Los Llanos, The Eastern Plains Trips & Tours

Forget the Wild West; in Colombia it’s all about the Wild East of Los Llanos, a vast expanse of savannahs and wetlands wedged between the Andes and the lowlands of tropical Amazonia. The area is so off the beaten track that it’s only recently opened up to visitors and those that make the journey will be treated to a glimpse into a strikingly traditional way of life and some of the country’s most iconic fauna. First up, the lifestyle. This is cowboy country and the llaneros (traditional herdsmen) are devoted to cattle rearing. Join them on a horseback safari and then settle in for a night of joropo music and a hearty barbecue. Then it’s time to discover the striking biodiversity. The seasonal wetlands are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including capybaras, caimans, anacondas, howler monkeys, and some of the world’s largest jaguars, and there are 4x4 safaris, walking expeditions, boat trips and horse-riding trips to try and spot them all.