The quest for some much-needed peace and quiet is one of the top reasons why Villavicencio is such a popular holiday destination. Visitors will be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and greenery, with Villavicencio’s proximity to the Andes, giving the city cool morning and evening breezes. Known as Gate to the Plains, Villavicencio is populated by about 495,000 people and is the most important commercial centre in the Llanos Orientales. The city is also quite convenient to reach, taking just 2 to 4 hours by car from Bogota, Colombia’s capital. Read on to learn about the best things to do in and around Villavicencio, Colombia.
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1. Witness the breathtaking views from Mirador Cristo Rey
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Situated atop the hill in the heart of Villavicencio, Cristo Rey is an incredible place to simply relax and meditate. Attracting thousands of tourists from around the world, this huge statue of Christ is a marvel to witness. The surrounding area is made into a beautiful garden that grows local plants and ornamental trees. With the breathtaking scenery around, you can click plenty of Instagram-worthy pictures here.
Mirador Cristo Rey
Address: Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Engage in outdoor activities at Tiuma Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Danta o tapir. Conocelos en #tiumapark #villavicencio #naturaleza @oamado19
Posted by Tiuma Park on Sunday, December 15, 2019
If you are travelling with your family or friends, this is a must-visit tourist attraction in Villavicencio. This theme park has a wide range of outdoor sports and activities, including ziplining, camping, horseback riding, exploring flora and fauna, swimming, and more. There is a residential area on the premises where you can choose to stay in a guesthouse or go camping. In addition, there is also a restaurant that serves delicious, authentic Colombian food. Guests mentioned that everything is very well organized, and the staff is extremely friendly and professional.
Tiuma Park
Address: km 15, Vía Puerto Lopez, Villavicencio meta, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Website: Tiuma Park
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)
3. Watch a concert at Plaza Los Libertadores
Situated in the heart of Villavicencio, this is the main plaza where you can find the whole community relaxing, playing, eating, and taking pictures to post on social media. There is a lovely fountain surrounded by cobblestone pavement, which is very Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, there are events and musical concerts that are arranged here for free. The best time to be here is during Christmas and New Year, when the whole plaza is decorated with beautiful lights.
Plaza Los Libertadores
Address: Cra. 33 #40-44, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Website: Plaza Los Libertadores
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Treat yourself to breathtaking views from Vereda El Carmen
If you are into outdoorsy activities such as hiking and mountain-biking, Vereda El Carmen is the ultimate place to be. This amazing mountain pass is filled with lush green coniferous trees that lead the way uphill. While hiking, there are plenty of small villages you will pass where you can stop for a relaxing beverage, some snacks, or even a cold beer. Since Villavicencio tends to have a hot climate, it is advisable to go hiking either during the early hours of the morning or the early evenings to witness the sunset from above the hills. It is recommended that people with a fair level of fitness go for this incline.
Vereda El Carmen
Address: Parte Alta De La Avenida Subiendo Por El Centro Comercial Villacentro, Villavicencio Colombia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Pamper yourself at Pozo Azul
Pozo Azul offers a unique take on dining experience. Here, you get to dine on mouthwatering fare while enjoying a spa. The restaurant itself has an unassuming ambience but the food is to die for. There is live music in the restaurant sometimes, perfect for guests who value the quality of food and enjoy relaxing in a homey restaurant. After your meal, try some of the authentic Colombian desserts here or take a dip in the spa pool downstairs.
Pozo Azul
Address: Km 5 Vía Antigua Restrepo Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
6. Reconnect with nature
Villavicencio’s nickname – the Gate to the Plains – refers to the tropical grassland plains of Los Llanos. Situated to the east of the Andes, these grasslands are rich in natural flora and fauna and is known to be home to more than 1,000 species of wildlife. This includes a wide variety of birds, such as herons, storks, egrets and spoonbills, making this place a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Los Llanos
Address: Llanos Region, Venezuela, Ituango, Antioquia, Colombia
7. Take in the best views
Get a bird’s eye view of the entire city at one of the best scenic viewing spots – Buenavista. If you’re in the city, this isn’t a sight you want to miss. It isn’t overly difficult to reach too. Buenavista is just a short 20-minute ride by car from the city centre. Popular times to come are at sunrise and sunset, where the sun’s rays bathe the city, giving it a warm glow.
