Tierradentro, Archaeological site with underground tombs in Cauca, Colombia.
Tierradentro is an archaeological site with underground burial chambers carved into volcanic rock in Cauca, Colombia. The chamber walls feature geometric designs painted in red, black, and white pigments.
The Paez people built these burial chambers between the 6th and 9th centuries, showing their skill in architecture and art. The construction reveals how their society developed during this time.
The site keeps its connection to Paez communities living in the surrounding Andes today, who maintain their traditional ways and cultural ties to these burial spaces.
Bring sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as exploring the multiple sites involves hiking along mountain trails. The terrain and elevation demand proper preparation before visiting.
The burial chambers are reached by spiral staircases descending several meters into the rock, opening into circular rooms below. These underground structures remain rare examples of their kind due to their preservation in stone.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
