Llanos
Llanos
The Venezuelan Llanos is a unique ecosystem, shaped by cycles of intense rain and drought. With 300,000 square kilometers of stunning beauty, it’s one of Venezuela’s most rewarding destinations. Explore its vast, sparsely populated land, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including piranhas, anacondas, reptiles, birds, insects, and mammals. Enjoy activities like fishing, horseback riding, and more. Welcome to this incredible, biodiverse wilderness.
Itinerary
Day 1. Barinas to El Cedral
Departing early from Barinas, you’ll meet your guide for a 3-hour drive to Hato El Cedral. After lunch, enjoy a walk around the lodge, spotting Buff Necked Ibis, Jabiru, and Maguari Stork nests. You may see Red Howler Monkeys, the Venezuelan Troupial, Great Horned Owl, Scarlet Macaws, and Giant Wrens, along with Iguanas and Spectacle Alligators. At 3:30 pm, take a truck ride to spot Capybaras, White-Tailed Deer, Anacondas, and more. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Campamento Matiyure.
Day 2. El Cedral
Wake up to the sounds of local birds and enjoy a peaceful sunrise walk. After breakfast, take a truck ride to explore the west side of Hato El Cedral, spotting species like anacondas, Crab-eating Raccoons, Whistling Ducks, and Scarlet Ibis. After lunch, prepare for the thrilling boat ride on the Matiyure River, where we’ll search for the rare Agami Heron, Giant Potoo, Hoatzins, and more. Enjoy piranha fishing and a mini Alligator feeding show. End the day with a stunning sunset and birdwatching. Dinner and overnight at Campamento Matiyure.
Day 3. El Cedral to Barinas
After breakfast you will have leisure time to relax or / and go out in search of more wildlife. We can get you the boat trip in the morning which allows great shots with a different light. After lunch we will drive back to Barinas to complete this amazing Llanos experience.
When planning your trip:
While we present a 3-day itinerary here, we strongly recommend extending it to 4 days. Flights to Barinas are available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and you’ll need to drive approximately 250 kilometers to reach the tour area, which can limit your time to fully enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, there are no alternative nearby options. This tour pairs exceptionally well with a visit to the Andes region. Our team is ready to provide additional information to help ensure you have the best experience possible.
Tour info
Transport
Car transfer from Barinas to Hato El Cedral IN & OUT
Transfers in boats during the wildlife observation tour in Matiyure river with outboard motors.
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Meals
As indicated in the itinerary. (B, L, D / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The food is simple and very good.
If you are vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, please let us know in advance.
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Professional Guides
Professional guides are available at each destination, all fluent in Spanish and English.
- Tips
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- Laundry and other extras
- Transfers to/from Maiquetía Airport before and after the tour (available as an optional service)
- Flights to Barinas or any other city nearby.
Hato El Cedral: 2 nights in bedrooms with Air Conditioning +private bathroom.
Single room: Additional US$ 65
Suitable for all.
We recommend NOT bringing hard-shell suitcases. Handling them can be very difficult and may incur additional costs at your expense.
Your luggage should not exceed 15 kg. Extra weight may incur extra charges, and airlines cannot guarantee transporting additional weight on the same day.
Take a photo of your luggage and label it for identification.
You are solely responsible for your personal belongings. If you forget something at any camp, waterfall, or natural location, retrieving it may require additional costs for fuel, logistics, personnel, etc., which will be exclusively covered by you in cash and on-site.
Hato El Cedral and Llanos region in general: Ideal from December to June.
During the dry season, it’s still possible to reach Salto Ángel with more effort, but we can’t guarantee access as we prioritize your safety and cannot control natural conditions.
Weather at Llanos is hot! , Be prepared for all conditions and temperatures.
Recommended Packing List
Remember that every kilogram counts, as you will carry all personal items.
– 40 liter Travel backpack + smaller essentials backpack
– Raincoat or poncho
– Waterproof pants and jacket
– Hiking boots and sandals (preferably waterproof)
– Plastic bag to protect clothes and electronics from moisture
– Small plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
– Long-sleeve UV-protection shirt
– Walking pants
– Headlamp
– Biodegradable shampoo, soap, toothpaste, mosquito repellent, deodorant, sunscreen
– Disposable wet wipes
– Water purifier
– Phone or camera for photos + power bank
– Swimsuit
– Socks (4-5 pairs)
– Underwear (preferably polyester or nylon for quick drying)
– Water bottle (1-2 liters, refillable)
– Personal medications
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