This program has been designed to offer you a complete immersion in the magic of the Colombian plains, with the possibility of choosing between two duration options depending on your availability and desire for adventure.
- Day 1: Welcome to the Land of the Plains
The journey begins in Yopal, the vibrant capital of Casanare and gateway to the immensity of the Colombian plains. From there, we enter the heart of the savannah, traveling along dirt roads that lead us to our accommodation, where the magic of the plains welcomes us with open arms. The warmth of the welcome and a refreshing typical drink make us feel at home from the first moment. After settling in and familiarizing ourselves with the surroundings, we immerse ourselves in our first adventure: a canoe safari on the Ariporo River, an intimate encounter with nature where the murmur of the water and the wildlife welcome us to this vast land.
We navigate the calm waters of the river, discovering the amazing biodiversity of the plains. Babillas on the shore, terrapins in the sun and herons taking flight accompany us in this first encounter with wildlife, wrapped in the serenity of the landscape.
As evening falls, we return to the Ecolodge to enjoy a typical plains dinner. Under a starry sky, we gather to listen to stories about the culture of the plains and prepare for the great adventure of the next day.
- Day 2: Plains Safari – Encounter with Wildlife
After a traditional breakfast at the ecolodge, we will get ready for one of the most authentic experiences of the plains: the Plains Safari. We will cross the majestic Ariporo River by canoe, entering the domain of the wild fauna. On the other side of the river, jeeps or 4x4 trucks (or in winter, a sturdy tractor) await us, ready to take us to explore the vast savannas and ecosystems of the region.
The route varies according to the season. During the summer, the dry roads will allow us to explore special places such as the Platanical, El Garzón, Agua Verde, Mata Azul Forests and Costas del Chire forests, while at any time of the year it will be possible to explore the dunes, the Matepalma wetlands and the savannas of Los Visos and Chibeche. During the journey, we will see an incredible diversity of fauna, from cagüiros, babillas and iguanas, to Orinoco ducks, corocoras, arucos and the majestic grey heron.
At noon, we will arrive at La Aurora, a llanera house with more than 100 years of history, where a typical lunch awaits us with the most traditional flavors of the region.
After recharging our batteries, we will resume the adventure in search of the most enigmatic predator of the plains: the jaguar. We will enter its natural habitat, strategically exploring the savannah in the company of expert guides who will help us track its footprints and signs. With luck, we will be able to observe it in its environment, a truly unique and exciting experience.
At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the ecolodge with the satisfaction of having lived a day full of wonder and connection with the wild nature of the plains.
Safari Start Time: 08:00 am
Duration: Approx. 8 hours.
Includes: 4x4 tour, guidance, snack and lunch.
- Day 3: Horseback Riding and Llanero Energy
After an early breakfast at the Ecolodge, we will prepare for an exploratory walk in search of the imposing anteater. This creature, one of the most emblematic of the plains, usually moves stealthily through the savannah in search of termites, offering us the possibility of observing it in its natural habitat. During the tour, in which we will move in complete silence, it will also be possible to spot other species that begin their journey at dawn, such as deer, foxes, white-faced monkeys, armadillos and a variety of birds that soar through the skies in search of food.
Upon returning, we will enjoy a typical Llanero lunch at the Ecolodge and have a short rest before continuing with the next adventure. The afternoon gives you the opportunity to choose between two unforgettable experiences: a 4x4 safari or a horseback ridethrough the savannah.
If you opt for the land safari, you`ll board 4x4 vehicles and head into the vast savannahs of Casanare, exploring wetlands, forests, and plains in search of the region`s incredible wildlife. It will be the perfect time to capture unforgettable photographs and learn more about the plains` fauna and flora.
On the other hand, those who prefer a more traditional experience can join a guided horseback rideled by expert llaneros. We will ride Creole horses and travel along trails between open savannas, estuaries, and chaparro forests, entering territories frequented by arucos, tautacos, and other endemic birds. During the journey, we will experience the authentic llanero lifestyle as we advance firmly through the immensity of these lands.
At nightfall, we will return to the Ecolodge to prepare for an unforgettable night on the plains. The day will culminate with a special dinner and an evening full of music and folklore, where the harp, the cuatro , and the maracas will immerse us in the vibrant rhythm of the llanero tradition. It will be the perfect time to share anecdotes and celebrate the encounter with this unique land.
Walk Start Time: 8:00 am
Walk Duration:Approx. 3-4 hours
Includes: Tour, guidance.
Horseback Riding Start Time: 2:00 pm (after lunch)
Walk Duration:Approx. 2-3 hours
Includes: Horses, equipment, tour, guidance.
Safari Start Time: 2:00 pm (after lunch)
Hike Duration:Approx. 3-4 hours.
Includes: 4x4 tour, guidance.
- Day 4: Farewell to the Plains (Classic Option)
The last morning on the Colombian plains will allow us to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings before beginning our return trip. After a typical breakfast, we will have some free time to relax, explore the surroundings or take advantage of the last moments to capture the beauty of the landscape in photographs.
Those who wish can take a short walk to appreciate the fauna and flora of the place for the last time, or simply rest and enjoy the peace offered by the Ecolodge.
Depending on flight schedules, vans will be ready to transfer travelers to the airport. For those who arrived by private vehicle, check-out will be around noon. With our eyes set on the endless horizon of the savannah, we bid farewell to this unique land, taking with us the memories of an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Colombian plains (end of the classic program).
- Day 4: Adventure between Dawn and Night (Extended Option)
The day begins before dawn, when we embark on a dawn safari in a 4x4. This tour takes us to the La Matepalma lagoon, where we will witness the Awakening to the savannah. In the silence of the morning, we will have a greater chance of spotting mammals such as the Palm bear and herds of white-tailed deer, as well as birds that take advantage of the first light of day to feed. Accompanied by the songs of nature, we will enjoy a hot coffee before returning to the ecolodge for breakfast.
The rest of the day will be free to explore at our own pace, rest, or simply contemplate the landscape. As night falls, we will get ready for a night hike, a sensory experience in which, with the guidance of local experts, we will enter the thicket of the forest. We can choose between two trails: El Bien Parado and El Sendero de los Micos, depending on the distance and level of adventure we are looking for. Under the starlight, we will learn to identify the sounds of the night and perhaps we will be able to spot howler monkeys, snakes, turtles or picures, among many other species.
Safari sunrise start time: 5:00 am
Hike duration: 2-3 hours approx.
Includes: 4x4 tour, guidance, breakfast.
Night Walk Start Time: 6:00 pm
Walk Duration: 3-4 hours approx.
Includes: Tour and guidance.
- Day 5: Farewell to the Plains (Extended Option)
After one last night under the starry sky of the savannah, we will begin our last day in this incredible territory. After a traditional breakfast at the ecolodge, it will be time to prepare for our return trip.
Depending on departure times, the morning may be free to enjoy the surroundings, take photographs, take a short hike, or simply relax before departing. For those with scheduled flights, vans will be ready to take you back to Yopal. Those who arrived in their own vehicle will check out around noon.
We will say goodbye to the plains with the satisfaction of having lived a unique experience in contact with nature, fauna, and flora (end of the extended program).