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Horseback Riding in El Encanto de Guanapalo Nature Reserve

Casanare Wildlife Safari

Example 5 Day Tour
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Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Colombia's Casanare region with a wildlife safari like no other. During this 5-day Casanare Wildlife Safari, venture deeper into the rugged landscapes and keep your camera ready to capture glimpses of jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and tapirs as they roam freely in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in their traditions and learn about traditional cowboy lifestyle with the Llaneros while riding horses, an exhilarating activity that connects you with the region's ranching traditions. Stay in comfortable lodges designed to immerse you in the natural surroundings while providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. This awe-inspiring journey will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the incredible biodiversity of Colombia's Casanare region.
 
Giant flocks of birds in the Nature ReserveWildlife at the Nature ReserveMore wildlife at the Nature ReserveWildlife at the Nature ReserveCultural day at Finca la CandelillaHorseback Riding in El Encanto de Guanapalo Nature Reserve
Highlights
  • Visit El Encanto de Guanapalo Nature Reserve in Casanare
  • Get ready for a horseback ride in the savannas and wetlands in the Reserve
  • See amazing wildlife like jaguars, pumas, ocelots, capybaras, and giant anteaters.
  • Learn about the Llanos' lifestyle, culture, and indigenous history
  • Spend a day with a local family learning about traditional ranch life
  • Taste home-grown foods, from cocoa to a delicious home-cooked lunch
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bogota | Fly to Yopal | El Encanto de Guanapalo Reserve

Your adventure begins with a flight from Bogotá to Yopal. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at Yopal airport and get ready for a 2-hour drive to the lodge in El Encanto de Guanapalo Reserve.

On a short walk in the forest alongside the traditional Llanos ranch, eagle-eyed guests can spot owls and howler monkeys. During this tour, you will understand why Casanare is such a dream destination for wildlife lovers as you drift past herds of capybaras, basking caiman, and giant flocks of birds, including the surreal horned screamer, before enjoying the breathtaking spectacle of the arrival of hundreds of birds as they come in to roost.

Keep an eye out for wildlife on the way to the lodging. Once you reach the lodge, enjoy refreshments and settle into a hammock to contemplate the scenery or explore the surroundings on foot until lunchtime. In the afternoon, once the hottest time of the day has ceased, you will see how wildlife becomes more active and explore the savannah and forest edges on foot or by jeep until dusk. Search anything from tiny critters to large felines; this exploration will connect you with your surroundings and introduce you to the llanos’ diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

Day 2: El Encanto de Guanapalo Wildlife Safari and Riding Tour

Early in the morning, as the sun rises, you can take a walk to look for wildlife, which is more active during the early hours.

On an optional excursion, you can set out for a horseback ride into the savannas and wetlands and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. This tour could last up to four hours, depending on your interest and skill level. If horses are not your fancy, you can opt for jeep safaris along the forest edges and waterholes.

Traversing the large reserve in a 4WD vehicle will allow you to get close to an astonishing amount of wildlife in those typical wide and open Llanos sceneries and provide a taste of the region’s landscapes and culture. Enjoy your lunch in the main house of the farm before taking a nap in the hammock and admiring the view.

In the late afternoon, you can continue the photo safari in different areas in the reserve and enjoy the atmospheric golden hour. Eventually, one of those gorgeous prairie sunsets will enchant you. Finish your tour with a nocturnal drive back to the lodge to uncover nocturnal species such as maikongs, anteaters, and nighthawks. Dinner at the farmhouse

Day 3: El Rancho del Llanerazo | San Luis de Palenque

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge and then leave the nature reserve, headed for our next destination, El Rancho del Llanerazo. This is a special treat and an excursion into the magical world of Seco Gualteros. Spend the day with the expert wildlife guide and master cowboy and their wonderful family. Gain insights into the Llanos’ lifestyle, culture, and indigenous history. You will also have the opportunity to savor home-grown foods, from cocoa to a delicious home-cooked lunch, with a view of the river Pauto, where the howlers typically hang out in the treetops and iguanas sunbathe on the shores. It is a tranquil piece of paradise!

The Gualteros family did create this unique experience off the beaten path. Visiting this local family and their farm not only supports their livelihood but especially their dream of preserving and showcasing their region’s culture and history, which are subject to change as this region of Colombia progresses. Allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised by the many lovely activities this family has in store for you, and create lifelong memories!

Due to poor road conditions, the journey to Finca La Candelilla takes about 50 minutes. On this trip, however, you will keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The scenic pastures, palm groves, and wetlands typically teem with exotic birds. Below shady mango trees, amidst banana cultivations, cocoa trees, citrus fruits, hummingbird-attracting flowers, and tropical vegetation. Explore the mainly self-sustaining farm that also houses a lovingly constructed Llanos museum and an indigenous artifact museum exhibiting ancient ceramics that were found here.

In the evening, once back at Posada el Diamante, you will be treated to a musical evening with Llanero music and dancing, something not to be missed!

Day 4: Yopal

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You will be awake to the howler monkey's dawn chorus. You can opt for an early morning walk to spot howler owls and potentially other wildlife.

After a delicious breakfast, take a 2-hour transfer to Casa Cumbres in Yopal. Your lunch will be served at the hotel. The pool terrace and gardens await time spent at leisure and reminiscing on the many great experiences in Los Llanos!

Day 5: Fly to Bogota | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
On your last day, After bidding farewell, you will be transported back to Yopal Airport for your flight to Bogota, carrying unforgettable memories of your Casanare Wildlife Safari in Colombia.

Accommodations

El Encanto de Guanapalo - Hato Montana

Lodge exterior
Dining Area
Lodge interior

Posada Hato el Diamante

Posada Hato el Diamante
Lodge interior
Posada Hato el Diamante

Casa Las Cumbres Ecological Farm

Farm exterior
Outdoor Area
Outside area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,668 2-3 travelers

Notes

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Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • 4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Professional local English speaking guides throughout your tour
  • All private airport transfer and ground transportation as per the program
  • Carbon Offsets
  • Daytime support while traveling
  • Internal Flights from Bogota to/from Yopal
  • Equipment rentals, horse, rubber boots, and rain ponchos when necessary
  • Entrance fees at the farms, Nature Reserves, and Trails
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Colombia IVA Tax (only applies for Colombian nationals and foreigners residing in Colombia)

Map

When to Go

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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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