Wild life and wide open spaces
From the páramos of Chingaza to the plains of the Llanos, following the tracks of the spectacled bear and the giant anaconda
Duration
8 days
From
€1,680/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jun, Jul, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Beyond its rich pre-Columbian and colonial history, an aspect of Colombia that never ceases to amaze visitors is its exceptional natural heritage. Semi-deserts, equatorial forest, high volcanoes, Caribbean beaches, endemic fauna… Nature lovers are in paradise here!
After arriving in Bogota, this itinerary offers a first approach to Colombian nature and wildlife through the exploration of two main areas: the Chingaza natural park and its extraordinary páramos landscapes and the great Llanos plains around Yopal.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Colombie !
Arrival at Bogotá airport, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Without delay we set off to discover the historic center of Colombia's capital: Candelaria. It is by bike that we explore its small brightly colored streets and admire its pretty houses flanked by sculpted wooden balconies. During our wanderings we make sure to pass by Bolivar Square and Plaza del Chorro, which reveal beautiful buildings with colonial architecture. Also on the program: San Victorino markets and squares, Independence Park, the central cemetery, the Teusaquillo district, the Gaetan memorial, the National Museum, the National Park, the University of the Andes and the Plaza de Toros.
Bikes in good condition, helmets provided
Easy circuit accessible to all
On the Trails of the Spectacled Bear
Bogotá → Parc National de Chingaza
Early departure from Bogota to the Chingaza natural park, east of the city. At an altitude between 3000 and 3800 meters, this natural wonder is famous for its páramos landscapes and the diversity of its animal species.
We hurry to set out on a magnificent hike in this fabulous páramo landscape. At approximately 3500m altitude, we make our way towards the Siecha and Buitrago lagoons. If we are lucky we may observe spectacled bears, deer, hummingbirds, … Lunch along the way in the park.
Wildlife at Monterredondo
The day is dedicated to a walk to get as close as possible to the wildlife in the park, in the area where it is easiest to approach and observe: Monterredondo. We should have no difficulty seeing white-tailed deer and golden eagles, or even Andean condors. We would need more luck to spot one of the emblematic species of the place: the Andean bear or spectacled bear, an extremely threatened species of which few specimens remain.
3 to 4 hours of walking between 3000 and 3250m altitude
Parc National de Chingaza → Bogotá
Return to Bogota in the late afternoon and check-in at the hotel.
On the way to the Llanos
Yopal → La Aurora
From Yopal, we continue our journey by 4x4 to reach the Hota La Aurora reserve, in the heart of the Llanos. A journey of approximately 180 kilometers that gives us a taste of the natural paradise where we will settle for the coming days.
Upon our arrival we discover our charming ecolodge made of natural materials, set in the middle of magnificent nature home to rich wildlife. A typical regional lunch awaits us and promises a delicious stay (with full board) in this little corner of paradise. Free afternoon to walk around and discover the surroundings of the lodge, observe the wildlife and admire our first sunset over the Llanos.
Safari in the plains
It is aboard Jeeps that we set out all day for a safari across the plains of Hato La Aurora. A day filled with emotion and wonder at the diversity of wild fauna that we encounter: capybaras, deer, alligators, wild horses, herons, owls, ibis… A local feast refreshes us at noon (local meats, rice, plantain bananas, cassava, etc.) and it is gently in mid-afternoon that we make our way back to the lodge.
In the evening we can observe nocturnal fauna under a sky dotted with thousands of stars. After dinner, we are presented with the traditional arts of the region: music (harp), poetry, folk songs as well as an overview of the many local legends.
Exploration of the Reserve
Today we deepen our exploration of the reserve and for this 2 options are available to us:
Option 1: on horseback.
A trek through the forests in search of birds and howler monkeys.
Option 2: by boat.
A ride on the waterways of the reserve which is also an opportunity to fish and admire the sunset on the water.
Return, dinner and night at the ecolodge.
On the Trail of the Anaconda
An uncommon day awaits us: today we will attempt to track down an anaconda, this mythical snake that has fueled so many tales and legends. The beast certainly has reason to impress with its imposing size, capable of weighing more than 200 kg and measuring more than 6 meters long. Nevertheless the anaconda fears and avoids humans, its preferred prey being mainly large rodents, tapirs, capybaras, peccaries, fish, turtles, dogs and certain aquatic reptiles like caimans.
Return to the ecolodge for our last night in this natural eden of the Llanos. One last evening under the stars to be fully savored!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Meals not mentioned (count 3 to 15 € per meal per person)
- Personal expenses
- Entrances to sites not specified in the program
- Entrance fees to national parks, individual tourism taxes (airports in San Andrés, Leticia, Nuqui, Bahía Solano, La Macarena and Cartagena pier)
- Medical and repatriation insurance
- Tips
- VAT for Colombians and residents in Colombia
- Everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- Accommodations mentioned or similar according to availability
- Land transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Breakfasts (not guaranteed if early departure from the hotel)
- The services of professional local English-speaking guides (subject to availability) and English-speaking
- The activities mentioned and site entries
- Our 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Colombia for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Colombia.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the country. An extension of an additional 90 days can generally be requested on-site with Colombian immigration services (Migración Colombia), up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Immigration registration
Upon arrival in Colombia, travelers must present themselves to Migración Colombia controls. A migration control form may be provided to fill out before or during the flight, or may be available in digital format depending on the entry point.
Information generally required includes:
passport information
flight details and entry point
address of your first accommodation in Colombia
It is recommended to keep the entry stamp or document provided by immigration to present when leaving the country.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Colombia from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended depending on the regions you visit:
vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for stays in tropical areas (the Amazon, Llanos, certain coasts) and may be required when departing for other countries,
vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are advised.
It is recommended to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Colombia in their country of residence.
We strongly recommend that you have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage before participating in our trips.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend purchasing one of these plans.
If you choose to purchase one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a stay in Colombia, a valid passport for the entire planned duration is required. Proof of departure from the country may be requested at boarding. Visa exemption periods vary depending on your nationality. Before booking, consult the Colombian consular authorities to find out the rules applicable to your situation.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Colombia remains affordable compared to its premium Andean neighbours.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and leave with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Andes
Explorer of Colombia's many faces, based in Carthagène
Colombia is a country that constantly surprises. Each region has its own atmosphere, its own pace, its own light… and it's often this diversity that leaves the strongest impression on travelers.
— Caroline
