Tourism in Vichada

The department of Vichada is the last great virgin nature destination of the Colombian Eastern Llanos. Its vastness —100,242 km², the second largest in Colombia— contrasts with a tiny population and wild fauna that includes anacondas, jaguars, anteaters, toninas (river dolphins) and thousands of water birds. Puerto Carreño, at the confluence of the Meta and Orinoco with Venezuela, is Colombia's most isolated capital and a starting point to explore El Tuparro National Natural Park and the infinite high plains.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF VICHADA

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Vichada:

Attraction	Type	Description
El Tuparro National Park	Ecotourism / Nature	Colombia's Pantanal: flooded savannas, Tuparro rapids, unique fauna. River access.
Orinoco — Sport Fishing	Adventure / Fishing	One of the best rivers in the world for catching pavón (tucunaré), payara and arowana. World records.
Puerto Carreño — Orinoco-Meta Confluence	Border city	The point where the Meta and Orinoco rivers meet. View of Venezuela. Active river port.
Vichada High Plains	Ecotourism / Fauna	Infinite savannas with anteaters, deer, birds of prey and the total silence of the extreme plain.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN VICHADA

El Tuparro National Park is the only national park in Colombia with large-scale rapids (the Tuparro rapids). It is home to over 300 bird species, 60 mammals and 110 fish. The Vichada high plains are one of the least studied and most threatened ecosystems in Colombia due to agricultural expansion.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF VICHADA

The Sáliba, Piaroa and Sikuani indigenous peoples of Vichada maintain traditions of river fishing, moriche fiber crafts and shamanism. Puerto Carreño has a unique mestizo llanero-Venezuelan identity due to its border position. The Orinoco Festival celebrates river culture every year.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF VICHADA

Mamona (veal roasted on a spit), cachapa, llanera hayaca, Orinoco fish (pavón, laulau, cachama), moriche (palm heart and fruit), corn chicha. Roasted iguana and morrocoy turtle (now protected) were traditional dishes, today replaced by veal and fish.

HOW TO GET THERE

Satena flies Bogotá–Puerto Carreño (2 h) 2–3 times per week. Road from Villavicencio (16–20 h, partially paved). To El Tuparro: boat from Puerto Carreño (4–6 h).

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