Neiva
Colombia · Americas
About Neiva
Neiva is the capital and most populated city of the Department of Huila, south central Colombia. It is located in the valley of the Magdalena River with a municipal population of 392,009 as on 2026. It is one of the most important cities in southern Colombia, mainly because of its strategic geographical location.
Neiva was first founded in 1539 by Juan de Cabrera in an area now belonging to the municipality of Campoalegre. In 1550, Juan de Alonso y Arias relocated the city to the place that is now the municipality of Villavieja. At this location, the city was destroyed by indigenous tribes in 1560. The city was founded, at its current location, for the third and final time in 1612 by Diego de Ospina y Medinilla.
Neiva became important during the colonial times because of its strategic location. It was located in the trade route that communicated the Viceroyalty of Peru with Bogotá and Caracas. The city was declared as the capital of the Province of Neiva, made up of the Neiva, La Plata, Timaná, Purificación cabildos. In 1905 the city became the capital of the newly created Huila Department, which had been severed from the Tolima Department...
Neiva travel guide
Understand
The city was hit by a number of bomb attacks in 2010 and 2011. Neiva was situated in the zone of influence of guerrilla movements like FARC-EP. As of June 2014, the city was no longer subject to such violence. As always, research the current situation before travelling.
Getting there
By bus from Bogotá COP$60,000-90,000, 6-8 hours from Villavieja COP$11,000, 1 hour from San Agustin COP$50,000-70,000, 5 hours
By plane 1 Benito Salas Airport (NVA IATA). has daily connections to Bogotá with LATAM and Avianca.
See
1 Santander Central Park. Plaza in city center where you can people watch, relax, and be around office buildings and historic churches. (updated Oct 2020) 2 Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Neiva. City landmark. (updated Oct 2020) 3 Iglesia Colonial. An older and colonial-style church. (updated Oct 2020) 4 Malecon del Rio Magdalena. Riverwalk along the steamy Magdalena jungle river. Coffee kiosks, plus an observation deck with a rather spooky humanoid face called the tower of Mohan to check out for views of the area. You may also be able to take a boat ride. Just take care for your safety and disregard trash. (updated Oct 2020) 5 Gaitana Chief Monument (Cacica Gaitana Monument). A very abstract monument, you'll know it when you see it with horses and people suspended in the air. There may also be some little iguanas running around. (updated Oct 2020) 6 Monumento Quinto Centenario, in Plaza Civica Las Libertadores. A monument regarding the history of Neiva. (updated Oct 2020) 7 Museo Arqueológico Regional (adjacent to Jose Estacio Rivera Convention Center and Metro store). 08ː30-12ː00 and 14ː00-18ː00 M-F, closed Sa-Su. Some ethnological exhibits, pre-Columbian megaliths and juipas and that kind of stuff. (updated Oct 2020) 8 Edificio Nacional, Calle 7 (couple blocks east of Santander Plaza). Architecturally-striking building, kind of arabesque like. (updated Oct 2020) 9 Jardín Botánico de Neiva 'Bertha Hernández de Ospina' Park. may just be open Sat 08ː00-17ː00. Peaceful swampy, marshland setting with lagoons and boardwalks where you can take photos and observe birds, lily pads, insects, etc. Speaking of insects though, watch out so you don't get eaten alive. And be mindful of your security. (updated Oct 2020)
Do
The town hosts the San Pedro folklore festival (Fiesta de San Pedro) each year around late June and early July.
1 Playa Juncal & Parque Juncal (Club Los Lagos) (about 20 km south of Neiva). usually W-Su 08ː00-17ː00, closed M-Tu during season. Water park and zoo/amusement park (i.e., pools, ziplines, ropes course, climbing wall, dino statues everywhere, etc). (updated Oct 2020) 2 Huila Afrika Salvaje (a few km north of Neiva on Hwy 45), ☏ +313 697-9603. hard to tell if it is open. A very odd park with African and Christian themes not the least of which being a gigantic crucifixion statue lying upright on the ground. Also supposedly has some animals, paintball, horseback riding, ATVs, and a lagoon with peddle boat rentals. (updated Oct 2020) 3 Sur Andino Casino. A good place to go when you want to throw money away. (updated Oct 2020)
Buy
1 Centro Comercial Santa Lucia Plaza. 10ː00-22ː00 daily. For all your mall shopping needs. (updated Oct 2020)
Eat
This city has made famous by the Tamales and Asado Huilense Huilense Beef and the different kind of bread or Biscochos, the most preferred is the Biscocho de Achira.
Drink & nightlife
El Patio is a great cultural center with a refreshing atmosphere. You may have a drink or a meal while listening to live music. They also have nice temporary exhibitions.
Sleep
1 Backpackers & Travelers Hostal Neiva - Desierto de la Tatacoa, Cra 1C No. 47, ☏ +57 316 2342919. Cheapy place to stay but actually quite nice with clean accommodations and breakfast (eggs, fruit) and guided tours to the Tatacoa Desert. LGBTQ friendly. COP 38300. (updated Oct 2020) 2 Hotel Chicalá, Calle 6 (one block south of Plaza Civica Las Libertadores), ☏ +57 8 8713070. Has a nice colonial and dark wood interior look to it. Plus an inviting pool and wifi and restaurant/bar. Pets okay. COP 149368. (updated Oct 2020) Hotel Neiva Plaza, Calle 7 No. 4-62, ☏ +57 8 8710806. Nice views of Santander Park. Big pool, gym, spa, restaurant/bar, breakfast, wifi, a/c. Seems like a good deal for the price. COP 134048. (updated Oct 2020)
Go next
Spend a night near Villavieja in the Tatacoa Desert.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.