Amazonas and Orinoco
Travel to the green and wild heart of Colombia
The destination: Dense, wild rainforest bordering great, wide plains characterize this extensive part of the country.
In the northern part of the region, Los Llanos [loz 'ʎa nos], the great plains, stretch beyond the horizon and are brimming with exotic wildlife. It is not only home to cattle farmers, numerous wild animals like capybaras, caymans, birds or coatism, but also offers astonishing sights like the river Caño Cristales ['ka ɲo kris 'ta les], Crystal Canyon, a colourful spectacle due to special algae that grows on its bottom.
In the southern part, wild rainforest, bordering the Amazon river, is home to countless indigenous tribes, impressive flora and fauna, as well as unique natural sights.
Its people: Los Llaneros are real cowboys, known for their solidarity and commitment, and are always happy to share an insight into their lives. The Amazon region is one of the least densely populated región of the country but you meet people from every corner of Colombia who have settled down in the rainforest.
Typical food: Carne a la mamona ['kar ne a la ma 'mo na] = thin cuts of veal, nailed to long metal rods and roasted slowly over woodfire; Chicharrones de pirarucú [tʃi tʃa 'řo nez ðe pi ra ru 'ku] = seasoned, breaded and finally fried pieces of pirarucú, a typical fish of the region
Fun fact: The typical cowboy songs of the Llaneros were declared intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO.