Pitalito Travel Guide

Hey lovelies, some trips are carefully plotted out on mood boards, pinned and planned months in advance.

And then there are the ones that find you.

My trip to Pitalito, Huila, was the latter—a serendipitous detour that arrived in my inbox just when life was unravelling in the most unexpected of ways.

It was September. I was losing my business. I was burnt out. I was heartbroken. I had just started whispering prayers again, asking God to help me find my way. That’s when I re-downloaded the Workaway app, mostly out of habit. And within days, a volunteer opportunity appeared. A small ESL school in a place I had never heard of—Pitalito.

Sometimes, faith shows up in the form of a message.

I said yes.

What came next was not just a trip. It was a turning point.

In this travel guide, I’ll walk you through my experience living in Pitalito, what to see and do, how to get there, where to stay, and the deep personal clarity that came from one of the quietest cities I’ve ever visited. This isn’t just a guide for your travels. It’s a glimpse into how slow, intentional travel helped me return to myself.

What is Pitalito, Huila, Known For?

Located approximately 188 kilometres south of Neiva, Pitalito is the second-largest city in the Huila Department and is often considered the gateway to the San Agustín Archaeological Park, one of Colombia’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But there’s more.

Pitalito is nestled in the Valley of the Magdalena River and is known for being the largest producer of high-quality Arabica and washed coffee in Colombia. That alone makes it a paradise for coffee lovers.

Its small-town charm, kind-hearted locals, artistic culture, and access to nature and heritage sites make it a hidden gem for travellers who prefer places untouched by mass tourism.

How to Get to Pitalito

You have two options:

1. By Air: Pitalito now has a small airport (Contador Airport) with limited domestic flights.
2. By Bus: This is the most popular route for locals and travellers alike. I travelled from Cali to Pitalito via Expreso La Gaitana, an overnight bus that cost $92,000 COP (around $25 USD). Comfortable, safe, and scenic.

Pro tip: Use redbus.co or Bolivariano for bus schedules. And as a Jamaican citizen, you can travel visa-free to Colombia for up to 90 days.

Currency: Make sure to exchange for Colombian Pesos before arriving or upon entry. Pitalito is cash-forward, and ATMs aren’t as abundant as in larger cities.

Where to Stay in Pitalito

I was hosted by the school I volunteered for, staying in the heart of downtown Pitalito. Everything was within walking distance: cafes, markets, bakeries, and quiet spaces to work or reflect.

For other options:

• Airbnb: You’ll find cosy, affordable homes starting from $15 USD per night. Browse Pitalito Airbnbs
• Booking.com: Options range from budget hotels to countryside cabins. Find hotels here

Getting Around Pitalito

• Walking: The town is extremely walkable.
• Taxi: No Uber here, but taxis are cheap and reliable. Ask for a local taxi number and WhatsApp them when needed. Most rides around town cost under $10,000 COP ($2.50 USD).

Top Things to Do in and Around Pitalito

1. San Agustín Archaeological Park

Just an hour from Pitalito, this UNESCO site is famous for its ancient megalithic statues, burial sites, and sacred grounds. Rich in indigenous history, it’s a must-see.

2. Isnos

Another archaeological gem known for its waterfalls and mystical stone figures.

3. Gigantes de Piedra Itzayana

An open-air sculpture park showcasing Colombia’s indigenous-inspired stone art.

4. Coffee Tours

This is the epicentre of Colombia’s best beans! Take a farm tour, meet the farmers, learn the process from crop to cup.

5. Pan de Yuca & Local Eats

Try Pan de Yuca, a bread that pairs perfectly with hot chocolate. Local restaurants serve hearty plates with rice, plantains, eggs, and grilled meat for less than $5 USD.

6. Zona Rosa

The town’s mini nightlife strip. Quiet on weekdays but lively on weekends with music and dancing.

7. Parque Principal & Iglesia Templo de San Antonio

The heartbeat of the town. Grab a coffee, sit under a tree, and just people-watch.

8. Salto del Mortiño & Mocca Mirador

Nature lovers will adore the nearby waterfalls and viewpoints.

My Workaway & Volunteering Experience

I volunteered as an ESL instructor, teaching English for about 4 hours a day, Monday to Friday. I was placed with a lovely company that focuses on language education, primarily English for Spanish speakers. My contribution felt valued, and my time with students was truly rewarding. We shared laughter, learning, and a lot of cultural exchange.

The host family—especially the mother who cooked for us—was a gift. Every meal was homemade, comforting, and delicious. I was welcomed like family.

What made this even more impactful was the season I was in.

I was navigating deep burnout. I had just lost my business, my income, and a part of my identity. Saying yes to this Workaway wasn’t just about travel—it was about survival, about finding something to anchor me when everything else felt unstable.

The most unexpected part? I barely opened my laptop.

For someone who’s been constantly online, checking tasks, supporting clients, chasing stability—this was bliss.

Slow travel gave me permission to rest. To listen. To observe.

It reminded me of who I was before the hustle took over. It showed me that even in the middle of loss, you can still offer something. You can still contribute. And that, in itself, is healing.

If you’re unfamiliar, Workaway is a platform that connects volunteers with hosts around the world. In exchange for a few hours of work per day, Workawayers receive accommodation (and often meals). Whether you’re helping on an eco-farm, teaching English, or supporting a local hostel, it’s a powerful way to travel affordably and intentionally.

You can also use Workaway as a host, if you’re a business or family looking for extra help.

Join here: Workaway.info

Reflections: What Pitalito Taught Me

1. Stillness is medicine. I took slow walks. Sat in panaderias with zero guilt. And found joy in silence.
2. You don’t always need a plan. This trip wasn’t on my radar. But it was exactly what I needed.
3. Presence over productivity. Not everything needs to be documented or monetised. Some memories belong to you alone.
4. Community comes in all forms. From my students to my host, the kindness I received was unforgettable.
5. Your soul knows when you’re safe. And Pitalito gave me that.

Sustainability Notes

Even in a small town like Pitalito, you can travel sustainably:

• Support local cafes and family-owned restaurants.
• Walk instead of using taxis where possible.
• Avoid single-use plastics and bring your own water bottle.
• Respect local customs and contribute to cultural preservation.

Final Thoughts

This was more than a trip. It was a moment of recalibration. I arrived in Pitalito with the weight of burnout, disappointment, and grief. And somewhere between the rolling hills, the laughter of students, and warm cups of chocolate, I started to remember myself.

You don’t have to be everywhere to feel free.

Sometimes, freedom is simply breathing slower. Watching the clouds. Saying yes to an unexpected invitation.

And Pitalito? It was my yes.

Planning Your Trip to Colombia? Check out my Medellín Travel Guide to learn how to extend your tourist visa or apply for the new digital nomad visa!

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