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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. Learn their traditions and 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 engage you in the natural surroundings while providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. This awe-inspiring experience 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
  • Spy elusive wildlife like capybaras, giant anteaters, ocelots and jaguars
  • 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 Bogota 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, stopping to grab a quick breakfast along the way. 

Your safari experience starts right away! Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as the transfer makes it way to your lodging. Upon arrival, enjoy refreshments and settle into a hammock to take in the scenery or, if feeling more active and ready to stretch your legs, explore the surroundings on foot until lunchtime. In the afternoon, once the hottest part of the day has subsided, witness how wildlife becomes more active and explore the savannah and forest on foot or by jeep until dusk. If lucky, you may encounter a rich array of wildlife, from elusive critters to the iconic giant anteaters of the region. Let the rhythm of life in Llanos ground you as you explore its diverse ecosystems, from the sprawling savannahs to lush forest edges.

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

At dawn, when the sun begins to rise, take a walk to spot wildlife, which is most active during these early hours.

On an optional excursion, you can set off on a horseback adventure into the savannas and wetlands, keeping a lookout for diverse wildlife. The duration of this tour depends on your ability and interest, lasting up to four hours.

If horseback riding isn't appealing, opt for a jeep safari along the forest edges and waterholes. A 4WD vehicle lets you get close to a remarkable variety of wildlife in the expansive Llanos scenery, giving you a glimpse of the region's landscapes and culture.

Savor lunch at the farm's main house, then relax in a hammock, taking in the surroundings. In the late afternoon, continue the photo safari in a different part of the reserve, capturing the atmospheric golden hour. Experience a stunning prairie sunset before ending the day with a nocturnal drive back to the lodge, where you'll discover nocturnal species like maikongs, anteaters, and nighthawks.

Day 3: El Rancho del Llanerazo | Finca La Candelilla

Start the day with an early breakfast at the lodge before departing the nature reserve for the next destination: El Rancho del Llanerazo.

Experience a special treat with a private guided tour into the enchanting world of Seco Gualteros. Spend the day with an expert wildlife guide and master cowboy, gaining insights into the Llanos’ lifestyle, culture, and indigenous history. Enjoy home-grown foods, including a delicious home-cooked lunch with a view of the Pauto River, where howler monkeys frequent the treetops and iguanas bask on the shores. This tranquil paradise offers a genuine, off-the-beaten-path experience designed by the Gualteros family. Visiting this local family and their farm supports their livelihood and their dream of preserving and showcasing their region’s culture and history.

Travel to Finca La Candelilla takes about 50 minutes due to rough roads, but the scenic pastures, palm groves, and wetlands teeming with exotic birds make the journey worthwhile. Explore the most self-sustaining farm, shaded by mango trees, amidst banana plantations, cocoa trees, and citrus fruits. Discover flowers that attract hummingbirds and tropical vegetation, as well as a museum showcasing Llanos history and indigenous artifacts.

In the evening, arrive at Posada el Diamante for the night. Enjoy a memorable evening of Llanero music and dancing, an experience not to be missed.

Day 4: Yopal

In the morning prepare to be awakened by the howler monkey's dawn chorus. You can opt for an early morning walk to spot the howling noisemakers as well as other active wildlife.

After a delicious breakfast, take a 2-hour transfer to Casa Cumbres in Yopal. Your lunch will be served at the hotel. The property's pool terrace and gardens await for some relaxing time spent at leisure, photo swapping 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 adventure.

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
$3,679 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
  • Outdoor activities insurance
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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