{"id":49247,"date":"2024-04-08T16:32:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T14:32:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=49247"},"modified":"2026-01-12T11:48:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T09:48:19","slug":"llanos-venezuela","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/llanos-venezuela\/","title":{"rendered":"How to visit Los Llanos in Venezuela"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Feature-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Feature-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Feature-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Visit Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49251\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Los Llanos is a wet ecosystem, a massive area of seasonally flooded plains that spread across Colombia and <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/venezuela\/\"><strong>Venezuela<\/strong><\/a>, characterized by their extensive <em>savannas<\/em>, unique fauna, and a cowboy-like culture palpable in their local folklore and the raising of cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had the chance to visit Los Llanos for 4 days during my last <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/venezuela-travel\/\">trip to Venezuela<\/a><\/strong>, and it was very different from anything I had experienced before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, I want to show you how to visit Los Llanos independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Los-Llanos-travel-guide-PIN-1-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Los-Llanos-travel-guide-PIN-1-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Los-Llanos-travel-guide-PIN-1-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Los Llanos travel guide\" class=\"wp-image-49280\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:482px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this travel guide to Los Llanos you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#1\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#tips-for-egypt\">Why travel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#all-my-articles-on-egypt\">How to visit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#3\">Best <em>hato<\/em> to stay<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#\">How to get into<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\">Best time to visit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\">How many days you need to visit?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\">How much does it cost?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#8\">More information<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Venezuela<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With its Backpacker plan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=los_llanos_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=los_llanos_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900;font-size:16px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">\ud83d\ude0d Why travel to Los Llanos in Venezuela<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/canaima\/\"><strong>Canaima National Park<\/strong><\/a> to the Orinoco Delta, Venezuela is packed with natural highlights, but none of them surprised me as much as Los Llanos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine walking across the wild, wet plains &#8211; alone, with a simple stick and a local guide, crossing paths with 4 and 5-meter anacondas, while literally jumping over crocodiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Show, not tell, check my Instagram Highlights &#8211; look for anaconda safari &#8211; at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/againstthecompass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>@againstthecompass<\/strong><\/a>, and you\u2019ll know what I mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Los-Llanos-Venezuela-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Los-Llanos-Venezuela-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Los-Llanos-Venezuela-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Los Llanos Venezuela\" class=\"wp-image-49253\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our local guide grabbing an anaconda with his hands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Venezuelans from these lands &#8211; the <em>llaneros<\/em> &#8211; grew up among this fauna, they\u2019ve been walking over the marshes since they were tiny kids, and that\u2019s why they can offer such raw and authentic safaris, something unheard of in any other country offering experiences of this kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a safari such as this was offered in any other country with mass tourism, like Tanzania or <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/safari-kenya-budget\/\"><strong>Kenya<\/strong><\/a>, I&#8217;m pretty sure things wouldn&#8217;t be the same, but the magic of backpacking in Venezuela is that the rules aren\u2019t really set in stone, allowing plenty of flexibility for the most intrepid adventurers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/why-visit-Los-Llanos-1024x768.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/why-visit-Los-Llanos-1024x768.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/why-visit-Los-Llanos-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"why visit Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49255\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This how we do safari in Los Llanos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Los Llanos also boasts with thousands of different types of crocodiles, a massive population of capibaras &#8211; locally known as <em>chig\u00fcires &#8211; <\/em>and hundreds of bird species.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Fauna-Los-Llanos-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Fauna-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Fauna-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fauna Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49257\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Capibaras, locally known as chigu\u0308ieres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Piranha fishing is also a big thing in Los Llanos and, if you are lucky, you might also spot one of the weirdest animals in the world: a giant anteater &#8211; <em>I was fortunate to see one pretty close up but only for 3 seconds.