Casanare Horse Riding Safari Orinoquia Colombia Ride on remote trails and observe wildlife in the land of the authentic Colombian cowboys. Explore the Colombian Orinoquía and observe a wide array of animals and birds in different ecosystems, while riding through a 17,000 hectares Natural Reserve. Get to know the Colombian cowboys of the eastern plains. Stay in a traditional cattle ranch of more than 9,000 hectares full of beautiful landscapes, delicious gastronomy and friendly people, where you can listen to the musical rhythms of "the llanera culture." Progressive Ride (no camping) Safari Ride Meeting: Bogota airport Airport:   Bogota Transfer: Bogota Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

This trip can be arranged at any time of the year depending on availability

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from El Dorado airport to the hotel in Bogotá.
Overnight at Hotel in Bogotá

Day 2: Flight to Yopal & Fundo Ride
This morning, transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Yopal. In Yopal, we go for a short visit to a local hat factory, before transferring to La Aurora Nature Reserve. At the Reserve, enjoy lunch, followed by a brief meeting and meeting with the horses. Once comfortable, we will ride to the “Fundo” Cascabel (typical farmer houses) to admire the sunset. Return to your accommodation in time for dinner.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Juan Solito Ecolodge

Day 3: Safari Ride
After breakfast we will cross the river Ariporo with the horses to start our great adventure through the savannas Casanareñas full of native wildlife. We will go to the estuary of the babillas (Caiman) in order to look for the Orinoco caiman.
Typical lunch at the estuary before continuing our ride to the Lagoon of the Capybaras where we will see hundreds of these large rodents. We should also spot some burrowing owls.
Tonight, we sleep in the green water fundo, llanera style (hammocks with a mosquito net).
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Green Water Fundo

Day 4: Path of the Jaguar
Today, we will follow the "path of the jaguar", and if we are lucky we will see one of these beautiful creatures. About 30 jaguars live in this area., We might also see tracks of jaguars, pumas, jaguarundis and ocelots. Then we will go to the main house of the reserve that was inhabited by the Jesuits many years ago, at the time of the colonization. This reserve promotes the conservation and research of these felines in agreements with the Pantera Foundation.
During our ride, we might also spot some white-tailed deer, capybara and buffalo.
At the end of the day we will reach our Ecolodge. In the evening, listen to local music and songs performed by the llanero cowboys.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Juan Solito Ecolodge

Day 5: Ariporo River & Anacondas
Our goal for the day is to look for traces of anacondas. We will also go sailing through the majestic Ariporo River up to the Caño del Indio, where we will fish.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Juan Solito Ecolodge

Day 6: Pore Visit
After a rich breakfast, we will ride through forests native plants and orchids, before saying goodbye to the horses. Lunch at the Ecolodge and departure to Yopal.
On the way to Yopal, we will visit Pore, a lovely heritage town that was the capital of New Granada for a few days.
Overnight at a hotel in Yopal.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Yopal

Day 7: Colombian Paso Fino Ranch & Hato Barley
We start the day with a visit to a Colombian Paso Fino ranch. The Colombian Paso Fino horse was declared as the national horse breed of Colombia and as a genetic heritage of the Nation in 2017. It has the peculiarity of walking in four lateral beats, maintaining a harmony and rhythm acquired in training, differentiating it from other horse breeds by the speed and smoothness of its walk.
After lunch, check out of the hotel and transfer to Hato Barley (2 hours drive from Yopal). 
Once you are settled into your room, we will introduce the local program and activities. Get to know your new riding companion and meet the local cowboys. Go on a short ride with one of them to watch the sunset over the lagoon. During the ride, you might see some deer, capybara and many birds.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hato Barley

Day 8: A Day with the Llaneros
Wake up early (around 4 am) to enjoy a delicious cup of Colombian coffee followed by a morning ride. The llaneros (local cowboys) usually start riding before sunrise. We will help them collect round-up horses in the native savannas and transfer them to the corral.
Once we are back, it is time to enjoy breakfast around 10-11 am. Then, work in the corral with the llaneros, training young horses. This is followed by a typical lunch, traditionally taken in the afternoon between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Then the llanero takes out his musical instruments and relaxes for the rest of the day.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hato Barley

Day 9 & 10: Working with Cattle
We will have coffee and ride the horses to work with cattle herds.
Later, we will participate in the elaboration of traditional ropes that are made with raw leather.Discover why the llaneros do not wear shoes and learn more about their culture.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hato Barley

Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, we transfer you to the city of Yopal where we will visit a Creole saddlery. Then it is time for lunch, followed by a City Tour.
Finally, transfer to the airport. We recommend booking flights for the end of the afternoon.                                   
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                                    Bogotá area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	68	68	68	67	67	66	65	66	66	67	67	67
Average Low Temperature (°F)	43	45	47	49	49	48	47	46	46	47	47	45
Average High Temperature (°C)	20	20	20	20	19	19	18	19	19	19	19	20
Average Low Temperature (°C)	6	7	8	9	9	9	8	8	8	8	8	7
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	3	6	9	11	12	9	7	7	8	11	10	7

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The average temperature is 26 °C, relative humidity is above 75%, rainy season is between April to November, and summer season or dry season is from December to March.
The climate is hot all year round with plenty of rainfall. The least amount of rainfall occurs in January. The average in this month is 42 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in October, with an average of 278 mm.

TO RIDE:

• Easy-drying seamless pants ideal for reducing skin chafing
• Long-sleeved shirts
• A set of clothes for the day and an extra set of clothes in case we  would require an extra change
• Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
• Equestrian gloves if you use them
• Hat for windy conditions

PERSONAL CLOTHING:

• Waterproof jacket (in rainy season April-November)
• Comfortable T-shirts
• shirts
• Pants
• Shorts
• Underwear
• socks
• Pajamas
• Bag for dirty clothes
• runners or boots
• bathing suit
• bath shorts

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING:

• Personal items
• protection against insects and sunscreen that’s environmentally friendly
• personal medicines
• handkerchiefs
• camera
• Sunglasses with straps
• Canteen or thermos (if you have them): we count with water dispenser to fill them
• Small flashlight.

 

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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in 5 different locations. 

Description
All accommodations on this trip offer basic comfort and warm hospitality. Wi-Fi is only available while staying at hotels in Bogota and Yopal.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Holiday Inn Airport Hotel in Bogota
Night 2: Juan Solito Ecolodge
Night 3: Agua Verde Fundo
Night 4 & 5: Juan Solito Ecolodge
Night 6: Holiday Inn or Hampton by Hilton in Yopal
Night 7, 8 & 9: Hato Barley


Holiday Inn Airport Hotel in Bogota
This hotel, conveniently located just a few minutes away from the airport, offers modern rooms. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV and a private bathroom.

Agua Verde Fundo
Tonight, you will sleep like a local (in a hammock) in a basic but authentic fundo, with shared bathroom. In case you prefer to stay at the Ecolodge, we can also arrange this for you.

Eco Lodge Juan Solito in Reserve La Aurora
During your stay here, you will be surrounded by nature while enjoying basic comfort and privacy. This accommodation overlook the Ariporo River and offers to sleep in a private palm tree cabin with its own bathroom. There are also some rooms located in the main building, all with private bathrooms as well. All rooms are equipped with light and a fan. The architecture follows the traditional style of the region with high ceilings. There is no Wi-Fi available at this property.

Hato Barley
Here, you will sleep like an authentic Colombian cowboy (llanero), in hammocks with mosquito netting. Bathrooms and external showers are available and are shared between guests. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Holiday Inn Express in Yopal
This recent hotel offers comfortable ensuite rooms all fitted with a TV, air conditioning, a safe and a coffee machine. There is also a beautiful outdoor pool on the rooftop, offering views of the city.

Hampton by Hilton in Yopal
Rooms all come with air conditioning, a mini fridge, a safe and a private bathroom. There is a rooftop with great views over the mountains and the city.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory is we cannot find another rider to share.


Meals
All meals are included in the trip. The food is local Colombian cuisine. All meals are eaten at the accommodations.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		McClellan saddles known in the eastern Llanos as tortoises and some cowboy chairs produced in Colombian factories will be used and available
Horses:		Colombian Creole horses, some crossed with quarter-horses
Pace:		Varies depending on riders' experience - 80% walk, 15% trot & 5% canter | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate to Advanced
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 4	Max 8

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of Estonia who do need a visa (please note that nationals of Canada, Ireland, Malta and the USA are only permitted visa-free stays of up to three months);
2. US citizens travelling on diplomatic or official passports require a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist: £27. Business and Tourist: Enquire at consulate (or consular section at embassy) for cost as it may vary with the exchange rate. US visas: $42.
Validity
Visas are usually for stays of up to three months, but check with the consulate, as this is dependent on nationality. Extensions for a further three months are possible; apply at the immigration office in Uruguay.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required   21.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No/2
Other EU	No/1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes