Piedemonte Llanero: Birdwatching, Wellness and Horseback Experiences

The piedmont plains (also known as Piedemonte llanero) is one of the most interesting regions to visit in Colombia. The Piedemonte llanero is a geographic strip that limits the Andean mountain ranges and the Llanos Orientales. It covers a wide range of biomes along the eastern edge of the eastern mountain range of Colombia.

It comprises an ecological transition zone between the mountain forests and the highland savannas. For that reason, the soils are very fertile in this area. Soil fertility is important in ecological and agricultural aspects. Paradoxically, this ecosystem is threatened by soils being heavily exploited for crops and livestock.

Here I will tell you everything you can do in the Piedemonte Llanero Route in Meta, only a 20-minute flight from Bogotá.

Piedemonte Llanero Route

If you want to know the factories of “Pan de Arroz” (rice bread, yes!), the “a la llanera” steakhouses, take a bath in hot springs, ride in one of the best horse stables in Colombia, watch incredible birds and rest in serene places, this is the route for you!

Location

The piedmont plains include part of the departments of Arauca, Boyacá, Casanare, Meta and Caquetá.

The “piedemonte llanero” of the Meta department is located between the municipalities of Restrepo, Cumaral and Barranca de Upía to the east of Villavicencio.

Piedemonte Llanero Route – Google Maps

Weather

The piedemonte llanero has two periods of rainfall that reach their maximum in April and September. It has an average annual temperature of 26 °C. It is a region with high relative humidity, ~ 80%, so you must be careful with pieces of equipments such as cameras, microphones, phones, etc.

Also, if you leave your room for more than a week without ventilation, you will probably find a fungus film covering everything when you are back. Be careful with this, and always ask for extra clean bed clothes and well-ventilated rooms. The fungus can create allergies or even settle in your ears.

What to do in the Piedemonte Llanero Route

The starting point is the city of Villavicencio, taking the bridge Mi Llanura over the river Guatiquía, in the Troncal del llano road.

Visit Bioparque Los Ocarros

The first point of this route is the Bioparque Los Ocarros. This park is a sanctuary of fauna and flora of the Eastern Plains. It has an extension of 5.7 hectares which are divided into seven sectors around a central lake.

The bio park recreates the natural environment of almost 600 animals that live there. There are mammals, reptiles, and birds. There is also an aquarium with more than 50 species of freshwater fish, the largest in the country.

Additionally, you will find a butterfly farm, a large collection of turtles, and a serpentarium with species such as rattlesnakes, boas, anacondas and rainbow boas. It is an excellent place for children, and to visit as a family plan.

Ocarro – Priodontes maximus picture Bioparque Los Ocarros Website

Birdwatching, horse riding, and organic products at Restrepo

Then, continuing the route, you will find the municipality of Restrepo. Restrepo is known as the salt capital of the department of Meta, because of the artisanal exploitation of salt.

Salt was first exploited by the Guayupe indigenous community. You can visit the Upin Salt Mines, and the salt water springs. There you can observe the process of watering, collecting and transforming this precious mineral.

Restrepo is also known as the “Green Municipality” of Meta because of its natural wealth and landscapes. Also, it is the “World Capital of Rice Bread” (Pan de Arroz).

Pan de Arroz – Rice Bread ©https://www.noticiasdelmeta.com.co/aprenda-a-elaborar-pan-de-arroz-gratis/

At Restrepo you can visit the hills of the Caney Alto tourist corridor and watch the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, visit the Rancho Camaná Natural Reserve for birdwatching, visit the La Cosmopolitana farm which offers 100% organic products, as well as Campo Ecológico Gramalote for horseback riding.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock – Rupicola peruvianus, male at Altos del Caney, Restrepo, Meta

At Campo Ecológico Gramalote there are three routes to ride in natural settings and live the experience of the Llanos. These rides can last between one and two and a half hours.

The participants receive basic lessons in a barouche, are attended by the guides of the field, and have the possibility, at the end of the tour, to attend an equestrian show.

Horse riding at Campo Ecológico Gramalote, Restrepo, Meta

Work of the Llanos, Dairy, and Mamona at Cumaral

On the way to Cumaral, at km 21, you can enjoy one of the best factories of dairy products in the region: Lácteos La Catira. There you can learn how to make cheese, and also try the best yogurts and cheese bread you can imagine.

Continuing the route you will find the municipality of Cumaral, a typical llanero town where you can experience the work of the llanos, visit the Manga de Coleo, and enjoy the meat “a la llanera”, popularly known as “Mamona”, a typical dish of the eastern plains.

“Mamona”, is meat from a calf less than 9 months old. This meat has a tender texture that is very pleasant for the palate. Its preparation is relatively simple, the meat is marinated with beer, salt and other seasonings.

Once it is ready, it is threaded into large wooden sticks, which are placed around a fire to guarantee its uniform cooking. The meat is accompanied with yucca, potato and plantain, and with beer or the popular Refajo (Colombian soda with barley beer).

Mamona picture by Cumaral City Hall

The World Meeting of Vaquería (Cowboys) is held in Cumaral. It takes place in the “Manga de Coleo” Hernán Braidy Braidy. Coleo is the main sport of the Llanero man. It is made up of a trilogy of rider, horse, and bull. The rider’s objective is to knock down the bull by pulling its tail.

This sport is practiced in a track called Manga de Coleo. Many animal lovers are against this tradition. But it is part of the daily tasks of a cowboy in the Llanos when he has to handle the cattle in the great plains.

When leaving Cumaral, you take the road that leads to the Cundinamarca municipalities of Paratebueno and Maya, on the route to reach the municipality of Barranca de Upía in Meta. In Barranca de Upía you can try famous dishes such as: “carne a la perra”, “sancocho”, “carne asada”, “muchacho relleno”, “carne de marisca”, among others.

Also, in Barranca de Upia you can visit the Cerro Mirador, the Guaicaramo Hot Springs, and Aguas Calientes. There are natural water pools which, according to the locals, help to improve different illnesses due to the minerals they carry.

The water heats up on the surface due to a geological rift in the foothills of the Eastern mountain range, between the municipalities of Villavicencio and Barranca de Upía. This natural phenomenon has become a tourist destination known as Termales de Aguas Calientes, a private nature reserve located 102 kilometers from Villavicencio.

There you can enjoy Turkish baths made of wood that collect the steam from the high temperatures. Also, you will find cold springs, hot springs, a hot pool, a mud therapy area and a waterfall. All these attractions are natural formations. You will also be able to know how small oil springs emerge from the ground and water streams.

Where to Stay when you Visit the Piedemonte Llanero

During the entire trip there is a permanent offer of hotels, including a five-star hotel. I will recommend three places that offer completely different but equally fulfilling experiences.

Hacienda Las Mercedes

This is a private accommodation, with a swimming pool and access to the Campo Ecológico Gramalote. It is a Spanish style house with a central patio and ample rooms with private bathrooms.

There you can relax, take walks around the hacienda, go horseback riding, enjoy the pool, and be in an environment just for you and your family or friends.

Hacienda Las Mercedes

Ecolodge Cosmogénesis

The Ecolodge Cosmogenesis is an agro-eco-touristic, therapeutic, and formative center that will provide you with moments of harmony with nature and will contribute to your optimal spiritual, mental, and physical state.

This is a place that has for you an exquisite healing energy and that will provide you with everything you need to live a unique stay.

Ecolodge Cosmogénesis

Rancho Camaná Nature Reserve

Camaná means Carlos, Martha, and Nathalia. Since 1993 they have transformed a livestock area into a small civil society nature reserve.

Rancho Camaná offers lodging services, all under strict sustainability protocols. It is the number one place in the region, and one of the most recognized in the country, for its commitment to the environment through conservation, education, and waste treatment.

Rancho Camaná Nature Reserve

If you want to know more about Colombian nature tours or want to visit the Piedemonte llanero route in Meta, follow us, write us comments, or just contact us.


References

  • Briceño Vanegas G. Evolución de la integridad estructural de ecosistemas lóticos del piedemonte llanero frente a la intervención antrópica. Acta biol. Colomb. 2015; 20(2):133-144. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15446/abc.v20n2.42307
  • http://www.turismometa.gov.co/
  • http://www.cumaral-meta.gov.co/

About the author

Sara Colmenares

Current director of Sula. Doctor in Biological Sciences. She is currently working as a consultant in functional ecology, ecosystem services and conservation projects in Colombia related to ecotourism and birdwatching.

Top 11 Best Thermal Destinations and Hot Springs in Colombia

Sometimes traveling can be stressful. There are so many plans you have to make and some activities may be physically demanding. But if you visit Colombia, there is no need to worry.

