San Agustín

Only 1 bus breakdown and 8 hours on a bumpy road later, and we arrived in San Agustín from Popayán. Civilization pre-dating and conquered by the northernmost reaches of the Incan Empire. Our tour guide (who went by the name Jerry Lewis and spoke at least 7 languages including Mandarin and Japanese) told us that the populations of San Agustín spent 3/4 of their lives preparing for death, most visibly in the form of carved out rocks that resemble demons that pay homage to the recently deceased. These figures stand between 2m and 7m tall, have long fang teeth and often are posed with weapons in their hands.
Among their rituals were sacrifice of children and also heroes or sporting champions. That's right, the WINNER would be sacrificed as an gift to the gods, and supposedly this was considered an honor. I could see myself throwing a lot of wrestling matches. Sorry coach, gonna sit this one out. I mean, really. "Congratulations! You win! Now if you'll please make your way over to the large bloody rock at the altar, Johnny will show you what you've won!"

to be continued...