Today is devoted to exploring the savanna and flooded grasslands of the Los Llanos region, with its lush forests and wild rivers that come from the vast Orinoco basin.
Cattle ranching by accomplished 'llaneros' (Colombian cowboys) co-exists here with local wildlife. The llaneros have a very distinctive culture and preserve their traditions, which include horseback riding barefoot, singing to call and ease their cattle, and playing the harp and cuatro guitar. Their work songs are sung in a cappella style on the themes of herding, horses, adventure and love.
Shared activities vary by lodge but typically include shared early morning or late afternoon nature walks, exploring the creeks by 'curiara' (a traditional canoe), horse riding, 4x4 jeep rides, birding and artisanal fishing for 'caribes' (piranhas) which are a local delicacy. You can learn about local conservation initiatives and tracking systems used to study wildlife. You may even see cowboys in action as they round up their cattle.
In the freshwater rivers and lagoons you can hope to see giant otters, caimans, turtles, pink river dolphins, frogs, insects and the critically endangered Orinoco crocodile. This is also the natural habitat of the anaconda, one of 65 reptile species found in this area. It is the heaviest snake in the world and can reach up to 20 ft (6 m) in length.
It it difficult to see much wildlife in this 7,000 hectare private reserve, but if you are fortunate you may see some of the 200 different mammals found here, including the impressive giant anteater that visits up to 200 termite nests per day. You can also hope to see the lesser anteater, iguana, white-tailed deer, howler monkey, sloth, tortoise, tapir, collared peccary, nocturnal armadillo, jaguarundi, ocelot, capybara (the largest rodent in the world) and their predators - the black panther, puma and mighty jaguar, although these magnificent creatures are rarely seen. These rich tropical grasslands also offer a diverse birding experience, with both mountain and Amazonian species present - as these open plains link the Andes with the Amazon.
In the evenings enjoy star gazing in clear skies free from any light pollution.
Note: The best time to visit Los Llanos is from December to March (the dry season), when wildlife ventures out looking for water. Rubber boots and ponchos are provided, but wear a hat and light quick-drying trousers and use mosquito repellent.