The Llanos – Barinas – San Fernando

The Llanos

Venezuelans love the wisdom of the Llanos (plains). They claim that the Llanero, or the Venezuelan cowboy, is ‘a very adaptable man who walks without transition or difficulty from floods to drought and from the solitude of the desert to the tumult of the festival’.

The Llanos, the vast savannah region in Venezuela, has an incredible variety of wildlife and this is defined by the dichotomy of the two seasons, wet and dry. The fauna of the Venezuelan plains revolves around the two extreme cycles of flood and drought, where seemingly endless rivers and vast plains turn to dust in the dry season (December-April) and are abundant and luxuriant in the wet season (May-November). The biodiversity is truly plentiful.

More than 400 species of colourful birds can be seen in the grasslands, such as white, crimson, yellow, blue, orange and black, providing another excellent opportunity for birdwatching in Venezuela. You can see the Colorado Corocoro, Maracana, Garzon Soldado, Colorado sparrowhawk, Bacchus bird and the prehistoric Chenchena (Water Guacharaca).

The habitat of the llanos is also home to a huge variety of animals such as giant anteaters, wild horses, armadillos, iguanas, howler and capuchin monkeys, capybara (the world’s largest rodent) and thousands of caimans. The rivers and streams team with freshwater dolphins, piranhas, anacondas and turtles.

The Venezuelan plains are a strange mix of American Wild West and African safari where the locals  go hunting and grow crops in the traditional way and where dusty cowboys try to tame a land so wild and as untamed as the creatures that wander across it .

Barinas

Barinas is the largest city in the llanos region. Barinas has a population of more than 200,000 people and is the main transport hub outside of the Andes and Caracas. There is a domestic airport and a bus terminal as well as museums, historical buildings and public parks. There is plenty of accommodation for tourists and visitors.

San Fernando de Apure

San Fernando is Apure State’s largest city, located on the southeastern bank of the Apure River, and one of the most important cattle breeding areas in Venezuela. The city is the usual starting point for tours to the ranches or eco-lodges on the surrounding plains.

Sierra Nevada National Park

Venezuela is one of the ten most biologically diverse countries in the world. Pioneers in environmental protection, Venezuela has introduced many laws concerning the use and enjoyment of these national treasures. As a result of these laws there are 43 national parks and 22 nature reserves (around 21% of the country), 2 bio-reserves, 7 sanctuaries and 5 wildlife reserves. This fantastic combination of boundless and raw beauty makes it exceptionally good for the tourism industry.

The Sierra Nevada National Park was created on 2 May 1952 in the heart of the Venezuelan Andes. Most of the park is located in Merida’s Sierra Nevada and it is here where the highest peaks are found including Pico Bolivar (5,007m) and Pico Humboldt (4,942m). There are many places of interest and activities for visitors to the park, such as hikes and climbs to the magnificent peaks,  looking for flowers and visiting the tiny villages, surrounded by stunning scenery, and learning about their fascinating culture. You can also have a go on the longest and highest cable car in the world.

The tour includes

• Pre-departure information.
• Accommodation
• All meals and non-alcoholic drinks as indicated
• Transport in 4x4 vehicles with English-speaking guide on excursions
• All safety equipment.

The tour does not include

• Domestic flights (we can book these for you)
• Items of a personal nature
• Tours, meals, alcoholic drinks and other services not included in the itinerary
• Tips to local staff, costs incurred in the organisation of the trip, such as non-refundable air tickets, insurance policy or additional costs incurred by flight delays, cancellations or missed connections.

Recommendations

• For the trip you should preferably wear long trousers, cotton long-sleeved shirts or vests, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and waterproof jacket in case of rain (May – Nov). Also take a towel and items such as sun hat,  sunglasses and binoculars. The temperature in the region various between 20C and 30C. At night you will need a sweater, blanket and torch.
• Take suitable and comfortable clothes with you: swimsuit, shorts, light sports shoes and sandals with fastenings.
• It is imperative you take insect repellent and suntan cream.
• Only take what is necessary with you, with your name clearly marked on it for easy identification.
• Carry your own medical kit to avoid taking any medicine which may not suit you.
• Don't forget your camera and identity card or passport.

Minimum of 8 participants.

How to get to Barinas

There are two ways to get to Barinas. We can arrange the necessary flights as well as assisted transfers in both places. You have the following options:

Option 1: Maiquetia – Barinas

A Fly from Maiquetia to Barinas

Option 2: Caracas – Barinas

Take a bus from Caracas to Barinas.

PROS: This is the cheapest option. The sleeper-buses travel through the night and you can sleep on the reclining seats or watch films. There are several companies with departures every day so there is no problem with availability.

CONS: The sleeper-buses are chilly so you need to wear warm clothing and take a blanket. Also, if your flight arrives in Venezuela after the last bus departs, around 2130 hrs, and depending on how long it takes to get through customs and get transferred to the bus station, you will have to spend the night in Caracas and leave the following day. For this reason we are unable to book the buses and you will have to buy the bus ticket on arrival in Caracas.