Bioparque Los Ocarros

Location:
3 kilometers (1.8 miles) North of Villavicencio, Ruta del Piedemonte Llanero
Villavicencio , Colombia

Other Activity Types:
Zoo

By Lorraine Caputo

Following the zoo trend to create natural spaces for the animal residents, Bioparque Los Ocarros can teach you about the creatures of the Orinoco River Basin. On 5.7 hectares, 181 species greet you, from land and waterfowl to the majestic jaguar, from inquisitive monkeys and the largest rodent on the planet, the chigüiro, or capybara, to the fearsome caiman and its laid-back cousin the babilla. Discover the fishes of these rivers on the Aquarium Island and the many snakes on the Serpetarium Isle. All the animals on exhibit have been rescued from traffickers or are donations from people who had them as pets.

Getting There
From Calle 37E and Carrera 28 catch a collective jeep heading towards Restrepo and tell the driver to drop you off at Bioparque Los Ocarros ($1.30). The signed road going to the entrance of the park is on the other side of the highway.

Travel Tips: Signs give excellent explanations of the ecological importance, status and habitat of each animal in Spanish, and provide the taxonomic and common English names for the species. Bioparque Los Ocarros also is a research center and clinic. The park is wheelchair accessible.

The animals take a siesta come early afternoon, the hottest part of the day. If you want to see them up and about, come in the morning or late afternoon.

Price Description: Children 2-6 years old $3.20, Over 12 years old and adults $4.50, over 65 years old free with identification. Guide service (Spanish only), $5.30.

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:Monday-Thursday 9 a.m., Friday-Sunday 9 a.m.

Open Hours to:Monday-Thursday -4 p.m., Friday-Sunday 5 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

Journeys along the tourist Rutas to know the llanos, go to a rodeo. Come for the annual Festival Nacional de Joropo.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso

Contact Information:
Phone: 8-670-9094
Fax: 8-664-8490
URL: www.bioparquelosocarros.com, www.corpometa.com