Thanks to its several volcanoes, Colombia boasts beautiful hot springs for tourists to relax after long, exhausting days of exploring the amazing nature destinations in the country.

Below are the hot springs in Colombia that you should visit.

Main hot springs around Colombia

Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs

Santa Rosa de Cabal is a town part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape known for two things: its chorizos santarrosanos and its hot springs. 1 hour from Pereira and 1.5 hours from Manizales, you can have the best wellness experience in the country.

Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal are the most recognized hot springs in Colombia since they are tasteless and odorless! You may be awe-struck to see the 95-meter high waterfall with 5 streams of cold water and enjoy the pools with therapeutic thermal waters.

This place has stunning landscapes full of life where tourists can experience rest, relaxation and fun in a mountainous natural environment – also suitable for birdwatching.

Those looking for soothing stress can be well-served at the spa, which offers a facial and body ritual for every taste. Also, those who love hiking can join the .

In this tour you will know the thermal water springs, the spectacular natural waterfall of thermal and cold water, a natural Turkish bath and different species of flora and fauna unique in the world.

There are different accommodation options for you to spend the night in the spa resort.

San Vicente Hot Springs 

Also in Santa Rosa de Cabal, San Vicente Thermal Reserve exists for more rustic travelers. ‘The most natural hot springs in Colombia’ is what these are known for.

Enjoy different thermal pools amidst the mountains of the Coffee Region, fed by geysers and algae, the Turkish bath and the unique thermal river surrounded by lush vegetation and singing birds.

You can visit the San Vicente Spa to have sand and mud therapy along with relaxing massages. Hosts have access to restricted hot springs and pools, for a more private wellness experience.

Whether you stay at the hotel or not, you cannot miss hiking along the ecological trails to discover the riverbanks of the Campoalegrito river, some cold water cascades, wooden bridges and much more.

Paipa Hot Springs

Paipa is a pretty town in Boyacá, about 1 hour from its capital Tunja and almost 2 hours from the famous colonial city of Villa de Leyva. Apart from the Sochagota lake, Paipa boasts several hot springs that attract hundreds of national and international tourists.

There are various resorts offering thermal baths, spas and aquatic sports, of which Parque Termal de Paipa stands out.

Pozo Azul is the source of the several thermal pools of the resort, with an average temperature of 75°C. Mineral salts, mud and algae are the components of the hot springs with medicinal powers, used in all kinds of treatments.

Parque Termal de Paipa offers its visitors a complete well-being circuit including a hydrotherapy center, massage therapy, spa and an aquatic park for the family. Your cravings will be catered at the park’s restaurant and cafe.

Termales del Ruiz Hot Springs

En route to Nevado del Ruiz, in Los Nevados National Natural Park’s buffer zone, Termales del Ruiz Hotel excels as one of the best spa resorts in Colombia. A luxurious hotel at 3,500 meters above sa level in the middle of a natural environment welcomes visitors looking for a relaxing stay in the Coffee Region.

The resort was built in 1937 and has hot springs at 39°C, which help you treat pain, respiratory and skin conditions and other types of health issues.

You can either have an amazing day trip if you are visiting Manizales and enjoy other activities such as ecologic hiking trails and birdwatching or spend one night in a comfortable room overviewing the forest.

Approximately 197 bird species get to the Caldas department, including the shining sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis), the Greybreasted Mountain Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca), the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani), the Buff-winged Starfronlet (Coeligena lutetiae), the Blackthighed Puffleg (Eriocnemis derbyi), and the Golden-fronted Whitestart (Myioborus ornatus).

Hacienda Termales la Quinta

La Quinta is located 25 kilometers from Villamaría, Caldas on the road to Nevado Santa Isabel. The main house has 6 rooms with their respective bathrooms and maximum capacity up to 16 people.

A comfortable social area, heated with a tube coil, through which the thermal water also passes, making this area warmer. Also from its corridors and social area, we can observe the waterfall “Las Nereidas” with a spectacular beauty.

As it is such an old house for riders, with stairs to access some of its rooms and because its arrival is on foot or on horseback, it is not advisable for people with some physical disability, children under 7 years old and adults over 70 years old.

The logistic team will be in charge of mounting the luggage on mules and guiding them on a horse ride through the horseshoe paths to the main house.

