Sunset in Llanos Orientales

Boyacá – Llanos

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This 7-day journey connects the cultural highlands of Boyacá with the vast natural landscapes of Colombia’s eastern plains, creating a unique route through two of the country’s most authentic and contrasting regions. Beginning in Bogotá, the itinerary travels into the Andean countryside of Boyacá, a region known for its colonial heritage, mountain scenery, and strong rural traditions, before descending eastward into the wildlife-rich savannahs of the Llanos.

The first part of the journey is based at the historic Hacienda Suescún near Tibasosa, a beautifully restored colonial hacienda surrounded by rolling Andean landscapes. From here, travellers explore some of Boyacá’s most emblematic destinations, including the heritage town of Monguí with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, as well as the spectacular Páramo de Ocetá, widely considered one of the most beautiful páramo ecosystems in the world.

The route then continues across the Eastern Andes toward the department of Casanare, where the scenery gradually transforms into the immense open plains of the Llanos Orientales. After an overnight stay at Casa Cumbres near Yopal, the adventure moves deeper into the savannah landscapes for an unforgettable Colombian safari experience.

Depending on the selected program, travellers stay at either Reserva Natural El Encanto de Guanapalo or Juan Solito, both offering immersive nature experiences in the heart of the Llanos. Here, days are spent exploring wetlands, gallery forests, and endless plains in search of capybaras, deer, caimans, anteaters, countless bird species, and—with some luck—even elusive wild cats. Activities may include jeep safaris, horseback riding, canoe excursions, and encounters with the rich cowboy culture of the Colombian plains.

Combining mountain culture, high-altitude ecosystems, and extraordinary wildlife encounters, this module offers a diverse and deeply immersive experience of Colombia beyond the classic travel routes.

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Fast Facts

Duration: 7

Days

Departs From: Bogotá

Ends In: Bogotá

Travel Styles:
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Tour Map


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Tour Itinerary


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Day 1

It leaves Bogota through the north of the city to Tibasosa in a journey of approximately 190 km that takes about 5 hours. It goes in the direction of Tunja passing through Chocontá and Ventaquemada, where you can stop and taste typical products such as arepa boyacense. After Tunja you pass through Paipa, famous for its thermal baths. The road leads directly to Tibasosa, a charming town surrounded by mountains known for its colonial architecture and its production of feijoa.

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Location: Tibasosa

Accommodation: Hacienda Suescún

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 2

The transfer from the charming Andean village of Monguí to Páramo de Ocetá is the start of an unforgettable nature experience. The route starts in the historic centre of Monguí at an altitude of around 2,900 metres and takes around 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the weather and traffic) to climb steadily uphill towards the Páramo. The road is partly paved, partly unpaved and winds its way through green mountain slopes, past grazing sheep, traditional farmhouses and increasingly rugged vegetation.As the altitude increases, the climate and landscape change: lush greenery gives way to the typical flora of the páramo, with moss-covered soils, cloud forests and the striking frailejones. The Páramo de Ocetá is considered one of the most beautiful in Colombia and begins at around 3,200 metres – a mystical place with quiet plains, rock formations and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.The transfer can be made on foot, by jeep or with local guides, whereby the last section is usually only accessible on foot. Warm clothing, good footwear and a certain degree of altitude adaptation are recommended.

The journey to the Páramo de Ocetá from Mongua is a unique experience that combines mountain scenery, high-Andean ecosystems, and the magic of glacial lagoons. The hike begins in the town of Mongua, a small village in Boyacá surrounded by green hills and crystal-clear waters. From there, the trail ascends toward the Laguna Negra (“Black Lagoon”), a natural mirror of glacial origin wrapped in local legends, where the clouds seem to descend to touch the water.As you climb higher, the landscape transforms: forests give way to the páramo, a singular ecosystem characterized by frailejones (endemic Andean plants), mosses, and tall grasses that capture the mist to feed the rivers that supply much of the country. The path is demanding, but the beauty of the surroundings rewards every step—hidden waterfalls, whimsical rock formations, and wide views over the valleys of Mongua and Monguí. The route continues along natural trails until reaching the Páramo de Ocetá, considered one of the most beautiful in Colombia. At this point, the feeling of vastness and silence invites contemplation: a sacred landscape where water, earth, and mist intertwine.

