El Infiernito Villa de Leyva
Explore El Infiernito, a Muisca archaeological site with an ancient astronomical observatory and fertility columns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
El Infiernito Villa de Leyva
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore El Infiernito, a Muisca archaeological site with an ancient astronomical observatory and fertility columns.
"Fascinating and a photographic opportunity on a nice day."
Check Opening Hours First
Site can be closed unexpectedly. Call ahead or check local info to avoid disappointment! :warning:
Rough Road Access
The dirt road to El Infiernito can be bumpy. Consider a 4x4 or arrange transport. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Muisca Astronomical Observatory
Main site area
Rows of stones used as a solar calendar to track solstices and lunar cycles.
Fertility Columns
Central area
Ancient stone phalluses, significant Muisca symbols of fertility and abundance.
Pre-Columbian Tomb
Excavated area
A recently unearthed tomb offering insights into ancient burial practices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for El Infiernito
Understanding the Site's Significance
+1 While some find the phallic symbols amusing, they represent ancient Muisca beliefs about duality and abundance.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Hours First
Site can be closed unexpectedly. Call ahead or check local info to avoid disappointment! :warning:
Rough Road Access
The dirt road to El Infiernito can be bumpy. Consider a 4x4 or arrange transport. :car:
Foreigner Pricing
Note the higher entrance fee for foreigners. :moneybag:
Guided Tours (Spanish)
Tours are available but primarily in Spanish. :microphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Hours First
Site can be closed unexpectedly. Call ahead or check local info to avoid disappointment! :warning:
Rough Road Access
The dirt road to El Infiernito can be bumpy. Consider a 4x4 or arrange transport. :car:
Foreigner Pricing
Note the higher entrance fee for foreigners. :moneybag:
Guided Tours (Spanish)
Tours are available but primarily in Spanish. :microphone:
Photography Opportunities
Great spot for unique photos, especially with drone footage. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Infiernito is a fascinating Muisca archaeological site, praised for its ancient astronomical observatory and unique fertility symbols. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and photographic potential, though some note the rough access road and a higher entrance fee for foreigners. The site offers a glimpse into pre-Columbian culture, with guided tours available in Spanish.
"Clearly a must see site in the Villa de Leyva area. The site includes a solar calendar of two parallel rows of stones (one reconstructed from the evidence and the other uncovered in-situ) with an east-west alignment. My understanding is that from the shadows cast from one set of stones at sunrise and how they impact the other row of stones it is possible to measure the date.
The other features of the site include a relatively recently excavated tomb and, most noticeably, a set of stone phalluses of significant size. This leads to a number of slang names for the park I won't repeat here. Fascinating and a photographic opportunity on a nice day.
Tickets are 15000 COP for most folk, but 20000 for foreigners, even children, which is a pricing structure I do not condone and for which I'm deducting one star."
Byron Farrow
"One of the few surviving Muisca Indian sites that wasn't total obliterated by Spanish Conquistadors they did try to destroy the many astrological columns because the Muisca carved them in the shape of Penises. Thus the Spanish named it little Hell?
The phallic symbols are everywhere and I think maybe they did have many hammers and grew tired of defacing the heads off of the Penises? Very interesting and important ancient site in The Americas! Worth a visit!"
Harlan Kraft
"Pretty difficult to reach on the damaged dirt road, but then it's 20,000 COP per person to have a 30mn or so guided tour (Spanish only).
It's pretty interesting but not a must-see."
Jean-baptiste Guillemot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Infiernito is located about 5 km from Villa de Leyva. The road is unpaved and can be rough, so a car (preferably a 4x4) or a taxi is recommended. Some visitors have mentioned difficulty reaching it. You can also arrange transport through local tour operators.
Public transport directly to El Infiernito is limited. It's best to hire a taxi or join a guided tour that includes transportation from Villa de Leyva.
The road is primarily a dirt track and can be in poor condition, especially after rain. Visitors have described it as damaged.
