Ruta del Amanecer Llanero

Sunsets and sunrises blaze over these eastern plains. The Ruta del Amanacer goes deep into the flatlands, teeming with cattle farms and wildlife, like chigüiros, babillas and caimans, as well as multitudes of birds. Upon leaving Villavicencio, you will pass the Monument to the Fallen Combatant before passing the military base and oil installations at Apiay. At Kilometer 47 is Merecure, Latin America’s largest agro-ecological park, which has lodging, camping, fishing and a zoo. The highway continues to Puerto López, near the geographical center of the nation. All along the way are agro- or eco-tourist country inns, and in Puerto López are hotels.

Location:
Villavicencio , Colombia

Other Activity

Getting There
If in your own vehicle, follow Highway 40 east out of Villavicencio (one tollbooth). With public transport, buses for Puerto López and other points leave from the terminal. Some agencies in Villavicencio offer tours on this route.

Travel Tips: Highway 40 continues to Puerto Gaitán on the Río Manacacías, which has white sand beaches where you can practice aquatic sports. The road is said to be safe as far as Puerto López. Reports concerning security past here vary, as you are beginning to enter a conflict zone between government, guerrilla and paramilitary forces. If you wish to travel further than that, check locally for the most current security situation.

Many of the villages have lodging and there are a number of rural hotels along the way.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Water, snacks; binoculars for wildlife watching; camera; insect repellent, sun block, hat; loose, light-colored, cotton clothing.

Journey the other Rutas: del Piedemonte Llanero and del Embrujo Llanero. In Villavicencio, visit Bioparque Los Ocarros. Take a wildlife tour into the llanos.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 04 Jul 2008

Updated: 18 May 2009