Sublime Llanos

Early breakfast and departure by private vehicle in the direction of the elfin forests of the eastern cordillera (about 2 hours drive). The climb along the eastern cordillera will allow us to better locate ourselves in this complex topography. During the trip, we will make several stops to start our birding list, before reaching the high areas of the Paramo de Sumapaz, where we will observe high altitude avifauna. These 154,000 hectares will have much to offer us in terms of nature in general, we will spend the day in the different areas of the National Nature Park to explore its different ecosystems. The large colonies of frailejones (Espeletia sp.) and its multiple high altitude lakes are without doubt its most impressive naturalist attractions. We then head towards the eastern foothills of the mountain range to reach the gateway to the Llanos. Arrival in the town of Villavicencio in the late afternoon. Settle into our hotel before the briefing for the next few days. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable hotel in Villavicencio.

Breakfast at dawn and departure for the Gayabetal areas. We will visit the Refugio del Tororoi, to try to observe the Cundinamarca Antpitta, one of the rarest endemic species of Colombia, which comes to feeding areas and thus facilitates its observation. In the same area other species sometimes appear, which will help us to increase our list of rare birds. Some complementary higher altitude species should also brighten up our morning. Lunch on the way. During the rest of the day we will explore the site of Monteredondo, located at the lower edge of the Chingaza National Park, which contains a large number of species typical of the eastern foothills of the Cordillera. Return to the Amazonian llanos plains in the late afternoon. Settling in our hotel before the briefing for the next days. Dinner and overnight stay in comfortable hotel in Villavicencio.

The Bosque Bavaria, a few kilometres away from our accommodation, is the main observation point for piedmont ecosystems, with more than 350 species of birds, in an altitudinal gradient of between 200 and 800 metres asl. This private conservation project contrasts drastically with the semi-arid savannah plains around Villavicencio. This will be an opportunity to look for different birdlife, barbets, trogons, manakins, tanagers and hornbills. We will also have the opportunity to observe a large number of mammals: sloth, capuchin monkey, squirrel saimiri, coati, tayra. Return to Villavicencio in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in comfortable hotel in Villavicencio.

Early departure to the north. After a 30 minute drive we arrive at the Camaná family reserve. Since 1993, Carlos, Martha and Nathalia, have transformed an old agricultural area into a nature reserve and a place of excellence for bird watching. The numerous paths and visiting areas are especially suitable for birdwatching. Along the different environments, rivers, lake, belvedere, dense foothill forests, we will have many opportunities to observe a large majority of the 190 species recorded on the reserve. During dinner we will have the opportunity to chat with the owners of this reserve to know a little more about their history. We will spend the night in the reserve to continue our progressive ascent towards the llanos the next day.

Before breakfast we will complete our observations around the lodge and then continue our expedition northwards towards Yopal. The atmosphere, landscape and climate will change completely from today. The pleasant road from Villavicencio to the Llanos will allow us to complete our observations and to take some landscape shots and to admire many rural scenes. We will make a first stop in the Monterrey area. We will probably have the opportunity to observe and photograph along the road some typical species of these Amazonian savannah ecosystems, including many birds such as the surprising Kamichi, Tantals, Herons, Heddocks, and a variety of ibises, including the superb Scarlet Ibis. We will focus on the mythical species such as the strange crested Hoatzin. Dinner and overnight in comfortable hotels in Yopal.

This new day will give us the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the eastern plains of the Colombian llanos. In this little visited area we will look for several species with a limited range. We also hope to see a plethora of waterfowl, including the majestic Jabiru, the prized Sunbittern and the curious Horned Screamer. Stretching from the eastern Andean foothills towards the Venezuelan border, along the great drainage basin of the Orinoco River, the llanos ecosystems, similar to the Brazilian Pantanal, abound with wildlife that is particularly easy to observe. Dinner and overnight in Yopal.

Today it will be time to reach the deep Llanos. From Yopal we have a fairly long drive east to our new accommodation and viewing site far from the base of the Andes. Several regular stops will be made along the ochre-coloured dirt road to observe birds. As we enter the heart of this savannah ecosystem, our observations will intensify. Large waders, birds of prey and many typical neotropical species will be seen through binoculars and lenses; kamichi, tantalus, heron, eddy-flycatcher, and a variety of ibis, including the superb scarlet ibis. Arrive at Hato La Aurora to settle in and get to know the area. At the end of the afternoon, the landscape offers magnificent light and contrasts for great photos and we can enjoy a pleasant moment of relaxation. Dinner and night in a traditional llanera farmhouse.

From today we will explore the different ecosystems near our accommodation by jeep, but also on foot, to try to observe the most emblematic and rare species of the area. In total, almost 470 species of birds have been recorded in this area of the Colombian Llanos. We will explore the grassy savannahs, swamps and gallery forests, allowing us to vary our observations between typical birds; Hoatzin, Agami Herons, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin and local fauna; primates, reptiles and mammals like the puma. Before dinner we will try to observe some nocturnal and crepuscular species around the lodge, such as Nightjar, Potoos, but also ocelots, crab eating fox and tigrillo. Dinner accompanied by the traditional "Arpa llanera", an insight into the local folklore through music with traditional poems and legends. Night in a traditional llanera farmhouse.

Breakfast at dawn followed by an exploration around our lodge where many species of open areas and forest edges can be observed. Between large herds of cattle and horses, we will also have the opportunity to observe several large mammals such as Tapirs, Capybaras, Peruvian Deer, Nine-banded Armadillo, Giant Tamandua, Otters, and hopefully Jaguar. Our immersion in these magical places will not only be for nature. The "LLanera" culture, that of the Colombian cowboy, is rich in gastronomy, legends, music and tradition. The owners of the place will take advantage of the meals to tell us a little about where these traditions come from, accompanied by a good drink and a good grilled meat, a speciality of the region. Dinner in the same accommodation.

This last morning will be an opportunity to complete our observations of the local birdlife around the Lodge and along the road back to the town of Yopal. On the way we will finalize our observations as we meet new people. We will leave Orinoquia, and its vast extensions of savannah, after a very productive "safari" in terms of species but also in terms of souvenirs. Arrival at the national airport in the middle of the afternoon to take our flight to Bogota or Medellin, depending on your extension.