Tourism in Meta

The department of Meta is the gateway to the Eastern Llanos and home to Caño Cristales, nicknamed "the river of five colors" and considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. Villavicencio, just 80 km from Bogotá, is the quintessential llanera capital: joropo, coleo, mamona and cattle farming. Sierra de la Macarena National Natural Park is home not only to Caño Cristales but also to landscapes of tepuis, savannas and jungle in a unique geological combination.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF META

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Meta:

Attraction	Type	Description
Caño Cristales	Unique nature	River of colors (red, yellow, green, blue) thanks to macarenia clavigera. Season: June–November. UNESCO Geopark Heritage.
Sierra de la Macarena National Park	Ecotourism	Tepuis, canyons, waterfalls, unique fauna of Andean-Orinoco-Amazon transition.
Villavicencio — Llanera Culture	City / Culture	Joropo Festival (June), coleo, cattle ranches, Aguaita hot springs, Guatiquia River butterflies.
Flooded Plains of Meta	Ecotourism	October–November. Flooded savannas with water birds, capybaras, anacondas, alligators.
Cascada del Amor — La Macarena	Nature	Crystal clear waterfall near La Macarena. One of several waterfalls in the park.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN META

The Sierra de la Macarena National Park is the only place in the world where three major ecosystems converge: Andes, Orinoquía and Amazon. This confluence generates extraordinary biodiversity of over 1,100 species of fauna. The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) inhabits the rivers of Meta.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF META

Joropo is the soul of the Llanos: International Joropo Festival in Villavicencio (June) with harp, cuatro and maracas competition. Coleo (bull tripping on horseback) is sport and llanera culture. Llanera gastronomy —mamona and cachapa— is part of the regional identity.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF META

Mamona (veal roasted on a spit), corn cachapa, llanera hayaca, pabellón criollo, mojito llanero, insulso, rice masato. Trout from the Ariari River is a special dish in Villavicencio restaurants.

HOW TO GET THERE

Bus from Bogotá to Villavicencio (1.5–2 h via the Llano highway). Flight from Bogotá to La Macarena (Satena, 1.5 h). Caño Cristales: only accessible from La Macarena (flight + boat).

Also check the climate of Meta and the list of municipalities of Meta to plan your visit.