From Villavicencio, traversing the Ruta del Amanecer Llanero due east 78 kilometers (47 miles), you arrive at Puerto López. This is Meta Department’s principal port on the broad Río Meta. From Alto de Menegua you can see the plains spreading to all horizons, threaded by the river. Near the city are Laguna Mozambique and El Ombligo de Colombia, or the Bellybutton of Colombia—the geographical center of the country. One the most important celebrations here is the Festival de las Colonia, 26-30 December. Various hotels of different classes, including country inns, as well as camping await the tried traveler.

(Altitude: 178 m / 584 ft, Population: 17,056, City Code: 8)