30 November - 6 December 2026 - confirmed

Our main stay will be at the historic Hato Santana Hacienda, a legendary ranch in Casanare, with centuries of history tied to cattle work - a tradition it still preserves almost exactly as it was lived in the past. The ranch occasionally opens its doors to visitors who want to experience the real daily rhythm of the Llanos, meet llanero families, witness and take part in traditional practices, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the flooded savannas that form part of this natural reserve. Rooms are comfortable, simple, and rustic, reflecting the authentic character of the region. Accommodation is based on double rooms, with private rooms for couples and shared rooms (2–4 beds) for other participants, depending on availability.

One night is spent in a traditional “fundo”, a small remote ranch house in the plains, where you will sleep in hammocks under the open sky, accompanied by local songs and stories - a rare opportunity to live the land as the Llaneros do.

Before and after the ranch stay, accommodation is provided in a quality hotel in Yopal for comfort and logistics.

Day 1 – Arrival in Yopal | First Contact with Llanero Culture

Arrival throughout the day in Yopal. Welcome meeting with the group and introduction to the journey. In the afternoon, visit local Llanero saddleries to discover traditional horse tack and craftsmanship. Welcome dinner and overnight in Yopal.

Day 2 – Entering the Llanos | Riding into Hato Santana

After breakfast, drive to Fundación Matabrava, one of Hato Santana’s satellite ranches. Meet the llaneros and receive your horses.

Horse assignment for the days ahead : from this moment, the group enters the real working rhythm of the ranch - depending on the caporal’s decision, this day may include the madrina (leading group) of the saddle horses entering the ranch, or riding with a smaller group of llaneros, if the day’s work requires it. From here, the journey becomes real: ride across savannas and streams into the main ranch of Hato Santana. Evening arrival, room assignment and dinner at the hacienda.

Day 3 – Plains Work Begins | Gathering the Cattle

Before dawn, saddle up and ride out with the llaneros for your first day of trabajo de llano. You will accompany real cattle roundups across flooded savannas, driving herds of semi-wild cattle through water channels and open plains. Lunch in the field, followed by corral work or continued riding depending on the day’s needs. Dinner and rest at the ranch.

Day 4 – Deep into Llanero Life

Another early start for plains work alongside the llaneros. Observe the coordination between riders, horses, dogs, and foremen in demanding, real working conditions. Afternoon dedicated to ranch life: cattle sorting, traditional techniques, learning about daily operations. Evening gathering at the ranch, often with music and stories.

Day 5 – Tradition, Skills & Culture

Morning plains work continues. In the afternoon, a deeper immersion into traditional skills: learn how to make rawhide ropes (rejos), cabrestos, and prepare provisions for the following days. Time for lasso practice and horse preparation. Evening dedicated to Llanero singing and storytelling in the stables.

Day 6 – Riding Beyond the Ranch | Fundo & Wildlife

After morning work, ride across the savanna to one of the ranch’s traditional fundos - remote working houses deeply rooted in the history of the Llanos. Lunch at the fundo and participation in traditional activities. Later, a ride through open savanna to observe free-roaming cattle and wildlife.

Farewell celebration in the evening with the llaneros. One night spent in hammocks, in the traditional Llanero way.

Day 7 – Lagoon & Return to Yopal

After breakfast, explore the lagoon area by foot or boat, with optional fishing and wildlife observation. Lunch at the ranch before departure. Return to Yopal by small plane (weather permitting) or on horseback via Matabrava. Overnight in Yopal depending on flight schedules.

Day 8 – Departure

Transfer to the airport and individual departures. End of the experience.

Price: 3600 EUR | 4200 USD

Single room supplement - upon request

Deposit: 1000 EUR

Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Check visa requirements for your respective country. Travelers must present a proof of return/onward travel, and complete the mandatory "Check-Mig" form 1 – 72 hours before departure.

What is included:

• 6 days immersed on horseback, riding Casanareño criollo horses

• 7 nights’ accommodation:

  • 6 nights in the historic Hato Santana hacienda (working ranch)

  • 1 night in a traditional fundo, sleeping in hammocks in the savanna

• All meals during the program + an open bar (all you can drink)

• Transfers to/from Yopal Airport and all ground transfers related to the program

• Horses and tack, including saddlebags

• Professional bilingual guides & local Llanero cowboys

• Luggage transfers throughout the experience

• Support aircraft available in case of emergency

What is not included:

• International and inbound flights

• Visa (if required)

• Travel & medical insurance

• Tips for staff and cowboys

• Personal expenses

Level: Intermediate / Advanced

The Rider

This experience is designed for experienced riders with solid trail skills, strong balance, and good physical condition, who are comfortable riding in real, working-ranch environments.

You should be confident at all paces and in varied situations: riding in open savannas, crossing water, working around cattle, and spending long hours in the saddle. Riders must be able to saddle and manage their own horses and adapt quickly to changing terrain and conditions.

Expect 4 to 8 hours on horseback per day, depending on the needs of the ranch, weather conditions, and cattle movement. Some days are shorter and focused on technique and observation; others may be long and physically demanding, following herds across flooded plains and open grasslands.

This is not a choreographed trail ride - flexibility, mental resilience, and respect for the working rhythm of the Llanos are essential.

Rider weight limit: approx. 85 kg (187 lbs). Heavier riders may be accepted only upon prior arrangement, subject to horse availability.

Horses

You will ride Casanareño Criollo horses, bred for generations in the Llanos to withstand heat, water, distance, and demanding cattle work.

These horses are medium-sized, calm, highly resistant, and exceptionally sure-footed, equally comfortable walking for hours through flooded savannas or responding quickly when cattle movement requires speed and precision. Tack is traditional and functional, adapted to long working days in the plains. Saddlebags are provided for water and personal essentials, while main luggage is transported separately, allowing you to ride light and free.

Route & Riding Conditions

Over 6 days on horseback, you will ride across the vast, open landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía - flooded savannas, grasslands, streams, lagoons, and working corrals.

This is not a fixed route, but a living itinerary shaped by the ranch’s real operations. You will move with the llaneros as they gather, drive, and manage herds of semi-wild cattle across territories that change daily with climate and water levels.

Expect a natural rhythm dominated by long walks and steady trotting, punctuated by moments requiring speed, agility, and quick reactions when working cattle or crossing open ground.

Some sections may require dismounting and leading your horse through water, mud, or tight passages - all part of the authentic plains work experience.

This journey is not about distance or speed, but about reading the land, understanding cattle, and becoming part of a living tradition that has shaped this territory for centuries.