Casanare Wildlife Safari

Your adventure begins with a flight from Bogota to Yopal. Upon arrival, you are greeted at the airport and enjoy breakfast before transferring to the El Encanto de Guanapalo Natural Reserve. You keep your eyes peeled for wildlife during the drive, effectively beginning your safari before you even reach the lodge. You arrive in time for lunch, followed by a chance to relax in a hammock or explore the immediate surroundings on foot. In the afternoon, once the heat of the day subsides, you head out to explore the savannah and forest edges. Whether on foot or by jeep, you search for native species ranging from small critters to giant anteaters until dusk, before returning to the farmhouse for dinner.

At dawn, as the sun begins to rise, you have the option to take a walk to spot wildlife while it is most active during these early hours. After breakfast, you set out on a horseback ride into the savannas and wetlands to search for diverse species. This ride lasts up to 4 hours, depending on your interest and ability. Alternatively, if horseback riding does not appeal to you, you can opt for a jeep safari along the forest edges and waterholes instead. The 4WD vehicle allows you to get close to a remarkable variety of wildlife in the expansive Llanos scenery. You savor lunch at the farm's main house, followed by a relaxing break in a hammock to take in the surroundings.

In the late afternoon, you continue the photo safari in a different part of the reserve to capture the atmospheric golden hour. You watch a stunning prairie sunset before ending the day with a nocturnal drive back to the lodge, where you look for night-active species like maikongs, anteaters, and nighthawks.

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you depart the nature reserve for your next destination: El Rancho del Llanerazo. Here, you experience a special private guided excursion into the world of Seco Gualteros. Spending the day with this expert wildlife guide and master cowboy gives you unique insights into the Llanos lifestyle, culture, and indigenous history. Lunch features home-grown foods and a view of the Pauto River, where howler monkeys often hang out in the treetops and iguanas sunbathe on the shores.

From here, you traverse rough but scenic roads for approximately 50 minutes to reach Finca La Candelilla. The passing pastures, palm groves, and wetlands often teem with exotic birds, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife during the drive. Upon arrival, you explore the self-sustaining farm shaded by mango trees and discover a museum showcasing Llanos history and indigenous artifacts, including ancient ceramics found on the property.

Stay overnight at Finca La Candelilla.

Accommodation Option
Villas de San Luis: Alternatively, you may stay at Villas de San Luis, a charming refuge located in the lively village of San Luis de Palenque. This option offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms designed for relaxation. Guests staying here enjoy an exclusive evening experience: dinner at a local restaurant that doubles as a museum, followed by a live cultural presentation featuring traditional Llanero music and dancing.

You awake to the dawn chorus of howler monkeys and have the option to take an early morning walk to spot them and other wildlife. After a full breakfast, you transfer for approximately 2 hours to Casa Cumbres in Yopal.

Lunch is served upon your arrival at the hotel. You spend the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing on the pool terrace or exploring the gardens as you reflect on your experiences in the Llanos. You may also choose to explore on your own or book an optional on-site activity.

You stay overnight at Finca La Candelilla.

After breakfast, you transfer to the airport in Yopal in time for your departure. You fly to Bogota, a flight that takes approximately an hour. Upon arrival in Bogota, you connect to your next destination or international flight.