Wildlife of the Andes and Orinoquia

Reception at the airport in Bogota, the Andean capital, and transfer to your hotel. Journey time approx. 30 minutes.

After breakfast, we’ll head for the Chingaza National Nature Park, and more specifically the El Palmar Reserve. Located two and a half hours from Bogotá, this private reserve welcomes you in a simple, rural, family atmosphere. Your hosts are fierce protectors of the local biodiversity, and in particular of the Spectacled Bear. The program includes exploration of various trails, which may vary according to the climate. The ones planned for today are the trails “La Palma” and “Guacharos”. Here you can try to spot the following species: Masked Trogon, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, White-capped Tanager, Andean Guan, Band-tailed Pigeon, Sparkling Violetear. Tourmaline Sunangel… and more.

On our second day of exploration, we chose the Chocolatal and Mining Zone trails. This area, once affected by mining, has been undergoing restoration for the past 30 years. Here we will be able to observe the passive restoration processes of the páramo ecosystem and the plants involved in this healing process. We will also observe the geological formations of different glacial epochs and the history of the limestone. During the day, you can try to spot the following species, as well as many others: Andean Teal, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, White-collared Swift, Southern Lapwing, Andean Condor, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Masked Flowerpiercer, Pale-naped Brushfinch

Today’s program includes a change of accommodation and visits to new areas: Laguna Seca and the Rincon del Oso trail. We’ll be able to appreciate the passage of magnificent White-tailed Deer and the appearance of different species of orchids and plants. Some of these are part of the diet of the Spectacled Bear. As well as numerous traces of the bear’s mangers. During the day, we’ll have the chance to observe some of the following species as well as many others: Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Cattle Egret, Andean Pygmy-Owl, Red-crested Cotinga, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager. Arrival at Ecopalacios hut.

Early-morning birdwatching on the refuge’s riverside, with trogons and hummingbirds. Then off to the Monteredondo sector and the Laguna de Chingaza. During the day, we’ll try to catch a glimpse of the spectacled bear, as well as some of the following species: Spectacled Bear, Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Tawny Antpitta, Paramo Pipit, Red-crested Cotinga, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Noble Snipe, Slate-throated Redstart, Sword-billed Hummingbird. Dinner and overnight at the Ecopalacios hut. NOTE: the program may vary according to climate and trail availability.

Transport from Chingaza Park to Bogota airport, approx. 2h30. Domestic flight to Yopal (The maximum weight allowed is 15kg per piece of luggage, any excess will incur an additional cost to be paid directly at the airport). Depart Yopal by 4×4 for the Hato La Aurora reserve, crossing the department of Casanare, in the heart of the Llanos. Arriving at the Juan Solito ecolodge welcomes you to its charming facilities, built with local materials in keeping with the architecture of the region. Through the various activities on offer, you can discover the surrounding incredible wildlife: primates, variety of birds, pumas and others mammals that populates these magnificent landscapes.

After breakfast, Jeep safari in the reserve to get to know the Hato la Aurora, an hour and a half from the hotel. We observe wildlife such as the mighty jaguar, capybaras, white-tailed deer, alligators, cattle, wild horses, a large number of birds such as herons, plovers, owls, ibises and a variety of other countless species that inhabit these lands. For lunch, we enjoy meat with a variety of side dishes and many other delicacies. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. If the sun has already set, meet the nocturnal fauna and, sky permitting, enjoy some stargazing. Dinner at the hotel and, if we still have some strength left, we can enjoy an explanation and demonstration of the llanera harp, poems, traditional folk songs.

For this day, we can choose one of the following two options:

1. Horseback riding in the reserve, where we discover the many species of birds and howler monkeys that live in these forests.

2. A boat tour of the reserve to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape. We can fish on the river and enjoy the sunset at the end of the day.

Transport: according to the selected routes

Departure for El Encanto de Guanapalo reserve. ADVISE: The order of activities may vary and will be confirmed on site. This plan can be carried out all year round, although there is less risk of rain between November and April. Private transport takes you from Hato La Aurora to the Guanapalo reserve. Transport takes around 5h. The Eastern Llanos are located in the heart of the Colombian savannah. Known for its magnificent sunrises and sunsets, the region is also characterized by the presence of a unique and varied fauna (Giant Eateater, Capybara, Anaconda, Caimans, Pumas, and many species of Birds), and by a strong cowboy culture,

A day dedicated to the search for local wildlife. We rise at dawn to enjoy the sunrise and the birdsong that accompanies it. We can observe the animals around the house in these early hours. After breakfast, we set off for a canoe trip on the river that runs through the Nature Reserve. We can admire the animals along the water’s edge, such as Capybaras, Crocodiles and a wide variety of Birds. If we’re lucky, we may even spot an Anaconda. In the afternoon, we head further into the Reserve on a tractor safari. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Anteaters, Foxes and Pumas. Arriving at the magnificent Garcero de Altamira, a key breeding ground for herons and egrets circling the water mirrors at sunset.

Another day of exploring and observing the local wildlife. We’re off in search of new species, and hoping to catch a glimpse of the mythical Anaconda. The schedule for each day is decided at the last minute and may vary.

Accommodation: according to itinerary – Safari: 4h

We rise at dawn to admire the sunrise, and take a short walk through the savannah and woods to observe the local wildlife and the magnificent llaneros landscape. Breakfast and free time to rest and enjoy our last moments in the Reserve. Transfer from the Reserve to Yopal, and lunch in Yopal. Before our departure for the airport, some free time to browse the craft stores and discover the town of Yopal.

NOTE: The program is subject to change depending on weather conditions and water levels at the time of travel.