El Abra, Archaeological site in Zipaquirá, Colombia.
El Abra is a rock shelter system extending several hundred meters along a valley in the Eastern Ranges. The site sits at high elevation and contains traces of stone tools, bone implements, and remains of extinct ice-age animals.
Research in the 1960s documented evidence of human settlement reaching back roughly 12,000 years. The tools and bone material found indicate that people inhabited this mountainous area from very ancient times.
The site reveals hunting practices of early residents who pursued large animals like mastodons and used them for survival. These discoveries show how people organized themselves to live in this mountain valley.
The eastern section has established paths and is easier to reach, while the western part sits on private land and requires special permission. Visitors should prepare for the high elevation and wear sturdy footwear.
The place shows traces of rituals connected to the hunting experience, particularly when pursuing large animals. This makes it one of the oldest documented settlement sites on the American continent.
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