Route of Liberators

Let us cross the plains of the country's south-western region (The Llanos) which is composed of the states of Apure, Guarico, Cojedes, Portuguesa and Barinas. This is a land of hard work and ballads, the lowing of cattle, where horses are broken in and the day begins with the sound of music. The birthplace of strong and brave men, those who played a leading role in the history of Venezuela, horsemen who shared the dreams and heroic acts of Bolívar.

This world of adventure begins in Guarico state, in the San Juan hills, where for many years, limestone rock formations have served as a beacon for travellers in the plains. South of the mountain range along the country's interior the landscape becomes one of endless savannas. Guarico has one of the best-known national parks in the region, the Aguaro-Guariquito. West of this lies another area of singular beauty - the marshes of Camaguan.

Another gateway to the Llanos and prime ranching country is San Carlos in Cojedes. Here, some ranches have opened up to eco-tourism, allowing visitors to observe animals in their natural habitat (especially birds) or to take part in the daily activities of ranch-life in the plains.

Further south, in the state of Apure, the landscape is of impressive savannas and rivers, and the site of one of the jewels of Venezuelan nature, Cinaruco-Capanaparo National Park. A great variety of the region's wildlife inhabits it, such as deer, capybaras, jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, caimans, spectacled caiman, anacondas and two endangered species: the Orinoco caiman and the South American river turtle.

Portuguesa is a state with striking natural beauty and has great potential for agriculture and livestock. Fields of rice, corn, sesame and sorghum stretch into the distance. Guanare, the capital, is the spiritual centre of the country, for the shrine of Our Lady of Coromoto, the patron saint of Venezuela, is located there.

The landscape of Barinas displays a variety of sceneries, that take us from the foothills of the Andes Mountains to the broad savannas. It is also the home of forests and nature reserves, such as Ticoporo and Sabana de Anaro.

One hears the sound of cattle being roped in and popular folk songs being sung. Travelling to the Llanos is an intense adventure, a place that the visitor will want to return to.