Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Yopal? What airlines are operating?
By air
You can get here directly by plane from Bogotá (Easy Fly, Avianca and LAN) and twice weekly from Medellìn and from Bucaramanga (Easy Fly) - or from anywhere else with a stop-over in Bogotá. Flight time from Bogotá is about an hour.
By road
If you have more time, it’s worth it to travel to Yopal via Boyacá (Tunja, Sogamoso) by coach or car. The bus/car journey from Bogotá can take up to eight hours, the diverse sceneries of Andean peaks, villages, waterfalls and jungles however make this worthwhile. We recommend a stop-over at beautiful Lago Tota, Colombia’s largest lake, to get to Yopal relaxed and hustle-free. If you have more time to spare include Villa de Leyva, Monguí and Páramo de Oceta in your itinerary.
You can also reach Yopal from Villavicencio as well as via Chivor / La Guateque, the latter being the shortest route in km and very scenic. (Tip: If you are a birder, make sure to stop off in Santa María to see the cock of the rock!)
A popular coach company is called Libertadores.
More information
You can get here directly by plane from Bogotá (Easy Fly, Avianca and LAN) and twice weekly from Medellìn and from Bucaramanga (Easy Fly) - or from anywhere else with a stop-over in Bogotá. Flight time from Bogotá is about an hour.
By road
If you have more time, it’s worth it to travel to Yopal via Boyacá (Tunja, Sogamoso) by coach or car. The bus/car journey from Bogotá can take up to eight hours, the diverse sceneries of Andean peaks, villages, waterfalls and jungles however make this worthwhile. We recommend a stop-over at beautiful Lago Tota, Colombia’s largest lake, to get to Yopal relaxed and hustle-free. If you have more time to spare include Villa de Leyva, Monguí and Páramo de Oceta in your itinerary.
You can also reach Yopal from Villavicencio as well as via Chivor / La Guateque, the latter being the shortest route in km and very scenic. (Tip: If you are a birder, make sure to stop off in Santa María to see the cock of the rock!)
A popular coach company is called Libertadores.
More information
What about safety in the region?
The Llanos have a notorious image, and hence, aren't even mentioned much in most guide books. However, the "Llanos", the flatlands, cover about a third of Colombia and cannot be generalized. Safety issues relate to specific areas of the Llanos, and we are not going to travel there.
Your experience in the ranches and countryside of Casanare will be an extremely idyllic one for sure.
Your experience in the ranches and countryside of Casanare will be an extremely idyllic one for sure.
When should I visit? What time of year is best?
Yopal is an all year round destination. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius and every season has its vantages.
Best time for...
Anacondas: Late February and March
Anteaters: January through to March
Giant Otters: March
Porcupines: January through to March
Capybaras, most bird species, armadillos, tortoises, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, crab-eating foxes, deer, iguanas, caimans may be spotted all year round.
Please note that in February and March temperatures may rise to 35°C / 94°F. Generally our tours start early, have a long lunch / noon break, then go from 3/4 pm until the evening.
The months April/May to September bring regular showers – nature is in full bloom and lush green! This is the time when the prairies and forests look like a fairytale at night, dotted with trillions of fireflies. The savannas partly turn into wetlands with stunning mirror lagoons reflecting cloud formations, and the rivers are navigable by boat. Wet season is also breeding season for many species including herons, tortoises and spoonbills. There is the opportunity to visit the birds’ nesting colonies – and watch the spectacled caimans lurk in the water below the chicks’ nest.
October and November are wonderful months with nature still lush, fireflies at night and somewhat moderate temperatures.
The months December to March/April are the hottest, sunniest and driest, ideal to spot huge quantities of birds, now concentrated around the remaining sources of water. If you are into birding then horned screamers, scarlet ibises, woodstorcks, jabirus and chicks of thick-knees and burrowing owls will amaze you. The dry savannas also increasingly attract termite loving anteaters. The anaconda has a smaller refuge with water getting scarce, so there is a high chance of finding her, too. Many trees blossom in the brightest colours – yellow and purple!
Best time for...
Anacondas: Late February and March
Anteaters: January through to March
Giant Otters: March
Porcupines: January through to March
Capybaras, most bird species, armadillos, tortoises, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, crab-eating foxes, deer, iguanas, caimans may be spotted all year round.
Please note that in February and March temperatures may rise to 35°C / 94°F. Generally our tours start early, have a long lunch / noon break, then go from 3/4 pm until the evening.
The months April/May to September bring regular showers – nature is in full bloom and lush green! This is the time when the prairies and forests look like a fairytale at night, dotted with trillions of fireflies. The savannas partly turn into wetlands with stunning mirror lagoons reflecting cloud formations, and the rivers are navigable by boat. Wet season is also breeding season for many species including herons, tortoises and spoonbills. There is the opportunity to visit the birds’ nesting colonies – and watch the spectacled caimans lurk in the water below the chicks’ nest.
