Los Llanos are extensive, virtually untouched
lowlands. They are considered natural wildlife reserves, providing optimal
living conditions for wildlife development. There are vast cattle ranches
in Los Llanos called hatos; many of their owners are protectors of the
rich wildlife. The extensive fauna of the region includes capybaras, babas
(small alligators), alligators, iguanas, monkeys, anteaters, snakes, more
than 300 bird species and the Orinoco Caiman, an endangered alligator
species.
Hato El Cedral is the perfect getaway for
nature and wildlife lovers. It is large cattle breeding ranch and a private
reserve, ideal for observation of a large variety of Venezuelan fauna.
A stay in Hato El Cedral includes wildlife observation excursions by vehicle
and boat. El Cedral Ranch is one of the most beautiful places in the world
to experience an outstanding display of wildlife and a unique landscape,
for both of which it is world-renowned. It is a perfect destination for
the ecotourist to experience a completely unique natural reserve.
Hundreds of species run freely, unaware
of man's presence among them: anacondas (the biggest snake in the world),
giant anteaters, white tailed deer, red howler monkeys, pink dolphins,
pumas, jaguars, crocodiles, caimans, capybaras (the largest rodent in
the world), and more than 340 registered species of birds (herons, egrets,
storks, ibises, black-bellced ducks, hoatzins, scarlet macaws and orinoco
geese, etc.). They are some of the reasons why El Cedral is considered
an ecological reserve. In this place hunting has been banned for many
years. El Cedral is the only ranch in the oriniquia system where wildlife
is so friendly and abundant. This is why it is classified as the best
of the Venezuelan plains!
Excellent natural conditions of hydrological
systems create a large water reserve that help sustain the abundant animal
life and vegetation year round. 140 Km (87 milles) of roads inside the
ranch make it possible to visit all sectors at any time of the year. El
Cedral ranch has become a landmark for international researchers in the
natural sciences. The ranch is endorsed by institutions such as the National
Geographic, Magazine of the National Geographic Society in USA, BBC from
London, Discovery Channel, New York Zoological Society, London Zoo, Los
Llanos University and Simon Bolivar University in Venezuela.
El Cedral comes with a friendly crew and
bilingual tour guides. For us it is important that while you are here
you feel at home and spend a marvelous, unforgettable stay as you enjoy
breathtaking landscapes and great services. Among our main visitors you
will find: bird watchers, adventure tourists, researchers, environmentalists,
naturalists and observers of tropical species.
El Cedral is equipped with 25 comfortable
air-conditioned cabins with ceiling fans and private bathrooms with hot
water. Among the ammenities are a swimming pool and a pleasant dining
room where native and international food is available. Telephone and fax
facilities are also available. Night entertainment ranges from wildlife
video projections, the opportunity to participate in scientific presentations
or simply relax and enjoy the rhythm of a local "llanero" music
group.
Day 1: Barinas - Hato El Cedral (L/D)
Arrival in Barinas airport and 3 hour transfer to Hato el Cedral, located
in the middle of the Llanos, the Venezuelan lowlands. Along the way, you
will already see different birds and some small crocodiles. As soon as
you reach the hato´s gates, you will transfer if necessary
- to a jeep in order to drive through the muddy road to your accommodation.
Lunch will be served in the lounge and will have some time at leisure
to relax at the pool or walk around and take pictures of nearby animals.
Late afternoon is the best time to observe animals, which is why your
first excursion starts at around 4 p.m. You will drive around the Hato
el Cedral in an open van converted into a safari vehicle. You will observe
an abundance of South American wildlife such as chigüires (capybaras),
babas (small caimans), caimans, iguanas, turtles, monkeys, anteaters,
snakes (perhaps even see an anaconda), and a large variety of birds; there
are more than 300 bird species in the area.
Day 2: Wildlife Safari (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will go on another tour in the safari vehicle to
explore different areas of the Hato. You will return to the ranch for
lunch. In the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Río Matiyure
to observe caimans, river dolphins and a wide variety of birds. Piranha
fishing is also quite exciting.
Day 3: Hato El Cedral Barinas (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Barinas. End of services.
Itinerary subject to change without notice!
The 2012 rate in USD is: per person in double
room: USD 360 (min. 2 people). single room supplement: USD 23 per person
to this program you have only to add the flights CCS-Barinas-CCS
= USD 230 roundtrip
Included
Transfer from/to BarinasAccommodation as indicatedMeals
as indicatedWildlife safaris with the Jeep or boatLocal English
speaking guide
Not included
Night excursionsBeverages to the mealsPortesPersonal
ExpensesTips
Bring: Solid walking shoes and
Trekking sandalsHat or scarfInsect repellentSun protection
/ sunblock lotionLight cotton trousersSwimsuitBath towelRain
ponchoFlashlightPenknifeCamera
The boat trip along the Matiyure River
cannot be guaranteed from January to June.
There are no flights between Caracas and Barinas
on Saturdays.
An Andes Tour is recommended before or after this tour.