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The vast Llanos region liesat the heart of Venezuela,covering an area of 300,000square kilometres. It is an area ofwide skies, slow rivers and plainsstretching to every horizon. This isalso Venezuela’s Wild West - a landof hardy llanero cowboys drivingmassive herds of cattle across hugeranches. The Llanos are an incredibleplace to view wildlife and for anyoneremotely interested in seeing animalsin their natural habitats it is anabsolute must. During the wet seasonfrom May to September/October, therivers flood creating massive wetlandsthat explode with plant life.If you are an avid birder then this isa great time to see a huge variety ofbirdlife. There are over 300 speciesto be found, although the rain,intense heat and flooding make thewet season a more difficult time totravel. It is mostly only the dedicatedfew that make the effort but theyare all the more rewarded by theparadise they find. Travelling theflooded waterways by motorisedcanoe, you navigate with your guidecutting your engine to get closer tothe birds perched in the branchesof the trees poking out of the water.The scenery is spectacular at anytime of year but in the wet thereflections of the sun on the waterat sunset are even more amazing.As the dry season begins the watersrecede, making the months ofNovember to April the best time tocome here to see a vast diversity ofanimal life close up. Due to the wideopen landscapes, mammals and birdscan easily be spotted perched intrees, sunbathing on riverbanks,drinking from watering holes,running across the open plain,nesting or grazing. Huge flocks ofbirds such as scarlet ibises and egretscan be seen wading through themarshes, troops of howler monkeysbark in the trees above your headand caiman and Orinoco crocodileslurk in the murky river waters. Atthis time of the year you can walk,take safari vehicle excursions or boattrips to view the wildlife. As alwayswith life in the wild, nothing is evercertain but you have very realchances of getting incredibly close toa huge variety of species. It is a truenatural paradise and simply the bestlocation to view the spectacularrange of animals and birds found inSouth America.Staying and travelling to Los Llanosis an experience in itself. Easilyaccessed by a one hour flight fromCaracas you fly to the main town inthe area, Barinas, and thenundertake a three hour bumpy rideinto the Llanos. Accommodation ison working cattle farms, which arecalled hatos. One of our favouritesis Hato El Cedral which has beenprotecting its wildlife for over 25years and not only offers youfantastic wildlife viewing but alsogives you an insight into the lives ofthe llaneros. Accommodation is incomfortable air-conditioned en-suitecabins although it is not luxurious.There is a swimming pool and thekitchen produces hearty traditionalllanos dishes - you may even get totry capybara! This is not only ahaven for South American wildlife;if you are looking for a taste ofadventure and something a little bitdifferent Los Llanos will certainlynot disappoint.Mark Garrett & Anthony LynchVenezuela SpecialistsFACT FILEA two week trip to Venezuelacosts from £2,900 per personincluding international flights, avisit to Angel Falls, and a relaxingbeach stay in Los Roques.For details please contact Markor Anthony on 01993 838 625.Howler monkeyBird EncountersAnimal EncountersSome of the bird types youmay expect to encounterin Los LlanosSome of the animals youmay expect to encounterin Los LlanosParrots, egrets, grebes, teal, kites,cormorants, raptors, plovers,sandpipers, macaws, terns, flycatchers,warblers, cuckoos, owls, herons,kingfishers, hummingbirds, tanagers,cardinals, finches, Jabiru storks,spoonbills, woodpeckers, eagles, ibis,ducks, hawks and much more…Capybara, caiman, howler monkeys,snakes (including anacondas),giant anteaters, armadillos, deer,burrowing owls, foxes, iguanas,turtles, piranhas, bush dogs,racoons, coati, tapir, opossum,ocelots, jaguars, margays, pumasand river dolphins.45