After picking you up at the hotel in the city of Neiva, we will begin the tour to the monument La Gaitana, a faithful representation of the history, the idiosyncrasy of the huilense and of course its biotic DNA, the Magdalena River, then walk to the pier, site chosen by the canoeists after the construction of the Monument to La Gaitana, because they say that the water levels facilitate the nautical operation, in this space are the boats that provide their services of river transport of passengers in the modality of tourism, there our crew member will give the pertinent recommendations and will deliver the life jacket of obligatory use to be able to board the boat, the nautical route that will be made is “Route of the achira” a walk of 16 km (approximately) by the majestic Magdalena River, river that is born in the Colombian Massif to an altitude of 3.400 metres above sea level, from there it has travelled 190 kilometres to reach the illustrious city of Neiva.
We will contemplate the adventure island park, we will learn about the history of “Don Juan Bustos” and his boat, the channel of la toma creek, artisanal fishermen, the mouth of the Ceibas river (main source of water for the city's aqueduct), Santander bridge, Pacandé hill, eastern mountain range, rocky walls where parrots nest, mohán cave, cucamba port, turtles beach; during this contemplative and interpretative tour you can observe different species of birds (kingfishers, swallows, osprey, parrots, canaries, turtledoves, among others) and throughout the tour you can appreciate the different species of native trees of the Magdalena River as: iguá, samanes, higuerones, cauchos, almendrones, mataratón, payandé, pindo (from where the fibre is obtained to make the recognised pindo hats, an important element of the clothing of the opita peasant) and a great variety of palm trees.
After this wonderful tour of approximately one hour and 30 minutes on the Magdalena River, we arrive at the port of Fortalecillas, we descend carefully from the boat and we go with the tour guide along the fortalecillas boardwalk to learn about the history of this town of Neiva, We will go to the temple of María Auxiliadora and then we will participate in the Achira Workshop, which consists of an experiential activity where with your own hands you will be able to make this delicacy, which is also one of the five products with denomination of origin of the department of Huila.
After the workshop, it was time to taste the famous and delicious achira biscuits accompanied by a refreshing Condor soft drink (Huila industry) or a cholupa juice.
Then we will board the vehicle to return to the city of Neiva, after three hours of experience, you will be back at your hotel.