October and November are wonderful months with nature still lush, fireflies at night and somewhat moderate temperatures.
The months December to March/April are the hottest, sunniest and driest, ideal to spot huge quantities of birds, now concentrated around the remaining sources of water. If you are into birding then horned screamers, scarlet ibises, woodstorcks, jabirus and chicks of thick-knees and burrowing owls will amaze you. The dry savannas also increasingly attract termite loving anteaters. The anaconda has a smaller refuge with water getting scarce, so there is a high chance of finding her, too. Many trees blossom in the brightest colours – yellow and purple!
I am not extremely FIT or Sporty. Will I be OK on your tours?
Absolutely. We have tours and treks to suit various interests and different levels of fitness. The tours are private and tailored to your needs, so just tell us as a bit about yourself and we'll get tailoring.
Do I need any insurance for the tours?
We provide you with a by-day insurance for each tour (each excursion day), as obligatory by law. It’s included in the cost of any of our tours and covers basic needs in case of emergency (accident or sudden illness). We can provide you with the details of the insurance policy upon request. However, you may want to obtain a travel and health insurance from your country additionally that has you covered for the entire length of your Colombia trip.
What about vaccinations / prophylaxis? Malaria?
Please note that Covid-19 vaccination is required to enter Colombia, as well as to enter some of the nature reserves we collaborate with. Please find more information here.
Yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended but not mandatory for the Llanos and any tropical region in South America.
Malaria is not an issue and prophylaxis for malaria is not required or necessary, as of this writing (as of September 2020)
As a general measure to prevent insect bites, we recommend to cover up at all times when traveling in los Llanos.
Please always verify this information with qualified medical staff (e.g. consult your doctor) well before you depart for Colombia; we are not qualified to provide medical advice and take no liability for the information provided by us.
Yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended but not mandatory for the Llanos and any tropical region in South America.
Malaria is not an issue and prophylaxis for malaria is not required or necessary, as of this writing (as of September 2020)
As a general measure to prevent insect bites, we recommend to cover up at all times when traveling in los Llanos.
Please always verify this information with qualified medical staff (e.g. consult your doctor) well before you depart for Colombia; we are not qualified to provide medical advice and take no liability for the information provided by us.
What is the food like in Colombia's Cattle land? Are there Vegetarian options, too?
For meat lovers there is tender free-range grass-fed beef, roast pork and corn-fed chicken. Rivers and ponds provide delicious fresh water fish. If meat isn’t for you, there are delicious lentil and bean stews or veggie dishes. Dishes usually come with plenty of sides such as potatoes, rice, cassava, vegetables, soups, guacamole and salad. We are happy to accommodate anyone with specific dietary requirements. Due to the remote locations of the natural reserves, please let us know in advance, so the chef is well prepared.
How much experience do I need for horse riding?
We have criollo horses for any level of riding experience. It will help to feel comfortable on horseback as we’ll typically be crossing streams and lagoons as well as muddy terrain – all of which the horses master reliably and with confidence. However, experience is not a requirement for our 1-day riding tours and you will receive a little introduction before we set off.
For multi-day horseback rides moderate to intermediate experience is recommended.
For multi-day horseback rides moderate to intermediate experience is recommended.
What should I Pack and wear?
DOs
DONTs
- We recommend comfortable and loose-fitting clothes for all activities, long sleeved shirts and long trousers in light colours to prevent insect bites, e.g. outdoor clothes of quick dry material.
- Bring a hat or cap, sunblock and insect repellent (repellent can be purchased in local drug stores, should you forget to bring it).
- Footwear: Closed hiking boots or sturdy outdoor shoes are good. We have rubber boots in most sizes available to borrow.
- Bring a refillable bottle or flask; you will be able to refill it at hotels and natural reserves - please help us avoid single use plastic.
- Lastly, don’t forget your camera and/or binoculars!
DONTs
- Sandals and open shoes are not recommended.
- Towels are provided at the accommodation, as well as soap.
- Strong perfumes and lotions attract mosquitos and make-up will make you sweat more. Feel free and go all natural - you are going to meet more capybaras than humans anyway ;-)
What kind of transport should I be expecting on the tours?
All transport vehicles are officially operating "white" cars with public service licenses and professional drivers or our own company cars - mostly 4x4 pick-ups to master any terrain and to provide enough space for luggage. Vehicles are clean, modern and comfortable with air-conditioning. For transfers of families or small groups we may use vans and small buses, too.
