The eastern plains cover a significant part of Colombian territory and have the least population due to their harsh conditions. This has fostered a culture where the horse plays an essential role in the lives of the Llaneros as it's the only and best way to navigate through the floodable savannas and their flooded streams. This makes it possible for the cowboy profession and cattle tasks.
The vast extensions of plains flood during the winter and have scarce water in the summer, marking two essential seasons for the cattle and their work schedules. The Hato Santana is a legendary ranch that clings to Llanero traditions and culture. Their plains' work is a dream for the 40 cowboys who are called during these seasons.
On this occasion, we will accompany the ranch's dynamics in preparing the horses to receive the cowboys for work. Each cowboy receives, based on experience, 3 or 4 horses for the job – one tame, one in the taming process, and a young horse to start taming. During this period, they gather herds of over 300 breeding mares to deworm them and separate the young horses ready for taming. They also groom their manes and tails, and if necessary, they separate the stallions from the herds.
Welcome to Yopal, the capital of Casanare. The meeting point is the Yopal airport. Therefore, you need to catch a flight from Bogotá to Yopal, Gate (EYP). A private 20-minute transfer will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel where we'll have a welcome dinner.
Important Note: Day-to-day work will be subject to the dynamics of flat work. This means that daily tasks may vary in time and distance and will be adjusted according to the criteria of the Caporal (plainsman in charge of flat work).
This is an all-inclusive 5TIERRAS experience
WHAT TO BRING CHECKLIST:
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Caladryl (itch relief lotion)
- 4 sets of quick-drying clothes (no jeans)
- Swimsuit
- Waterproof shoes
- Hat (that you don't mind getting wet)
- Knife
- Poncho (2)
- Clothes you aren't too attached to
- Sunscreen
- Pack everything in duffle bags or backpacks or dry bags. Avoid wheeled or rigid suitcases since everything might be carried on mules or tractors and can get wet.
- A dry bag we found useful on treks (purchased from Decathlon): [shorturl.at/mFKLU](shorturl.at/mFKLU)
- Some form of waterproof protection for your cameras/phones.
- If you like wearing jackets and are comfortable in them, bring them (not essential).
- As there are no nearby stores, bring your provisions (cigarettes, medicines, etc.) for 5 days.
- For the night, bring pajama pants and a top in case it gets cold.
RECOMMENDATIONS | WHAT NOT TO BRING CHECKLIST:
- Do NOT bring rain boots (we will provide them).
- Do NOT bring saddles (we will provide saddled horses).
- Do NOT bring laptops.
Climate:
The climate is tropical, situated at an altitude between 100 and 200 meters above the equator. Thus, there aren't distinct seasons but rainy and dry periods. Daytime temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Depending on the time of year, it can be humid with mosquitos, but nothing repellent can't handle. For more information, see the Wikipedia link on the Orinoquía region of Colombia: [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regi%C3%B3n_de_la_Orinoqu%C3%ADa_(Colombia)](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regi%C3%B3n_de_la_Orinoqu%C3%ADa_(Colombia))
Currency:
The Colombian currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).
1 USD = 4200 COP
1 EUR = 4500 COP
