Colombian safari in Casanare

Travel Guide Los Llanos Orientales

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Nature reserves and llanero culture

The department of Casanare is known for the great diversity of birds and wildlife and the typical Llanero culture. On various hato’s (ranches) in the private nature reserves, you can experience the life of the Llaneros, the colombian cowboys. You can spot wildlife, do birdwatching and go horseback riding. Some animals that you you can spot include capybaras (the largest rodents in the world), anteaters, armadillos, caimans and howler monkeys.

How to get there
Starting point for a trip to any of the ranches, is capital city Yopal, accessible by plane from Bogotá and Medellín and by bus from Bogotá (approx. 6-8 hours). The hato’s that are within a few hours’ drive of Yopal are usually easily accessible by car. If you want to go to one of the ranches deep inland, a private transfer from the airport  is your best and safest option. Public transportation is limited in these remote areas and you can often only get there by all-terrain vehicle (or motorcycle cab).

Best time to travel to Casanare?
You can visit Casanare all year round. Each season has its advantages: December through February is the driest period. The animals then gather at the water holes, making them easy to spot. This is also the busiest and hottest period. Bird watchers will also find the rainy season a great time  to visit, as this is when the many waterfowls can be seen. Some roads inland are not accessible in the rainy season.

Is Casanare safe?
Casanare is safe to travel, with the exception of the north / border area with Venezuela, but you don’t normally go there if you go to the hato’s. It’s important to check the current situation with a local touroperator or your hotel.

#ColombiaMyWay tips

Tip # 1
Make an off the beaten track trip to Hato la Aurora
Do you have the time and do you like an off the beaten track adventure? Then book a trip to Hato La Aurora Reserva Natural. Hato la Aurora is located deep in the countryside of Casanare, about a 5-hour drive from Yopal. Curious? We made this trip ourselves and wrote a travel story about our adventure. Read about our own journey here.

Tip # 2
Stay at a ranch near Yopal
Limit your travel time and book a trip at for example El Encanto de Guanapalo, which consists of 3 hato’s in San Luis de Palenque. Travel time from Yopal is about 90 minutes.
Book the nicest accommodations in Yopal here

Tip # 3
Book through a tour operator if you don’t speak Spanish
English is not spoken at most accommodations, so booking accommodation and transportation can be tricky. Tour operator Wild Llanos in Yopal, is a specialist in travel in Casanare and can communicate with you in English. They will create a “customized trip” for you and can arrange an English-speaking guide for the excursions.