Tourism in Casanare
Complete tourism guide to Casanare: main attractions, ecotourism, culture, gastronomy and how to get there. Everything to see and do.
The department of Casanare is the quintessential llanero tourism destination in Colombia. Its cattle ranches, the streams and estuaries full of wildlife, and the llanero culture of joropo and coleo make Casanare a unique and unrepeatable experience. Capybaras in herds of thousands, alligators sunbathing on the sandbanks and flocks of scarlet ibis are images only found in the Colombian plains. Yopal and Paz de Ariporo are the main tourist operation centers.
MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF CASANARE
The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Casanare:
| Attraction | Type | Description |
| Llanero Cattle Ranches | Rural tourism / Culture | Stay in traditional hatos, horseback riding, milking, coleo. Authentic llanero culture experience. |
| Wildlife Watching — Estuaries | Ecotourism | Capybaras, alligators, anacondas, herons, scarlet ibis and over 300 bird species. |
| Llanero Coleo | Culture / Sport | Traditional llanero sport declared Cultural Heritage. Tournaments in Yopal and Paz de Ariporo. |
| Yopal International Coleo Festival | Festival | January. Colombia's most important llanero event with music, coleo and livestock exhibition. |
| Caño Cravo Norte | Nature / Adventure | Sport fishing for pavón, dorado and payara. Kayaking in plains streams. |
ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN CASANARE
El Cocuy National Natural Park (shared with Boyacá) has access from Sácama (Casanare). The Casanare floodplain is considered a wetland of international importance (Ramsar). The Meta River and its tributaries are unique aquatic biodiversity corridors.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF CASANARE
Joropo is the musical soul of Casanare. The Festival of the Llanera Bandola in Tame and the coleo festivals throughout the plains are celebrations of regional identity. The Casanareño llanero is recognized for his equestrian skill, hospitality and cuisine.
TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF CASANARE
Mamona (plains-style veal roasted on a spit), pabellón criollo, boiled cachicamo (armadillo), llanera hayaca, rice masato, corn chicha. Casabe and game meat are part of the Sáliva and U'wa indigenous tradition.
HOW TO GET THERE
El Alcaraván airport in Yopal, with flights from Bogotá (45 min). Bus from Bogotá (8–10 h) via the Sogamoso–Yopal highway.
Also check the climate of Casanare and the list of municipalities of Casanare to plan your visit.
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