The return journey from Páramo de Ocetá to Monguí is an impressive descent through various vegetation zones – a gentle transition from the mystical highlands back to the colonial heart of the Andes. From the Páramo at over 3,200 metres, the trail gradually descends through wide plains lined with frailejones, past moss-covered rocks and through misty landscapes.It becomes greener and milder with every metre of altitude: The sparse páramo vegetation slowly gives way to lush meadows, pastures and small farmsteads. The air gets warmer and soon the red-tiled roofs and narrow streets of Monguí are back in sight. Depending on the route and the means of transport chosen – on foot or by off-road vehicle – the descent takes between 30 minutes and two hours.The return to Monguí not only offers relaxation after the hike, but also a last glimpse of the impressive highland landscape before returning to the peaceful, historic ambience of the Andean village.

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Location: Tibasosa

Accommodation: Hacienda Suescún

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 3

The route from Tibasosa to Yopal is a beautiful road of about 4 hours and approximately 220 km with many curves and steep descents. The route takes you through Andean mountains and canyons along the mighty Chicamocha and Cusiana rivers until you reach the vastness of the eastern plains. It crosses different landscapes and thermal floors, from the cold mountains of Boyacá to the warm plains of Casanare. After Sogamoso, it passes the Páramo de la Sarna, one of the highest points of the route at 3,500 meters above sea level. The road descends gradually towards Pajarito, a municipality bordering Boyacá and Casanare until you reach Aguazaul, where the climate changes drastically from cold to warm, typical of the plains. After about 30 minutes you reach Yopal.

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Location: Yopal

Accommodation: Casa Cumbres Ecolodge

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 4 – 6

Enter a place where nature is lived with intensity, where the whisper of the wind among the savannas and the song of the birds accompany you in every step. The Natural Reserve El Encanto de Guanapalo, located in San Luis de Palenque, invites you to live a unique journey in its vast extension of almost 9,000 hectares, surrounded by endless savannas and gallery forests. Only 110 km from Yopal, this natural sanctuary awaits you to offer you an experience that will remain engraved in your soul. Founded in 2018 with the mission to protect the biodiversity of the region through ecotourism, El Encanto de Guanapalo is a refuge where sustainability and respect for the environment are protagonists. Throughout the days, you will be guided by Creole cowboys who, with their wisdom and love for the land, will take you to discover the three rural herds that make up this reserve: Mata de Palma, Altamira and Montana. Each one offers you a warm welcome, with traditional houses and comfortable rooms, where you can rest and enjoy the authentic llanera gastronomy, prepared with local ingredients and a recipe full of tradition. Each day will be an invitation to adventure. You will go on a Plains Safari, crossing the savannah in a tractor or 4×4 vehicle, and experience the spirit of the plains by riding horses or hiking trails surrounded by impressive wildlife. From the tranquil chigüiros to the enigmatic pumas, you will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of species in their natural habitat, including more than 270 types of birds that inhabit this magical corner of the world. Let yourself be surprised by El Encanto de Guanapalo is not just a destination, it is an experience that connects with the deepest of nature and the culture Llanera.

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Accommodation: El Encanto de Guanapalo

Type:

Room Basis: Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

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Day 7

The journey from Hato El Encanto de Guanapalo, a beautiful traditional hacienda in the middle of the Colombian Llanos, to Yopal, the capital of the Casanare department, leads through impressive expanses, typical savannah landscapes and small rural villages.Depending on the road and weather conditions, the journey takes around 5 hours, mostly on unpaved country roads and later on paved roads. At the beginning, you pass wide plains, cross small rivers and experience the typical flora and fauna of the Llanos – with a bit of luck, you may see capybaras, various bird species or even anteaters along the way.

Flight from Bogotá to Yopal.

*The route continues according to the specific itinerary.*

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Accommodation: El Encanto de Guanapalo

Type:

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Accommodation in specified hotels incl. breakfast.

Private transport with Spanish-speaking driver.

Tour guide and entrance fees as stated in the tour description.

  • Days 2: English-speaking guide
  • Day 4-7: English-speaking guide

Catering as specified in the tour description.

International flights.

National flights.

Personal expenses.

Gratuities.

Airport and harbour taxes (Port of Cartagena approx. USD 12.00 per person).

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