Orinoco

Orinoco – Eastern Plains Region

The Llanos (Plains in English), is a less touristic destination. The region is well known for its huge ranches and the cattle industry. Land of the llaneros (cowboys) riding across the fields, a visit of the Orinoco region and the eastern plains is the perfect option for those who want to spend time in open spaces.

The abundant species of fauna in Orinoco widely participate in the Colombian diversity: Crocodiles, Capybaras, Tapirs, Tortoise, Horses and various Bovines, etc. The region is home to the highest diversity of bird species on the continent, a rich environment you will discover while riding like a llanero.

Gastronomy

The most iconic dish in the region is the Mamona, also named Ternera Llanera (Plains Veal). The meat is cooked on wood sticks put in circles around a bonfire. Others significant specialities : la Hayaca, a tamal (meal prepared inside a plantain leaf) filled with meat and vegetables; Palo a Pique, a preparation of beans with meat; Arroz Llanero (Plains Rice), rice mixed with ox-tail and vegetables; rabbit in wine sauce; Pabellon Criollo (pulled beef served with black beans, rice, eggs and slices of plantain).

Cultural Visits

The Ruins of Pore and other remnants of the ancient Jesuit mission in the municipality of Pore.

Arts & Crafts

The Talabarteros (leather workers like saddle makers) from the eastern plains, a region of cattle industry, give the local cowboys all the necessary they need for the work in the fields and the herding of cattle.

Festivals & Cultural Events

The Cuadrillas Festival in San Martin, Meta. The Cuadrillas are the oldest games in Colombia, celebrated since 1785 when Father Gabino de Balboa, the town’s priest, organized a fair to celebrate the end of the year. The festival features a horse-riding choreography with 4 riders, each representing the ethnicities that gave birth to Latin America: Cachaceros (African American), Guahibos or Indios (Native American), Galanes or Spaniards and Moros (Moors) or Arabs who have been occupying the Iberian Peninsula for seven centuries. The Nacional Song Festival. The International Joropo Tournament started in 1960, the year Meta became a region. During the tournament, visitors can attend different shows and activities like bull catching, ranch chores, a food festival, a handicraft exhibition. Public art exhibitions such as photography in the Meta Museum of Photography (Fotomuseo del Meta), paintings and sculptures exhibitions in the Floramillo art center or La Voragine Gallery.

CAÑO CRISTALES

Named the most beautiful river in the world, the Caño Cristales river is in La Macarena National Park. From July to November, you can hike along the river and admire its marvelous colors.

Along this river, you’ll be able to swim in natural basins and pass through waterfalls while observing the natural colours of the river. At the beginning and the end of the rain season, the moss at the bottom of the river develops and shows 5 colours: Purple, Black, Green, Yellow, and Blue.

PUERTO LOPEZ

Located at 1h30 from Villavicencio, the region’s capital, Puerto Lopez is in the heart of the Llanos.

There, you’ll be able to admire an amazing sunset on the plains. You’ll find yourself at the geographic center of Colombia’s mainland, where a small park and a monument have been erected.

VILLAVICENCIO

In the doorway to the Llanos and capital city of the Meta region, you’ll find in some of Villavicencio’s Animal parks, various species composing the great diversity of the local ecosystem; birds, reptiles, mammals etc.

Visit Colombia with CAPOA Travels. We provide transport services, private guided visits and accommodation for a tailor made tour.

The Llanos region is well known for its enormous ranches and cattle industry. The land of the llaneros (cowboys) riding across the fields.

You want to know this fabulous destination but want to know more about our agency, our services or a trip through Colombia in general, do not hesitate to get in touch with the members of CAPOA:

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