high temperatures and low humidity levels. It is known to be the second largest desert in all of Colombia, covering 330 km². It is named the Tatacoa desert due to the ancient rattlesnakes that used to reside there, but has also been coined the “Valley of Sadness” and the “Valley of Sorrows”. Yet these names do not describe the beautiful array of vibrant colors that can be found in these valleys. Strips of red, grey, and ochre line the canyons and peaks, creating a beautiful illusion to see. Turtles, snakes, lizards, various invertebrates and types of birds create an assortment of wildlife to make the desert come to life. An artificial swimming pool creates a popular tourist attraction and there are also many activities in the valleys. The desert not only has its beauty for today, but also holds centuries of history. Artifacts from the Pleistocene and early Holocene have been discovered there, as well as many prehistoric fossils. All of these elements make up the wonders and history of the Tatacoa desert, a place that truly goes beyond its name.