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add to this their cattle-raising culture and the gorgeous flat lands, and you have one of the best places to <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/venezuela-travel\/\"><strong>visit in Venezuela<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">By the way, the best time of year to experience the local culture and folklore is around March 19th, the day the <a href=\"https:\/\/corazonllanero.com\/elorza-la-fiesta-que-celebra-la-cultura-y-la-musica-llanera-de-venezuela\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Festival of Alorza<\/strong><\/a> takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Folklore-Los-Llanos-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Folklore-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Folklore-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Folklore Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49259\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional local music Los Llanos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f How to plan your visit to Los Llanos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting Los Llanos isn\u2019t a lot different from doing a <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/safari-kenya-budget\/\"><strong>safari in Kenya<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s about choosing the right accommodation and spending your day searching for fauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To do this, the best way to experience Los Llanos is by staying at one of the several <em>hatos<\/em> found across the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a <em>hato<\/em>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s like a local farmhouse, or a local <em>ranch<\/em>, usually extending for thousands of hectares and home to all the animals Los Llanos is known for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most <em>hatos<\/em> are exclusively used for cattle raising but a few of them have opened to tourism, offering accommodation and tours around their lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, when you visit Los Llanos, you are likely to see many farmhouses along the road, but not all of these are <em>hatos<\/em>. <em>Hatos<\/em> typically refer to those huge ranches that cover a certain number of hectares, hence they usually belong to the wealthiest local families. The smaller farmhouses are simply called <em>fincas<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Hato-Venezuela-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Hato-Venezuela-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Hato-Venezuela-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Hato Venezuela\" class=\"wp-image-49261\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This is a Venezuelan hato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">\ud83c\udfe8 How to find the best <em>hato<\/em> to stay in Los Llanos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When I visited Los Llanos, I stayed in two different <em>hatos, <\/em>each one offering a very different experience, and choosing the right one will depend on your objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best <em>hato<\/em> for local culture: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/saLa7m7sRUAXjyp97\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hato Cristero<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hato Cristero is a family-owned <em>hato<\/em> that has been run by the same family for 9 generations, founded in 1888 by a man named Humberto, a name which has been inherited by the first son of each one of those generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The family is extremely lovely, welcoming and accommodating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Hato-Cristero-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Hato-Cristero-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"49263\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Hato-Cristero-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Hato Cristero\" class=\"wp-image-49263\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The family at Hato Cristero<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/People-Los-Llanos-576x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/People-Los-Llanos-576x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"49265\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/People-Los-Llanos-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"People Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49265\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the staff members<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to note that you\u2019ll be interacting with the actual family all the time. During my visit, I met the grandfather, father, daughters, sons, uncles\u2026 The whole family lives there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even some members from their staff have been there for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, both the gardener and the cook have been working and living in Hato Cristero for 30 years at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting Hato Cristero is the best way to experience the traditional regional culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there\u2019s a downside to Hato Cristero, which is that they don\u2019t have a lot of fauna. I mean, they do have capibaras, crocodiles, anacondas and hundreds of birds species, but it\u2019s only a tiny fraction of what other <em>hatos<\/em> can offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Hato Cristero, I did see crocodiles and capibaras but unfortunately, I didn\u2019t spot any anacondas, while in the other <em>hato<\/em>, I saw more than 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, keep in mind that staying at Hato Cristero is expensive, with prices starting at around 150 USD a night although this includes all meals, tours around the <em>hato <\/em>and 5-star accommodation (it\u2019s pretty fancy), so you get what you pay for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can contact them on Instagram at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hatocristero\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">@hatocristero<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Culture-in-Los-Llanos-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Culture-in-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Culture-in-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Culture in Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49267\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cattle raising culture in Los Llanos. This is the family in Hato Cristero taking care of a cow that was ill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best <em>hato<\/em> for fauna: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/WnhDmyzpvQe8rzNU7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hato El Cedral<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your objective is just spotting fauna, don\u2019t think twice, head to El Cedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hato El Cedral is the largest <em>hato<\/em> in Los Llanos. It was opened to the public in 1987 but has been serving as a <em>hato<\/em> since the 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <em>hato<\/em> is home to thousands and thousands of capybaras, caymans, small crocodiles, anacondas and even giant anteaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Anaconda-safari-Los-Llanos-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Anaconda-safari-Los-Llanos-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"49269\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Anaconda-safari-Los-Llanos-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Anaconda