El Abra Archaeological Site
Mountain pass in Cundinamarca, Andean highland route
El Abra at a Glance#
About El Abra#
El Abra is an archaeological locality in the Cundinamarca Department of Colombia notable for prehistoric rock-shelter deposits. The site has yielded material evidencing human presence in the Bogotá region during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene.
Visitors and researchers come for the archaeological remains and for study of early Lithic-age occupations in the Andean foothills. Excavations have produced stone tools, faunal remains, and stratified deposits important to understanding early settlement of the area.
Archaeological work at El Abra has documented changes in human activity over time and contributed to regional chronologies of the first inhabitants. The site is part of a wider set of early archaeological localities in the highland and foothill zones near Bogotá.
El Abra lies in Cundinamarca Department, in the inland Andean region of Colombia, within reach of the Bogotá metropolitan area.
- Early human occupation: Important for evidence of early human presence in the Bogotá region, with archaeological finds that document Late Pleistocene and early Holocene occupation.
What to See#
- El Abra rock shelter: A rock shelter and archaeological locality in Cundinamarca that has produced evidence of early human occupation and stone-age remains in the Andean foothills.
How to Get to El Abra#
Access is by regional roads from nearby towns in Cundinamarca; travel often requires a private car or hired driver with local knowledge of road conditions and safety.
Tips for Visiting El Abra#
- Ask local guides about archaeological and historic stops along the route - roadside ruins are common
- The Abra pass area can be windy; check weather before attempting remote drives
- Fuel and supplies are limited outside towns - plan logistics in advance
Best Time to Visit El Abra#
Dry season months are typically easier for travel and road access.
Weather & Climate near El Abra#
El Abra's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1204 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 7° - 20° | 14° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 0.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.7h |
| February | Good | 8° - 21° | 14° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Good | 9° - 21° | 15° | 84 mm | overcast | 84% | 0.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 10° - 20° | 15° | 130 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 10° - 19° | 14° | 139 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Acceptable | 9° - 19° | 14° | 116 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 18° | 14° | 110 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 19° | 14° | 78 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 19° | 14° | 96 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 9° - 19° | 14° | 164 mm | overcast | 86% | 0.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 9° - 19° | 14° | 140 mm | overcast | 88% | 0.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| December | Good | 8° - 20° | 14° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 0.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
