Wildlife Hatos in the Llanos

The wildlife hatos in the Llanos, Venezuela’s seasonally flooded grassland plains, are large cattle ranches which have taken to wildlife conservation, some several decades ago, and which now thrive on support from visitors who come to see their remarkable results.

A typical day at one of these hatos starts with a morning safari by boat or vehicle, depending on season, returning for lunch and a siesta. There is another safari in the relative cool of the mid/late afternoon, perhaps concluding with a visit to a roosting site for the spectacle of thousands of water birds flying in for the night. Then it’s back to the ranch for drinks and dinner. Safaris are conducted in small groups, and guests eat together at set meal times. Night safaris are sometimes provided.

Between San Fernando de Apure and the Andes, the southern ‘low’ Llanos is characterised by flat land and vast open skies. The open landscape gives the wildlife little opportunity to hide. Access is relatively easy—to Barinas by air from Caracas or by road from Mérida.

Hato El Frío

Hato El Frío is one of the largest ranches in the region. It hosts a biological station run by scientists from Spanish universities, who carry out field research and implement projects such as the reintroduction of the Orinoco Crocodile. Little English is spoken by the trackers, though this is not usually a problem. Accommodation is good, but with no frills: rooms have fans and private bathrooms. 4 hr drive from Barinas.

Hato El Cedral

Hato Cedral is more specifically geared for visitors with a small swimming pool and comfortable rooms with a/c and private bathrooms. English-speaking naturalist guides are almost always available and the level of sightings is consistently high. 3hr drive from Barinas.

Hato Piñero

To the north, where the low plains meet higher land, pioneering Hato Piñero banned hunting 40 years ago. With well-established birding trails, a wide range of habitats, and bilingual naturalist guides this is the place for birders in search of a long list. It is 7hr drive from Caracas, or fly by privately chartered light plane.

Hato Cristero

Good accommodation, a strong connection with the llanero way of life, plus some of the main animals and birds: this working hato on higher land close to Barinas is an excellent all-round choice, but does not have the wildlife spectacle of the low llanos.

Regions:

Llanos

See also:

Birdwatching in Venezuela with Geodyssey

Guide prices

The guide price is per person based on 2 people travelling together and sharing twin/double accommodation.

Guide price includes: two guided wildlife safaris each day at the ranch, which are shared with other guests, and all meals while at the ranch.

The guide prices for Hato El Frio, Hato El Cedral include return flights from Caracas and road transfers to the lodge.

The guide price for Hato Pinero includes the long return road transfer from Caracas.

The guide price for Hato Cristero includes a return transfer from the nearby airport at Barinas.

* high season 15 Nov - 30 Apr.