The Route of Llanero Enchantment begins its southward journey on Highway 65 from Villavicencio. The first town of note, Acacias (Kilometer 22), the tourism capital of Meta Department, has a malecón (river walk). In mid-October it celebrates a plains music festival. At Guamal (Kilometer 41) is a vacation spot on the shores of Río Humadea. The road cuts across plains, marshes and African palm plantations, over which herons swoop. At Kilometer 67 is San Martin, the region’s oldest city and heart of the cattle-raising and rodeo district. Mid-November is the International Llano Folklore and Equestrian Ballet Festival. The journey is declared safe as far as Granada on the Río Ariari. Further on are Fuente De Oro, San Juan De Arama (where there is a waterfall and the hot springs Termales de Santo Domingo), Lejanias, Mestas, Vista Hermosa, La Uribe and La Macarena.

Location:
Villavicencio , Colombia

Other Activity

Getting There
If traveling in your own vehicle, follow Highway 65 south out of Villavicencio. Before Acacias is a tollbooth, and another lies between San Martín and Granada. Collective pick-ups and jeeps for towns along the route depart from Calle 37E and Carrera 28 i

Travel Tips: Highway 65 continues to La Macarena, the village entry point to Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Macarena. The road is said to be safe as far as Granada; beyond you are entering the zone of conflict. Ask locally for the most current security situation. Do not travel to towns off the main highway or go walking into the countryside, as there are land mines.

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; swim gear to take a dip in the pools; insect repellent, sun block, hat; loose, light-colored, cotton clothing.

Journey the other Rutas: del Piedemonte Llanero and del Amanecer Llanero. In Villavicencio, Bioparque Los Ocarros; take a wildlife tour into the llanos; stay at an agro- or eco-tourist country inn.

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

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel