What to expect
This adventure takes you to the department of Casanare and to magical places where you can
discover the beauty of the other half of Colombia: immersed in nature, you’ll embark on a 4-day,
3-night journey through the plains, exploring various natural and diverse areas within the Hato
de la Aurora, located 4.5 hours from Yopal, the department’s capital and gateway to the plains
region.
DAY 1: Yopal – Juan Solito Hato La Aurora Ecolodge – Daytime hike
Meet and greet at Yopal Airport and transfer by private vehicle to the Reserve (approx. 4.5 hours). Passengers must arrive before noon in order to keep up with the itinerary and activities.
Check-in at the Hato de la Aurora Ecolodge. You will be welcomed by the local guide, who will accompany you on all tours and introduce you to these authentic plains experience.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to venture into the thicket, choosing between two trails: El Bienparado and El Sedero de los Micos. This will depend on how long you wish to walk
and the time of day. Daytime hikes can last up to 4 hours and are always led by local guides, who will help you identify the sounds and the wildlife that produces them.
During the hike, you may spot:
• Jacamares
• Parrots
•. Woodpeckers and guacharacas, howler monkeys
• Picures
• Turtles and snakes
On your return to the ecolodge, you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning plains sunset with its dazzling
colors.
You’ll enjoy a delicious outdoor dinner that will serve as your official welcome to the Llanos.
Overnight stay.
DAY 2 : Jeep Safari
Breakfast and departure for a full-day Jeep safari (8 to 10 hours). The duration depends on weather conditions. Breakfast and departure from the Ecolodge, crossing to the other side of the Ariporo River by canoe to board the Jeeps or SUVs, and the tour begins with local guides. These tours in comfortable 4×4 vehicles will allow you to appreciate the landscapes and be
amazed by the wildlife you may encounter along the way.
You will observe wildlife such as:
• Capybaras
• White-tailed deer
• Cattle
• Wild horses
• Great blue herons
• Little egrets
• Hoopoes
• Owls
• Guereres (a type of ibis), and many other bird species.
• Orinoco ducks
• Turtles
• Corocoras
• Arucos
• Iguanas
• Macaws
• Buffalo
• Palm bears
• Honey bears
• Howler monkeys
• Anacondas and snakes
• Morroco and Orinoco caiman
In summer, the trails are dry, allowing you to venture into special areas of the Reserve, such as the Platanical, El Garzón, and Agua Verde forests, the Mata Azul forests, and the Chire Riverbanks. Throughout the year, you can visit the dunes and marshes of Mateplama, the savannas of Los Visos, the Chibeche savannas, and the Garcero de la Aurora. In winter, this is done by tractor.
Enjoy a traditional regional lunch at the main house in La Aurora, a typical plains-style home over 100 years old, or have lunch in the forest or on the savanna.
This is an excellent option if your main goal is wildlife viewing; please note that this is a quick meal designed to be eaten cold. Return to the ecolodge to wrap up the day and rest. You’ll enjoy beautiful sunsets in the middle of the savanna. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: Tour of the Ariporo River
Breakfast. Canoe trip on the Ariporo River. Depending on the desired duration, we’ll explore different sections of the Ariporo River; tours can last up to 4 hours in the morning or afternoon.
Amid the tranquility of the flowing water, you’ll have the chance to observe the wildlife along the riverbank. You might spot a brown heron fishing, a barbella sunbathing on a
riverbank, a family of seagulls crossing a beach, or a kingfisher. When the river is navigable, we use motorboats; when it’s very low, we use smaller boats. Both the motorboats and other types of vessels are equipped with seats and sunshades, as well as life jackets, and are always accompanied by two local guides.
During the tour, you will see:
• Howler monkeys
• Anacondas
• Chenchenas
• Orinoco ducks
• Caimans,
• Turtles, and much more!
Return to the ecolodge, lunch, and rest. Dinner and overnight stay
DAY 4: Horseback Safari in the Llanos
Breakfast. You’ll set out on a 4-hour horseback safari through the floodplains, where you’ll have the chance to observe the region’s rich biodiversity—including birds, mammals, amphibians,
reptiles, and fish—in their natural habitat. Along the way, you’ll share a traditional Llanero meal. You’ll experience riding a Criollo horse as you, accompanied by local guides, traverse
marshes, lowlands, marked trails through the forest, grasslands, and chaparral forests—always accompanied by an expert guide. In summer, it is possible to cross the Ariporo River on horseback and explore different trails. In winter, the horseback rides take place on different trails. Return to the ecolodge, lunch, and rest. Dinner and overnight stay
DAY 5: Juan Solito Hato La Aurora Ecolodge – Return
Breakfast. At the agreed time, transfer by private vehicle (4×4 SUV) to Yopal Airport (approx. 4.5 hours).
The end of the experience, the beginning of the memories.
What’s included?
- On-site ground transportation in a 4×4 vehicle throughout the tour.
- Accommodations: 4 nights at the Juan Solito Ecolodge in the Hato de la Aurora Reserve in single, double, triple, or quadruple occupancy.
- Full board from lunch on the first day through breakfast on the last day.
- Snacks during the tours.
- Specialized local guide.
- Activities described in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to the reserves and sites mentioned.
- Rental of rubber boots (winter and rainy season).
- Medical assistance insurance.
What’s not included?
- Air transportation: Bogotá – Yopal – Bogotá.
- Activities not described in the itinerary.
- Accommodations: additional nights at the destination.
- Bilingual English-speaking guide.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Consumption of beverages, alcoholic drinks, or food not
specified.
For additional activities and supplementary information, please consult the attached document.
View your full itinerary here
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