The Llanos or Savannah cover nearly a third of the country’s territory. It is the country’s largest repository of wildlife containing over 300 bird species and animals unique to this area. Here we find the world’s largest rodent, the Chiguirre, the Caribe - the fierce fish capable of eating a man in seconds--, the colorful five-foot catfish, the fanged Payara, wild boars, crocodiles, monkeys, pumas, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, ant-eaters, and many more. This area is populated by Llaneros (Venezuelan cowboys) who live in ranches. Some of the nicest and largest cattle ranches, known as Hatos, have turned to eco-tourism providing comfortable lodges and offering safaris on boat and four-wheel drive vehicles. The area can be reached after a three-hour car ride from the Barinas airport or a six-hour drive from the city of Merida.
Activities in Los Llanos include:
Wildlife observation
Hiking
Bird watching
Horseback riding
Climate:
Los Llanos features two complete different seasons: The rainy season extends from mid May to mid November and is characterized by heavy showers and average temperatures in the mid 80s. From December to April, Los Llanos suffers a complete makeover with extremely dry weather and temperatures ranging in the mid nineties.
