Things to see and do in the Llanos of Venezuela?

The Llanos (or the plains) of Venezuela is a vast region of extensive savannahs with more than 600,000 square kilometers of extension. It is an exceptional tourist destination for its rich biodiversity, which offers the opportunity to go on safaris and venture into the wildlife ecosystems of animals such as the caiman, the anaconda, and the capybara. But this is not all, there is much more to see in the Venezuelan Plains.

On your visit you can enjoy boat rides on the rivers, visit local villages and watch incredible sunsets over the plains. The region is very committed to the environment so they promote ecotourism. They offer an immersive experience with nature that will make you enjoy every second of your trip. If you want to know more join us in this post where we share everything you need to know before embarking on your trip.

What are the best places to see in the Llanos of Venezuela?

1. Santos Luzardo National Park

The Santos Luzardo National Park is an extensive wildlife sanctuary that extends over 584,368 hectares between the Capanaparo and Cinaruco rivers. In addition to being an important point of scientific study, it is a perfect destination for both land and river safaris.

It is a privileged destination for ecotourism, where visitors can explore flooded savannas, gallery forests and mighty rivers. It is also home to an impressive biological diversity that includes species such as the Orinoco caiman, the anaconda, the chigüire (capybara) and numerous waterfowl.

2. Safari in the Llanos of Venezuela

Safaris in the Llanos of Venezuela are an unforgettable experience for nature and adventure lovers. These expeditions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the vast expanse of the savannah, home to an impressive biodiversity. You can sight emblematic species such as the Orinoco caiman, capybaras, anacondas, and a variety of exotic birds in their natural habitat .

We recommend you be accompanied by a guide. They will enrich the trip with knowledge about the local fauna and flora. It is highly recommended to do the safari during sunrise and sunset to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Safaris in the Llanos usually have an average duration of 3 days.

3. “Inés Mercedes Gómez” Museum of Los Llanos

Created in 1984 in the colonial quarter of Guanare, the Museum of the Llanos “Inés Mercedes Gómez” is an important cultural center and a tribute to the rich history and culture of the region. This space is housed in a colonial mansion of the 18th century. It offers us a journey into the Venezuelan past through everyday utensils of the colonial era to valuable historical documents. In addition, you can visit its garden with native species, including myrtle, traditionally used as glue.

The entrance to the museum is free. The visiting hours Monday to Friday are from 8:00 to 16:00 and they work till 12:00 on Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays.

4. River excursions

There are seven rivers that cross the Llanos of Venezuela. And, in addition to being crucial to the economy and local life, they offer the possibility of many activities. They include safaris by boat to discover the river fauna including alligators, rafting, for the more adventurous, fishing sport fishing, kayaking and canoeing.

You can also go bird watching and visit agricultural plantations around the rivers. There you will learn more about the region’s rural life and its commitment to preserving the environment.

5. Chorro San Miguel

El Chorro San Miguel, located in Barinas, is an impressive waterfall of about 80 meters high. It offers a unique spectacle where visitors can bathe in the well that its fall forms in the dry season.

During the rainy season it is not possible to bathe due to the strength and magnitude of the waterfall, which makes the surrounding vegetation lush. It is the perfect place to enjoy nature and take a thousand photos.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see in the Llanos of Venezuela in 3 days

To see the Venezuelan Llanos you will need at least 3 or 4 days to go on safari and discover the rivers, lagoons, waterfalls and vast savannahs of the area. There is so much to see that it is best to hire an organized tour to take you to the main points of interest. These tours also include transfers, meals and various activities that you can choose depending on how adventurous you are.

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Where and what to eat in los Llanos in Venezuela?

The gastronomy in the Llanos of Venezuela is famous for its rich dishes based on beef and game, such as deer, chigüire, capybara or lapa, which are grilled or roasted. Side dishes based on tubers and grains are also common, as well as corn in dishes such as cachapas. At the local level, the great production of cheeses and the variety of dairy products stand out. And among the sweets we recommend you try the sweets based on milk, fruit, bean, carato, rice chicha and corn mazamora.

If you travel with an organized tour, most meals are included, both at the hotel and during excursions. But if you prefer to explore the local cuisine on your own, we recommend going into the city and trying the street food.

Where to stay in the Venezuelan Llanos

The Llanos of Venezuela have an area of more than 600,000 square kilometers and several cities and municipalities of reference where you can stay. If you travel with an organized tour they will look for the most convenient accommodation for proximity to the activities. But if you prefer to travel on your own, you can stay in these cities:

• Hato Cedral (Apure): has a privileged location for wildlife watching. It offers rustic and comfortable lodging in the middle of the plains. Ideal for safaris and boat rides.
• Hato El Cedral (Barinas): has a rich biodiversity and offers activities such as guided excursions and horseback riding.
• Hato La Fe (Cojedes): provides an intimate experience with nature in a quieter environment. Comfortable accommodations with opportunities to observe a wide variety of species. Boat rides and safaris in the plains stand out among its activities.
• San Fernando de Apure: is the capital of Apure and offers a greater variety of accommodations. It is also the most convenient starting point for exploring the Llanos. It combines urban amenities with easy access to natural excursions.