Our 4x4 safari tours are typically conducted with our specially modified company trucks, that allow for "African safari" style seating on the back of the truck to better observe and photograph wildlife. This "outside seating" is only possible on private land and off any main roads, i.e. once we are inside the natural reserves conducting the safari.
Our 4x4 safari tours are typically conducted with our specially modified company trucks, that allow for "African safari" style seating on the back of the truck to better observe and photograph wildlife. This "outside seating" is only possible on private land and off any main roads, i.e. once we are inside the natural reserves conducting the safari.
What Power Sockets Can I expect? Which plugs or AdaptErs do I need?
In Colombia the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B (like North American power sockets). The standard voltage is 110 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
Please note that power cuts can occurr in rural Colombia. If this poses any problem to you, your health (e.g. because you depend on medical machines), or your comfort, please be sure to communicate this to us when reserving so we can advise.
Please note that power cuts can occurr in rural Colombia. If this poses any problem to you, your health (e.g. because you depend on medical machines), or your comfort, please be sure to communicate this to us when reserving so we can advise.
How are your tours priced?
Our tours are typically priced in the local currency, Colombian Pesos (COP). The price of each tour or package depends on the number of participants and whether you require a bilingual guide and/or translator, for which an additional cost occurrs (covering their expenses and fee). For each tour we provide you with a table of tariffs that'll show you exactly how much the tour costs per person in accordance with the number of participants and language.
As a general rule, the tour prices get lower with more participants. This is because fix costs such as transport and guides can be divided by the number of participants. Other costs, such as entrances, meals and insurance, are per person.
Please note that we do not have much influence on most prices such as transportation, entrance fees, accommodation etc. as these are established by the providers of said services.
As a general rule, the tour prices get lower with more participants. This is because fix costs such as transport and guides can be divided by the number of participants. Other costs, such as entrances, meals and insurance, are per person.
Please note that we do not have much influence on most prices such as transportation, entrance fees, accommodation etc. as these are established by the providers of said services.
Tell me more about your price-quality-Relation!
We aim to optimize prices by optimizing distances of travel, times of travel, accommodation costs, guide's expenses and other factors, however we do not price at the expense of quality or safety. Please also note that on many costs we do not have any influence as they are established by third party providers, such as accommodations, natural reserves, transportation companies, freelance guides etc., on who we rely as a tour operating agency.
We can only keep a fair margin and keep optimizing itineraries to provide better value for money, as well as work tirelessly on enhancing the quality of our tours and services where we have an influence, and going that extra mile in terms of client satisfaction. Here is a run-down of some of our measures in that direction:
We believe by offering high quality services we can best serve our guests, our partners, our employees, our local communities and the environment. Learn more about traveling with us.
We can only keep a fair margin and keep optimizing itineraries to provide better value for money, as well as work tirelessly on enhancing the quality of our tours and services where we have an influence, and going that extra mile in terms of client satisfaction. Here is a run-down of some of our measures in that direction:
- All transport vehicles are modern - all are 4x4 pick-ups to master any terrain and provide enough space for luggage. They are comfortable with air-conditioning. Our own safari trucks have been specifically modified to provide a true "African safari" style experience.
- We have personally tested the tours, itineraries, items, places, facilities, horses, boats, cars, guides etc. and constantly keep doing so - this takes time and is part of the work we do and ensures the quality we offer.
- Service providers, such as drivers, chefs, guides and artists are typically contracted - they set their own price or are paid above the local average. We refrain from price dumping, as we feel everyone should benefit fairly and equally from tourism. Ultimately, income affects morale and motivation - both of which are paramount to provide you with an excellent experience.
- We revise, evaluate and update our business practice and tour guiding practice constantly, so it complies with the law, the Colombian tourism norms and our own set of quality and safety requirements. For this we visit workshops, fairs and are members of associations such as ACOTUR, association of responsible tourism in Colombia.
- Lastly, we do not rush, we do not fuss, we do not skimp - because it's your holiday and it should be special!
We believe by offering high quality services we can best serve our guests, our partners, our employees, our local communities and the environment. Learn more about traveling with us.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes! We can email you a payment link and you will be able to pay online through the link by card - Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Please note that a 4% fee applies for this.
How do I reserve and pay?
To organize any tour, we require at least a deposit to reserve your spot. If your tour is less than 6 weeks away, we will charge the full amount. Bookings should be made via email to mail@wildllanos.com
Payments can be made via credit card or bank transfer. Learn more about our payment and cancellation policies at www.wildllanos.com/policies
Payments can be made via credit card or bank transfer. Learn more about our payment and cancellation policies at www.wildllanos.com/policies
What's Your cancelation policy?
Please visit our policies page
What About Covid-19 travel restrictions to Colombia?
We have set up a designated page for this, which we keep updated. Please follow this link.
More questions? Contact us
