Located on plains that roll on for hundreds of miles south and east of the Andes, Los Llanos is an area of flat, mostly open cattle ground, punctuated with some isolated stands of forest. In the dry season, the wildlife congregates in dense herds and mixed flocks around the ponds and creeks.  The quantity and variety of wildlife visible at the nature lodges located in Los Llanos is truly phenomenal

 

-- It has been recognized internationally as a wildlife refuge and outstanding natural site, where several rare and threatened species like the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius), Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Felis concolor), and river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis0 are protected. Anacondas, spectacled caimans, capybaras, anteaters, and red howler monkeys are also common.

 

Birds are well represented with about  270 different species. Egrets, ibises, and storks congregate in large numbers along the rivers and streams, and nest in large colonies. Among the most striking species are scarlet ibises, jabirus, hoatzins, scarlet macaws, sunbitterns and numerous birds of prey. This is one of the top spots on the planet for bird-watching.