Los Llanos - the Venezuelan Plains

The Llanos is a vast savannah wetland that covers about one third of Venezuela spreading from the foot of the Andes to the Orinoco delta. Life here revolves around the rains which flood the plains from May to November. The flooded savannah eventually subsides, providing two very distinct seasons and making it one of the top destinations for ornithologists and nature lovers.

This is the best place for admiring nature in Venezuela as the plains are alive with countless caiman, herds of capybaras, ocelots, giant anteaters, armadillo, anaconda, monkeys, anteaters and tapir; combined with flocks of roseate spoonbills, scarlet ibis, the noisy hoatzin, colourful herons, macaws and the rare jabiru stork make the llanos such an attractive place to visit.

Accommodation is in working cattle ranches known as 'hatos', cattle being the mainstay of the region's economy. Family run, with traditional home cooked food they are lovely places to stay, rustic yet comfortable and welcoming; the ideal place to experience the Llanos' diverse wildlife.

WHEN TO VISIT LOS LLANOS

The rainy season lasts from May to November with frequent and intense rains. The boat trips are more extensive when most of the land is half-flooded with animals more spread out. In the dry season, most of the animals concentrate around the ever decreasing watering holes which makes them easier to track. It is possible to visit at any time, please consult us to plan your itinerary.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN LOS LLANOS

The Llanos can be divided into two separate regions. The north, staying at Hato Pinero, which is accessible from Caracas by either driving (5hrs) or flying direct, and the south, Hato el Cedral, where you have to drive from Merida (8hrs), or fly from Caracas to San Fernando and then drive (3hrs).

HATO PINERO

This is a slightly different ranch to those found in the south. The topography of the 800-sq-km Hato is much more diverse, with valleys and low lying mountain ranges running through it, and forest covering other parts. The wet season is also different here, going from late May to early September.

Its wildlife has a lot more variety including monkeys, ocelots, tapirs and anteaters, while capybaras and caimans are not so frequently seen. Activities are more varied with walking, boat rides in narrow creeks horse riding and driving safaris.

The Ranch itself is stunning, surrounded by jagged mountains peaks and containing 25 colonial style rooms, large courtyards and a swimming pool.

HATO EL CEDRAL

A much more typical hato, it is situated in the centre of the savannah wetlands. A little more difficult to reach though the rewards are worthwhile. This working ranch of 560-sq-km has over 20,000 head of cattle.

The rainy season flooding makes it relatively inaccessible but great for wildlife. Over 250 species of bird have been recorded as well as 14,000 capybaras, an uncountable number of caiman and numerous other species of wildlife. Activities include short walks, driving and boats in the wet season.

The rooms are in comfortable cabanas equipped with air-conditioning, hot and cold water and a swimming pool. Meals are normally eaten around the fire at night.