Find and Book the best tours From Yopal

Why book a tour from Yopal?

Discover the features of the Llanos region located in the Casanare department, with Yopal as its capital.

A safari to easily observe numerous animals

The Llanos are known for hosting incredible wildlife that can be easily observed in its natural habitat. It is the perfect place for a safari and probably in Colombia where you will see the most animals.

In addition to the numerous capybaras, travelers typically come to see giant otters, giant anteaters, anacondas, jaguars, armadillos, deer, turtles, pink dolphins, monkeys, and many bird species.

Depending on your chosen options, explore different areas on foot, by jeep, tractor (less recommended), bicycle, or horseback to get closer to the animals. You can often mix these modes of transportation.

The two optimal time slots for animal observation with your guide are 5 AM—9 AM and 3 PM—6 PM. The rest of the day is usually divided into rest/free time or cultural activities in the hatos (traditional farms).

Note that transportation costs are very high compared to the Colombian average. This is one of the main factors that will impact your budget.

Los Llanos: A Paradise for Birdwatchers

Due to its ecosystems and vast open plains, Los Llanos is an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts and seasoned ornithologists.

With nearly 800 bird species in this region and easy observation conditions provided by open grasslands and wetlands, organizing a trip to this part of the eastern Colombian plains makes perfect sense.

It is quite easy to encounter large groups of birds, such as ibises, storks, black skimmers, hoatzins, plovers, spoonbills, whistling ducks, and Orinoco geese.

However, you can also search for rarer species like wire-tailed manakins, horned screamers, curassows, spectacled owls, jacamars, puffbirds, and sunbitterns with their impressive wing patterns, among others.

Check the list on Ebird to know all the exotic birds present in the area:

• Ebird Casanare
• Ebird Meta

Two main seasons will influence the organization of your tour here:

• From May to October: Birds are active in nest building, mating, and raising their young.
• From December to March, the savannas turn yellow, and water sources dry up. This period also sees the arrival of migratory birds. More than 100 species can be observed in a single day.

Planning your excursion with specialists who know the area well is crucial. For Yopal and its surroundings, we recommend an expert ornithologist who is renowned and capable of organizing all types of expeditions to observe specific species.

Adventures on Horseback in Los Llanos

The horse is the Llanero’s best friend. Many songs tell of the close relationship that develops with your faithful steed through adventures in Colombia’s vast savannas. It’s also a way to step into Llanero culture.

In addition to providing an indescribable sense of freedom, riding through the vast plains is the best way to blend in and observe the animals up close.

If you, like me, enjoy horses but are far from being an experienced rider, then the 4-day experience offered by this expert is perfect for you.

Almost any package is possible, from those seeking short outings to those looking for expeditions for seasoned riders.

Stay in Hatos

A Llanero hato is a vast agricultural estate dedicated to cattle ranching. Cows and horses roam freely, and the animals are gathered twice a year for care, marking, and selection for sale.

Some hatos have been converted into nature reserves to preserve the environment and diversify income. This promotes tourism while protecting nature.

While you can take a day trip from Yopal to nearby hatos, I advise against it. You would miss the most spectacular times of the day: just after sunrise and late afternoon until dusk.

Hatos often have different specialties depending on the experience you seek for your safari in the Colombian Llanos.

• Hatos Mata de Palma, Altamira, and Montana form a 9,000-hectare reserve owned by this family. They offer multi-day packages where you stay at one of the three hatos and then explore to observe wildlife. They also offer a 4-day horseback safari (the excursion I tested), where you spend one night at each hato. Known for its abundant wildlife, there are many capybaras and a population of pumas. It’s one of the best-known reserves, just 1.5 hours from Yopal.
• Hato Boral and its stunning landscapes are renowned for horseback adventures led by experienced Llaneros. Biodiversity is also well represented in this estate, located 2 hours from Yopal.
• Hato Berlin, situated 2 hours from Yopal and near the village of Trinidad, is home to hundreds of bird species, capybaras, caimans, and many other species. It’s a magical place for nature adventures.
• Altagracia Reserve counts various ecosystems and significant biodiversity. It’s popular for customized safaris with probable sightings of giant otters, anteaters, anacondas, capybaras, and howler monkeys. The reserve also boasts nearly 280 bird species, delighting ornithologists. Victor and his family guide you through this paradise, accessible by jeep (6 hours) from Yopal from late November to April. For the rest of the year, air travel remains an option.
• Hato La Aurora, located 5 hours from Yopal, is one of the best places in Colombia to observe jaguars. With 16,000 hectares of savannas and forest, this nature reserve is the most famous in Los Llanos. This agency can organize an unforgettable adventure tracking this majestic feline. The best time to spot them is from January to March.

the llanera Culture

Llanera culture is an integral part of daily life for the Llaneros, symbolized by the Joropo (music and dance), poems, traditions, the Coleo (sport), and gastronomy.

The existence of the Llaneros is inseparable from cattle ranching and ancestral skills like cattle handling, hat making, and saddle crafting.

The hatos immerse you in this culture by participating in agricultural tasks: rounding up cattle on horseback, milking cows, and listening to legendary tales around the fire.

For a complete immersion, there’s nothing like sharing the experience of an authentic cowboy like “El Seco,” who runs the El Llanerazo ranch museum. Dedicated to preserving Llanero culture, he has constructed buildings using wood, palm leaves, horsehair, and leather, as was done in the past. He also collects traditional objects such as turtle shell plates, ropes, saddles, and unique stirrups.

It was a particularly moving encounter for me, and he sings wonderfully, too! If you want a cultural moment and the chance to explore these vast plains in search of as many animals as possible, you can combine this experience with others.

Things to Know Before Your Departure: Animals, Seasons, Transport

All the important information you need to know before you venture into these vast plains.

Wildlife Observation in Their Natural Habitat

Wildlife is abundant in Los Llanos, but it’s not a zoo. Some animals are guaranteed sightings, while others can be more elusive. You greatly increase your chances with the best specialists, but there are no certainties.

The month, weather, time of day, and location are important factors. Generally, more animals are observed from January to March as they gather around the scarce water sources.

• Jaguar: February-March. Hato La Aurora. Probability of seeing one: Low.
• Puma: January-March. This location. Probability of seeing one: Low.
• Anaconda: January-March. Probability of seeing one: Medium.
• Otter: Year-round. Altagracia. Probability of seeing one: Medium.
• Anteater or Tamandua: Year-round. Probability of seeing one: Medium.
• Howler Monkey: Year-round. Altagracia or Berlin. Probability of seeing one: High.
• Deer, caimans, turtles, capybaras, wild pigs: Year-round. Probability of seeing them: 100%.
• Birds: The choice of season and hato depends on the targeted species.

the seasons

Before booking your tour in Los Llanos from Yopal, there are three main seasons to know.

Dry Season (December to March): The best time to observe animals as they gather around the fewer water sources. It’s also the period for the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. There is more wind and intense heat, and the savanna turns yellow.

Rainy Season (May to October): The savanna is flooded by daily rains (especially in May and June). The landscapes are stunning, with colorful flowers and sky reflections in the water. Most activities are done on horseback or by boat. Access to the more remote hatos becomes difficult. Are you ready to cross rivers?

April & November (Transition Months): You will experience some advantages and disadvantages of both seasons. It’s the best time for long horseback expeditions.

How Many Days in the Colombian Savanna

I recommend a minimum of 4 days for a hato relatively close to Yopal (~2 hours) and 5 days if you are going to a more remote reserve (5 hours or more). If you have limited time and/or a tight budget, 3 to 4 days are possible but not ideal for me.

Yopal is not the best-connected city in the country, so once you’re there, it’s worth enjoying a longer stay. Additionally, you’ll still have some travel time to reach your destination.

Once on site, days are organized to search for animals and explore life on the ranches. The sun is so strong that observation periods often occur early in the morning and mid-afternoon until evening. I assure you you’ll want to stay for several days to increase your chances of seeing animals and fully enjoy the place’s magic.

I also believe that this type of experience is best enjoyed when you take the time to appreciate the peaceful and wonderful environment. Gradually immerse yourself in the fascinating Llanera culture and savor every moment spent observing nature.

group stay

Groups are an excellent way to reduce the cost of an activity. However, it’s useful to check the following points:

• Ensure the maximum number of people remains low (8-10 max). The more people there are, the less chance you’ll have of observing animals up close.
• Multiple guides are necessary if some participants are not physically fit for various experiences. Many seniors are attracted to Los Llanos for bird watching, and the agency will adjust the trips based on their physical fitness levels.
• If you’re seeking a peaceful and wild experience in Los Llanos, booking a private tour is best.

Transports

Aside from some of the nearest hatos, you won’t be able to use public transport to get there. Unfortunately, jeep transport is very expensive because the drivers are independent contractors who usually work for oil companies that pay them well. This is one of the main reasons why tours in Los Llanos are so pricey.

If you want to save time on your itinerary, ask the agency to pick you up at the Yopal airport.

What to Pack for Exploring Los Llanos?

Here are my recommendations:

• Comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying clothes (linen), preferably in earthy colors to blend in with nature.
• Pants and long-sleeve shirts to protect against the sun and mosquitoes.
• Hat and sunglasses.
• Waterproof boots (ask your agency).
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent (Nopikex works well).
• Water bottle.
• Basic personal hygiene items.
• Flashlight, power bank, camera, binoculars.
• A medium-sized backpack for activities.

TOM’S ADVICE

Not sure yet if you want to organize a safari in Los Llanos from Yopal? Find more inspiration on our page of the best excursions in Los Llanos.