Popayán Hot Springs

The Pacific region in Colombia offers great hot springs too. Near the capital of Cauca, Popayán -‘the white city’, you can find the Coconuco hot springs. From Popayan, a 1-hour drive will take you to Agua Tibia and Agua Hirviendo thermals, which are popular destinations for day trips.

Termales Agua Tibia is a private spa resort that offers accommodation (whether an apartment or a camping zone), a thermal lake with option to have canoe rides and practice sport fishing, 6 non-sulfur hot spring pools with crystal clear waters ranging from 27°C to 40°C, and a medicinal mud Jacuzzi.

For a more fun experience, there is even a 53-meter long slide with thermal waters, a 300- meter zip line and a playground for children.

Termales Agua Hirviendo belongs to the Kokonuko indigenous reserve, an important native community in the region.

The entrance to the spa resort is just COP$10,000 for adults and COP$7,000 for children up to 8 years old. You can taste typical dishes at the restaurant and spend one night in one of the cabins, having more time to connect with nature in this harmonious place deemed as sacred.

Jurubirá Hot Springs

The Colombian Pacific coastal department of Choco is a remote nature destination, recently gaining prestige among travelers interested in nature tourism and ecotourism.

Jurubira is the second most populated village of Nuqui, one of the places where you get to see humpback whales up close. Apart from the jungle-fringed beach, the hot springs are a renowned tourist spot in Jurubira.

The tourism is managed by the Jagua indigenous community, which provides tourists a cultural insight of the region. Bathing in a hot spring in the middle of a rainforest is something everyone should experience.

Las Termales de Rivera, Huila

A more luxurious offer exists in the department of Huila, in the warm municipality of Rivera, 30 km from Neiva.

Las Termales de Rivera spa resort is a great option for a relaxation experience in connection with nature. Its waters spring from the ground at a temperature of 70ºC and descend through the waterfalls until they reach the thermal pool at 50ºC.

There is another pool with heated water and a 10-meter slide that ends in a lukewarm pool. Of course there is no complete experience without regional delicacies offered at the restaurant and the option to spend the night in a comfortable room.

Hot Springs near Bogotá

There are different destinations to head to if you feel like having a relaxed day in hot springs near Colombia’s capital.

Termales Santa Mónica, Choachí

On the foothills of the Eastern cordillera, just one hour east of Bogotá, this spa resort offers thermal waters that provide its pools, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath rooms with medicinal powers.

Termales Santa Monica is 10 minutes from the village of Choachi, formerly inhabited by Muisca peoples, which is surrounded by marvelous nature destinations such as La Chorrera waterfall -the highest in the country- and the Cruz Verde paramo.

You can have a quite relaxing day trip to this place where you can enjoy the Fuente de Piedra Spa, a resting space surrounded by native vegetation that offers massages and therapies with essential oils for your peace of mind, and the hot springs that help you stimulate your blood circulation, relax your muscles, detox your skin and relieve bone and muscle pains. Not bad!

Have a typical Colombian lunch at the restaurant and if you don’t want to rush back to Bogota, you can stay at the 3-building hotel with 48 rooms that have a view of the mountain or the resort. There is a bar where you can have a drink while dancing.

Chocontá and Machetá Hot Springs

The village of Macheta is located over 80 km from the north of Bogotá. There you can find spa resorts such as Los Volcanes and Nápoles.

Termales Los Volcanes is a sustainability committed resort that offers 4 thermal pools, a steam bath, a spa, accommodation and restaurant, all in a peaceful and natural environment.

Termales Nápoles is perfect for family recreational and ecotourism plans. It is in a paramo ecosystem that surrounds the Valle de Tenza region, so you can find many flora and fauna species. Its hot spring allows visitors to have a medicinal therapy and the lodge offers a calm stay.

Gachetá and Guasca Hot Springs

Other towns near Bogotá are Guasca and Gacheta, 54 and 100 kilometers from the city respectively, belonging to El Guavio province. In this zone you can find natural hot springs for reinvigorating your body and mind.

References
About the author

Ana María Parra

Modern Languages professional with emphasis on business translation. Interested in cultural adaptation of written and audiovisual content.  Passionate about knowing new cultures and languages, tourism and sustainable living.

Sara Colmenares

Current director of Sula. Doctor in Biological Sciences. Her main interests are to explore and understand the organism – environment interactions, taking advantage of emerging knowledge for the management and conservation of species and ecosystem services. She is currently working as a consultant in functional ecology, ecosystem services and conservation projects in Colombia related to ecotourism and birdwatching.