safari Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49269\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This anaconda had just eaten<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Anacondas-Los-Llanos-768x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Anacondas-Los-Llanos-768x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"49271\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Anacondas-Los-Llanos-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Anacondas Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49271\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Seriously, there\u2019s so much fauna that you\u2019ll just get bored of crocodiles, because there are too many. At one point, I spotted over 30 at the very same location, not to mention that we bumped into loads of anacondas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there is one downside to this <em>hato<\/em>, which is that it isn\u2019t family-owned. Instead, it\u2019s actually owned by the Government of Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is it owned by the Government?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, Hato El Cedral was just one of the many victims of former President Ch\u00e1vez and his policy of expropriating over 5 million hectares across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, today, everyone who works at Hato Cedral is a government employee. Don\u2019t get me wrong though, the staff at Hato El Cedral are very friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices start at around 70 USD a day. This includes all meals and tours as well, as at El Cristero, although the accommodation is pretty basic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaeaea\">Overall, I am glad I visited Hato Cristero and got the chance to meet that family but Hato El Cedral offers a more outstanding and unique experience, since there isn\u2019t anywhere else in the world where you can see so many anacondas and crocodiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/travel-to-Los-Llanos-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/travel-to-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/travel-to-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"travel to Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49273\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our guide with a small anaconda in his hands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best high-end <em>hato<\/em> for fauna: <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/JJpQMBiKCgKieqyB8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hato Garza<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This <em>hato<\/em> offers a similar experience to Hato Cedral but it\u2019s significantly smaller and more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tours they offer are the same but their rooms are nicer, and I assume the food is fancier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I haven&#8217;t ever been there myself, but another traveler did recommend it to me too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">\ud83d\udeeb How to get to Los Llanos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Los Llanos is a pretty big area that spreads across 5 Venezuelan states, including Apure, Barinas, Portuguesa, Cojedes and Gu\u00e1rico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Apure and Barinas are the actual heartland of the <em>cultura llanera<\/em> (culture of Los Llanos), and where you find the largest concentration of fauna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hato Cristero is in Barinas, while Hato Garza and El Cedral are in Apure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Barinas City is the capital of Barinas state and the main transport hub, while San Fernando de Apure serves as the same for Apure state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that both cities are far away from each other, around 430km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Barinas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Barinas is one of the main gateways for travel to Los Llanos, especially as it\u2019s not far from M\u00e9rida and has an airport with connections to Caracas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get to Barinas from M\u00e9rida: <\/strong>Visiting Los Llanos before or after backpacking in M\u00e9rida is really easy. Buses run regularly between both cities, taking around 5 hours along a very twisty, winding road. Here\u2019s the<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Bwb4goMxqB2rTfpL7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">bus station in M\u00e9rida<\/a><\/strong>, and here\u2019s the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Bwb4goMxqB2rTfpL7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>bus station in Barinas<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get to Barinas from Caracas: <\/strong>There are a few buses a day but remember that the bus journey can take around 10 hours. There are two bus stations in Caracas with buses departing to Barinas. The main bus station is called <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Bwb4goMxqB2rTfpL7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>La Bandera<\/strong><\/a>; this is the main hub for buses going in that direction, mainly used by the Venezuelan working class. If you want to travel like the locals do, catch your bus here. Alternatively, in the wealthy district of Chacao, there\u2019s a small terminal with fancy buses also departing to Barinas. Some tourists prefer catching it here because it\u2019s supposed to be safer. It\u2019s called <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Bwb4goMxqB2rTfpL7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Aeroexpressos Ejecutivos<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get to Barinas by flight from Caracas: <\/strong>There are a few weekly flights connecting both cities. Check flights with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conviasa.aero\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Conviasa<\/strong><\/a> or just head to the domestic terminal in Caracas. Remember that in Venezuela, flights can\u2019t be booked online, but you must purchase them at the respective office, usually located at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Hato Cristero from Barinas City<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Hato Cristero is located 30km from the city of Barinas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As there&#8217;s no public transport, you will have to hire a taxi. Hato Cristero offers a transfer service, as well, but it will always be more expensive than hiring a random taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Hato Cedral from Barinas City<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Hato Cedral is located in Apure state, but it can be easily reached from Barinas, a 200km ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;re in Barinas, you can catch one of the buses to the town of Mantecal, from where you will have to hire a private taxi to Hato Cedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A river divides Barinas and Apure states, and due to rain and the road conditions, sometimes buses can\u2019t make it across. If that\u2019s the case, you won\u2019t find any direct bus to Mantecal, so you\u2019ll have to go to Ciudad de Nutrias, from where you\u2019ll have to cross the bridge on foot (or moto taxi) and then find transportation to Mantecal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, from Barinas, you can also find local shared taxis. In Venezuela, these are called <em>carritos por plaza<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Apure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re traveling to Los Llanos from Caracas and only intend to visit Hato Cedral, I recommend going through Apure state instead, since the road and scenery are more interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get to San Fernando de Apure from Caracas: <\/strong>Buses depart from Terminal La Bandera, as mentioned in the Barinas section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Hato El Cedral from San Fernando de Apure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You will have to take a bus to the town of Mantecal, from where you will take a taxi to El Cedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9a46ce0285685b3767623e5bb30e3ee1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Los Llanos Venezolanos Map<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1QpUArYGcYjr6-ECSsS1hjewFZiGgNt0&#038;ehbc=2E312F&#038;noprof=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\"><span class=\"efont\" id=\"copy-emoji\">\u26c5<\/span> Best time to visit Los Llanos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Los Llanos is a year-round destination, each season offering a completely different experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling to Los Llanos during the rainy season: May to November<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the wet season, the immense plains that comprise Los Llanos are flooded and beautifully verdant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the best season for bird watching, piranha fishing and boat trips across the marshes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you&#8217;re interested in anacondas &#8211; for me, that was the highlight &#8211; the chances of spotting them at this time are slim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit Los Llanos during the dry season: December to April<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it stops raining, the Venezuelan marshes dry out, thus exposing a large amount of fauna that was hidden either in the water or behind the tall bushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the best season for spotting anacondas, giant anteaters and walking across Los Llanos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside is that it can get really hot and dry, and it\u2019s not as beautiful as during the wet season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Safari-Los-Llanos-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Safari-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Safari-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Safari Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49275\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Raw safari in Los Llanos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">\u23f1\ufe0f How many days you need for visiting Los Llanos?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are only visiting El Cedral, which is what most foreign tourists do, here&#8217;s what I\u2019d do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Day 1:<\/strong> Early morning, head to El Cedral from Caracas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Day 2:<\/strong> Full day in El Cedral.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Day 3:<\/strong> Morning tour and departure after lunch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, if you wanted to combine Cristero &amp; Cedral, this is what I did:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Day 1:<\/strong> Early morning, head to Cristero from Caracas. Evening tour in Cristero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Day 2:<\/strong> Morning tour in Cristero. Departure to El Cedral after lunch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Day 3: <\/strong>Full day in El Cedral.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Day 4: <\/strong>Morning tour and departure after lunch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/crocodiles-Los-Llanos-1024x683.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/crocodiles-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/crocodiles-Los-Llanos-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"crocodiles Los Llanos\" class=\"wp-image-49277\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Massive crocodile in Los Llanos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">\ud83d\udcb8 How much does it cost to visit Los Llanos?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/canaima\/\">visiting Canaima<\/a><\/strong>, accommodation in Los Llanos usually includes everything, so calculating your budget is pretty straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Local transportation from Caracas to Hato Cristero or El Cedral will cost roughly 50 USD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hato El Cedral costs 70 USD a night, while Hato Cristero is 150 USD a night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These prices includes all meals, tours and accommodation. Remember that as in most of Venezuela, price is always per person, whether you share a room or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">\u2757More information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Venezuela destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/canaima\/\">How to visit Angel Falls<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/venezuela-travel\/\">Venezuela Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Related Travel Guide Articles:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-haiti\/\">Haiti Travel Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/haiti-itinerary\/\">Haiti Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Los Llanos is a wet ecosystem, a massive area of seasonally flooded plains that spread across Colombia and Venezuela, characterized by their extensive savannas, unique fauna, and a cowboy-like culture palpable in their local folklore and the raising of cattle. I had the chance to visit Los Llanos for 4 days during my last trip [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49251,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[336],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-venezuela"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49247","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49247"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49247\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56618,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49247\/revisions\/56618"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}