Casanare is a department in eastern Colombia, set on the great plains that run east from the Andes toward the Orinoco. It is a place of wide grasslands, where the land seems to open out until it meets the sky, and where the rhythm of life follows the cattle and the seasons.
Life on the plains
The region is the home of the llaneros, the cowboys of the Colombian plains. A visit here offers a direct look at their culture, from traditional cattle ranching to the folk music that accompanies everyday life. Many travellers come to see how the llanero way of working the land has shaped local customs, food and speech.
The wet season
The character of the landscape changes with the rains. During the wet season the savannas flood, and the water draws a great deal of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see many bird species and caimans in and around the wetlands, which makes this period especially rewarding for anyone interested in nature. The dry months bring a different landscape, with the grasslands open and the horizon wide.
What to expect
- Open grassland and flooded savanna, depending on the season
- Traditional cattle ranching and llanero culture
- Folk music as part of local life
- Birdwatching and wildlife in the wetlands
- Some of the notable sunsets in South America, seen across the flat horizon
Casanare suits travellers who want to step away from crowded cities and spend time in a large, quiet region shaped by its plains. It rewards those who come with patience, an interest in rural life, and a willingness to travel some distance across open country.