Here are a few of our favorite accommodations in the area:

• Posada Valle del Sol: this lodging located in Barinas offers a unique experience with cabin-style rooms and services such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and WiFi. It stands out for its ample green areas, facilities for events, and for being Pet Friendly. It has facilities such as swimming pool, access for the disabled, and a store for basic needs, ensuring comfort and enjoyment.
• D&D Inn Hotel Tibana Apure: This hotel in Apure offers services of international standards for business or leisure guests. It has easy access from major cities and a strategic location in front of Las Flecheras airport. It stands out for its event rooms, variety in gastronomy with restaurants and bar, and views of the Apure River, ensuring a relaxing and comfortable stay with 24-hour security and personalized service.
• Campamento Matiyure: it is a wildlife sanctuary in the Llanos Apureños. It stands out for its personalized attention and bilingual guides. It offers activities to observe a rich biodiversity, including anacondas, river dolphins, and more than 340 species of birds. Its facilities include lodging with daily meals and safaris, swimming pool, and animation, providing an inverse experience in nature.

How to get to the Llanos of Venezuela?

There are several ways to get to the Venezuelan Llanos, depending on your point of departure. In the case of traveling from abroad, the most advisable is to fly to the Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, which receives direct flights from Spain. Once in the country you will be able to choose between these options:

• Airplane: The nearest airports are in Acarigua, San Fernando de Apure and Guanare, the two most important cities in the state and close to the mountain and savannah areas. You will find direct flights.
• By road: Whether by bus or private car, traveling by road is one of the most common ways to reach the Llanos. From Caracas you can take the Autopista Regional del Centro and then follow the signs to your destination within the Llanos region. There are bus services connecting Caracas and other major cities with several Llanos cities.
• Organized tours: Many travel agencies offer organized tours to the Llanos, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to worry about the details of planning. These tours often include transportation from Caracas or other cities, lodging and the excursions.

What should I keep in mind before traveling to the Venezuelan Llanos?

• The currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan bolivar.
• Hedge against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose good travel insurance, such as Mondo.
• We recommend that you change your money before your trip to Los Llanos, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
• Remember to bring enough water and food with you for excursions to the more remote places.
• The plains of Venezuela is a safe destination for tourism.
• The best time to travel to the Llanos is between December and April, in the dry season, but any time of the year is good.
• In the park, campfires, littering, pets, weapons and psychotropic substances are not allowed.
• Always drink bottled water.
• Take sunscreen with you, especially in the summer months, as well as light clothing that covers you from the sun’s rays and stay hydrated.
• Respect the environment and biodiversity of the Llanos.
• Get an eSIM card to have internet connection on your trip to Venezuela.
• Plan with Passporter your itinerary with everything to see in the Llanos of Venezuela.

Do you want us to help you organize your trip to Venezuela?

At Passporter we also help you with reservations and all the travel arrangements so you only have to worry about packing your suitcase and not forgetting your camera. As you have seen throughout the post, Venezuela is one of our favorite destinations, so we have designed a trip that will exceed all your expectations and allow you to enjoy the incredible scenery and exciting activities without having to organize anything. We take care of everything!

Book your trip to Venezuela with Passporter Here

We leave you a summary of one of our trips organized by Passporter told by one of our travelers @guille_what:

Travel itinerary to the Llanos of Venezuela in Passporter

Are you one of those who prefer to travel on your own? In that case you have our free app at your disposal where you can discover different travel itineraries that will help you organize your visit. And if on the other hand you understand that vacations are for resting and you don’t want to have to worry about anything, don’t forget to contact us 🙂

How to prepare what to see on your trip to the Venezuelan Llanos

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes presented in the post)
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers things to see in the Llanos of Venezuela.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

What to see around the Venezuelan Llanos

1. Caracas, the starting point to the Llanos

Caracas will most likely be your starting point if you are traveling from abroad. So we recommend you take advantage of the stopover to visit the capital and enjoy its lively and cultural atmosphere.

Among its main tourist attractions include the Cablecar of Caracas, which provides spectacular views of the city and gives access to hiking and recreational activities. Plaza Bolívar, the heart of the historic center, and the Panteón Nacional, where the remains of the liberator Simón Bolívar rest. We also recommend a visit to the Parque del Este, designed by the famous landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, and the Museum of Fine Arts and the La Estancia Art Center, which have a rich cultural offer. If you want to know more about this lively city we invite you to read on in this post: What to see and do in Caracas?

Frequently asked questions about a trip to the Venezuelan Llanos