8. Go to a rodeo at Malocas Park
Come experience some of Colombia’s culture: the Llanero, Latino herders known for their way with horses and cattle. Parque Las Malocas (or Malocas Park) has frequent shows of Llaneros demonstrating their rodeo skills and there are two major events that take place each year. The Cowgirl’s International World Cup takes place in March, while the World Coleo Championships are in October.
Parque Las Malocas
Address: Camino Ganadero, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Website: Parque Las Malocas
9. Learn how to do the Llanero Joropo dance
After watching a llanero demonstration, continue your education in Colombian culture by watching a Llanero Joropo dance. It is a traditional Llanero dance and visitors are encouraged to learn it. Alternatively, if you’re visiting Villavicencio in the middle of the year, you’ll be in time for the Joropo International Dance Tournament. The city’s streets become a sight to behold, full of colour and various celebratory events.
Llanero Joropo
Address: Camino Ganadero, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Website: Llanero Joropo
10. Visit Villavicencio’s ecological park
The Bioparque los Ocarros is a 5.5-hectare (13.6-acre) ecological park, housing more than 181 species of animals. The park is divided into seven different sections, showcasing different types of animals in the region, from reptiles like the Orinoco crocodile and mammals like the Andean bear and the white-tailed deer. Aside from animals, the bio-park also works with environmental authorities to preserve local fauna.
Bioparque los Ocarros
Address: 65, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Website: Bioparque los Ocarros
11. Check out the city’s nightlife
Despite Villavicencio’s peaceful surroundings, the city is actually home to some of Colombia’s most exciting nightlife. If you’re looking to party and dance the night away, Los Capachos is one of the hottest clubs in the country, outfitted with a trendy interior and DJs spinning the latest international tunes.
Los Capachos regularly holds themed events, such as Halloween, Mexican and Hawaiian nights. Guests can join in the fun and dress for the theme, as they let their hair down for the evening.
Los Capachos
Address: Vía Villavicencio - Acacías, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Website: Los Capachos
12. Take the colourful Chiva party bus
Nightclubs are awesome, but when in Colombia, party as the Colombians do. Grab your friends and get on a Chiva party bus. These buses carry partygoers around the city, as they dance the night away. If you’re travelling alone, worry not – you’ll make new friends. The buses are outfitted with an onboard bar, offering free-flow alcohol and traditional Colombian snacks to enjoy through the night.
Chiva party bus
Address: Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
rumba and goat party bus typical
Duration: 120
13. Enjoy peace and quiet
Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the park at the Parque de los Fundadores, the largest in the city at 6 hectares (14.8 acres). With its well maintained paved walking paths and greenery, the park is popular with both locals and tourists. There is also an open-air theatre in the park and the Plaza de los Enamorados, or Lover’s Square. The park’s feather in the cap is a sculpted monument by Rodrigo Arenas.
Parque de los Fundadores
Address: Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
14. Eat like the locals
You can’t visit Colombia without at least trying their local fare. Colombians love their meat and they are among the best at roasting it. Asadero El Amarradero del Mico is a roasted meat festival, just 2 km (1.2 miles) northeast of Villavicencio. True to Colombian tradition, the restaurant has large wooden tables for communal dining in a large hut, as diners tuck into the tender meat with potatoes.
Asadero El Amarredo del Mico
Address: Km 1 via Nueva Restrepo, Villavicencio, Colombia
Facebook: Asadero El Amarredo del Mico
15. Visit the most beautiful river in the world
It looks like an ordinary river most of the year, but from the end of July through November, the Caño Cristales lives up to its global reputation as the River of Five Colours. Visitors will be able to see colours of yellow, green, blue, black and primarily red in the river and the Caño Cristales is often referred to as the most beautiful river in the world. It’s quite a distance from the city, but this is one of the world’s natural wonders you can’t miss if you’re in Colombia.
Caño Cristales
Address: Calle 5 7-35, La Macarena, Colombia
For an all-around experience
Villavicencio is one of the best, all-around destinations for a holiday. It is primarily known for its scenic, peaceful surroundings, ideal for those weary of the drone of urban life. But it also has its fair share of nightlife excitement, providing the perfect balance of zen and thrill.
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