While possible, a regular car might struggle with the rough terrain. A higher clearance vehicle or a 4x4 is advisable to navigate the road comfortably.
Yes, many tour operators in Villa de Leyva offer day trips that include El Infiernito along with other nearby attractions like museums and towns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can be inconsistent. Some visitors have found the site closed even when staff were present. It's crucial to verify current operating times before your visit.
The entrance fee is typically 15,000 COP for Colombians and 20,000 COP for foreigners. This pricing structure has been noted as a point of contention by some visitors.
Advance booking is generally not required for El Infiernito. Tickets are usually purchased at the entrance upon arrival.
Discounts are not widely advertised, though the pricing structure itself differentiates between locals and foreigners.
Yes, a guided tour is often included with the entrance fee, but it is typically conducted in Spanish only.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
El Infiernito is famous for its Muisca archaeological site, featuring an ancient astronomical observatory with stone columns and phallic symbols representing fertility.
You can see the reconstructed solar calendar, original astronomical stones, a pre-Columbian tomb, and the distinctive fertility columns.
A visit, including the guided tour, usually lasts around 30 minutes to an hour.
The terrain can be uneven, and the road leading to the site is unpaved, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Drone usage is possible and can offer unique photographic perspectives of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The rows of astronomical stones and the fertility columns offer striking photographic opportunities. Drone shots can capture the overall layout of the site.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Visitors often capture the unique stone formations and the surrounding landscape.
Morning light can be ideal for capturing the details of the stones and the landscape without harsh shadows. However, the site is also photogenic in the afternoon.
No specific restrictions on personal photography have been widely reported, but always be respectful of the historical site.
Tripods are generally permitted for personal photography, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The astronomical observatory provides a tangible link to how ancient civilizations understood the world. However, the rough road access might be a consideration for families with very young children or those with strollers. It's also worth noting that the guided tours are primarily in Spanish, so younger children might not fully grasp the explanations.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting during the morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, ideal for capturing the textures of the stones and the surrounding landscape. Be prepared for the unpaved road, ensuring your vehicle can handle it or arranging transport that allows for easy access to the site for your gear.🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
The solar calendar and the fertility columns are tangible remnants of a sophisticated civilization that thrived in the region. Understanding the context provided by the guided tours (even if in Spanish) and the site's historical significance makes for a deeply enriching experience.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Muisca Legacy at El Infiernito
The site's strategic placement and the precision of its alignments highlight the Muisca's deep understanding of astronomy and mathematics.The fertility columns, often described as phallic symbols, are another prominent aspect of El Infiernito. These stones, carved by the Muisca, represent a profound connection to nature and a reverence for life and abundance. Their presence underscores the Muisca's spiritual practices, which were deeply intertwined with the cycles of nature and the pursuit of prosperity through rituals aimed at ensuring bountiful harvests.
The Spanish conquistadors, upon encountering these symbols, reportedly found them provocative and named the site 'El Infiernito' (Little Hell), a testament to their cultural clash with indigenous beliefs.Beyond the observatory and fertility symbols, the site also includes a pre-Columbian tomb, which provides further insights into Muisca funerary customs and social structures. The careful excavation and preservation of these elements make El Infiernito a vital location for understanding the rich history and cultural heritage of the Muisca people in Colombia. Visiting El Infiernito is not just a sightseeing trip; it's an educational journey into the ancient world of one of South America's most fascinating indigenous civilizations.
Navigating the Journey to El Infiernito
For those who prefer not to drive themselves, joining a guided tour is an excellent alternative. Many tour operators in Villa de Leyva offer day trips that conveniently include transportation to El Infiernito, often combined with visits to other nearby attractions like museums or charming towns such as Santa Sofía.
These tours can simplify logistics and provide valuable context about the sites you visit. Some TikTok creators have also showcased drone footage of the site, highlighting its unique layout and the surrounding landscape, which can give you a visual preview of the journey and the destination.
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