Our AIM
Our aim is to provide visitors with a true experience of Llano culture.
Our Vision
We wish to become a pioneer in eco-tourism. Our aim is to showcase the culture of the Llano, both nationally and internationally. In this way, we will contribute to the employment and development of our region.
Our Mission
We wish to offer tourists the best of Llano hospitality, gastronomy and guided tours. Our aim is to ensure the happiness of our guests while showing them the true meaning of Llano culture. We are also committed to protecting our environment.
Wildlife in its natural habitat
Mammals
* 4 dawned
* 1 endemic
Birds
* 1 threatened
* 6 endemic
Reptiles
* 4 dawned
* 2 endemics
Amphibians
* 2 endemic
Where to find us
The Finca El Paraíso is found on the open savannah around 60km down the Yopal – Quebradesca highway (Vía Yopal-Quebradesca). To find us, follow the paved highway towards Orocué, through scenery made famous by José Eustacio Rivera’s novel The Vortex..
As you leave Yopal, you’ll see our beautiful sunrises, palm trees, rice fields, and the immense savannah. At the finca, we preserve the traditions of the Llano, including stunning countryside, cattle corrals, mangrove forests along the riverside, milking songs, horse-riding, the typical Llanero house. You’ll also see our ‘caney’, a covered area for socialising. You’ll taste the typical food of the Llano. In short, you’ll learn what makes the Llano unique. Finca El Paraíso is the perfect place for adventure and nature. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, as well as large animals such as giant anteater, tamandua and spectacled caiman.
The Culture of the Llano
The traditional Llano stable has many different varieties of saddle, reins and stirrups. Along with water bottles and work tools, these are hung on the ‘garabato soguero’, a sort of traditional stand. Branding irons, specialised ropes and saws, whips, snacks are also necessary parts of the Llanero saddlebag.
Our old cottage is made of a traditional building materal, ‘bahareque’. It comes complete with a ‘Caney’, palm roof, earth flooring. Here you’ll find our water tank and bathrooms. On the other side of the house is our traditional barbecue area. You’ll also find a museum of Llano culture.
Our dramatic countryside is characterised by rolling hills, ponds and wetlands, woodland set in savannah, scrubland, and stone-strewn pastures of cutgrass.
Llano Horse-riding
Ride among our ponds, through the woods or across the savannah. The Llanero takes his reins and stirrups from the stable; expert riders, we learn to saddle horses from an early age.
On horseback, you and your guide will round up the cattle with traditional songs. You’ll pass the ponds, the savannah and the woods. Along the way, you’ll hear music and stories from the Llano, as well as enjoying a traditional snack.
Milking with Traditional Song
Llaneros milk their cattle in the corral, singing traditional songs and reciting poetry. Visitors will take part in the lassooing of our young calves. This activity includes a typical variety of coffee.
Walk our Eco-Trails
Walk along our eco-trails, listening to the folk-tales of the Llano. Here you’ll discover a large variety of plants and trees, including dipteryx, guarataro, rain tree, nauno, macolla, lacmellea, copaiba, kapok, carob and Attalea butyracea. There are also plenty of animal species to be seen, such as hoatzin, many types of parrot, Colombian chachalaca, yellow-rumped caciques, savannah side-necked turtle, red-footed tortoise, burrowing owl, spectacled caiman and much more.
Learn about Llanero Culture in our ‘Caney’
The ‘Caney’ is a traditional Llano social area with a palm roof and earth floor. Here you’ll learn about the culture of the Llano, its traditions, the way its people live, and the tools those people live. You’ll also hear traditional music and sayings.