Los Llanos

Department: Meta Capital: Villavicencio (population 400,000) Altitude: 470m at Villavicencio, less further south and east Climate: Hot (average temp. 27ºC)

Villavicencio (known locally and in Bogota as 'Villavo') is the gateway to Los Llanos (the plains) of south-eastern Colombia. It is situated a couple of hours heading down off the mountains south of Bogota. On the way you pass through a long tunnel which has significantly shortened the journey time. It is one of Colombia's less interesting cities, but the department of Meta's real treats lie far from Villavicencio's hot city streets.

About 90km on from Villavicencio is the small town of Puerto Lopez. From there it's possible to find local guides to organise trips along the rivers or longer excursions into los Llanos. The same is true of Puerto Gaitan, a further 110km east of Puerto Lopez.

It's possible to see Los Llanos as a day trip from Bogota, but it would probably be a bit rushed, so if possible try to spend a night or two. Camping is a great idea if you can find someone with a tent.

Los Lanos is home to a beautiful type of music usually referred to as 'musica llanera' (plains music). It uses the harp and is widely listened to in the part of Colombia.