Things To Do
in Puerto Carreño
Puerto Carreño is the small, riverine capital of Vichada department in eastern Colombia, sitting at the meeting point of the Orinoco and Meta rivers near the Venezuelan border. The town is a gateway to the Llanos — wide tropical savannas, river islands and rich wildlife — and reflects a strong mix of mestizo and indigenous cultures. Life in Puerto Carreño moves at river time: markets, boat traffic and open-air restaurants crowd the malecón, while surrounding haciendas and ranches preserve llanero traditions.
Its remoteness gives it an off-the-beaten-path charm but also means limited services and infrastructure compared with major Colombian cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Puerto Carreño and settle into your selected accommodation. Take some time to unwind after your journey and soak in the tropical atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, tasting traditional Colombian dishes.
Wander through the quaint streets of Puerto Carreño, exploring local artisan shops and markets. Engage with friendly locals and learn about their culture and way of life. Visit the nearby Vichada River for stunning views and to experience the region's natural beauty.
Dine at a riverside restaurant, sampling fresh fish and other regional specialties. Watch the sunset over the river, casting a golden hue across the water. End the night with a relaxed stroll along the riverbank, taking in the serene sounds of the jungle.
Embark on an early trip to La Serranía de la Macarena, where you'll witness breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity. Guided hikes will reveal hidden waterfalls and stunning vistas, providing ample opportunities for photography. Breakfast will be a picnic style, surrounded by nature.
Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park, with wildlife spotting opportunities for various bird species and exotic animals. Enjoy a packed lunch while listening to the sounds of nature. The afternoon will be spent hiking to remote waterfalls for a refreshing swim.
Return to Puerto Carreño for a quiet evening at your accommodation. Savor dinner at a local restaurant, trying out more Colombian flavors. Reflect on the day’s adventure under the stars, perhaps sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $20-35 |
| 🚕Short taxi or moto-taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus or moto-taxi day travel | $0.50-3 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique riverfront and llanos landscapes with abundant wildlife and strong local culture
- Authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with opportunities for fishing, birdwatching and cultural visits
- Short distances within town make it easy to see main sights in a few days
- Limited infrastructure and services compared with larger Colombian cities (fewer ATMs, medical resources and restaurant options)
- Seasonal rains can disrupt road travel and some excursions
- Border proximity can bring occasional security and bureaucratic complications
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el malecón?" - Where is the malecón (riverfront)?
- "Por favor / Gracias" - Please / Thank you
- "Estoy buscando un guía / un bote" - I'm looking for a guide / a boat
- "No como carne / Soy vegetariano(a)" - I don't eat meat / I'm vegetarian
- "Necesito ayuda" - I need help
Places to Visit in Puerto Carreño
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic riverside promenade with boats, fishermen and lively markets — great for sunrise, sunset and candid street scenes.
A dramatic meeting of two wide rivers; the contrast in currents and light makes for powerful landscape photography, best from a boat or riverside vantage at golden hour.
Colorful produce, fish stalls, local vendors and everyday life — excellent for vibrant, documentary-style images.
Wide-open savanna landscapes with dramatic skies, grazing cattle and groupings of birds — particularly photogenic during the low sun.
Portrait and cultural photography opportunities appear at local festivals and with permissioned visits to communities; always ask before photographing people.
Boat trips to islands and flooded savanna areas deliver wildlife shots: herons, kingfishers, egrets and sometimes larger mammals along the shore.
Food in Puerto Carreño
Puerto Carreño Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty fish and root-vegetable stew made with local river fish and yuca; commonly served in riverside eateries and family homes.
Must-Try!
Whole fried or grilled fish (mojarra or regional river species) served with rice, patacones and salad — a common choice in malecón restaurants.
Llanos-style roasted beef prepared on open grills at ranches and special events — smoky and robust, often a communal meal at hatos.
Cassava bread (casabe) and various regional arepas are ubiquitous staples, often eaten with fish or as snacks from market stalls.
Fermented cassava or corn drinks found at some community events and markets; try politely and ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The municipal market and food stalls near the malecón are the best places for fresh fruit, fried fish, empanadas, arepas and grilled meats. Try morning pastries and local juices for a cheap, authentic bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always ask permission before entering settlements or photographing people, and follow host guidance about appropriate behavior and gift-giving.
Polite greetings and small talk are customary; say 'buenos días' and use 'por favor' and 'gracias'. Handshakes are common in introductions.
Dress casually but modestly in town; at traditional sites or ceremonies, follow local norms and avoid loud behavior or public intoxication.
Avoid heated political discussions about cross-border issues or security; like anywhere, be respectful discussing local matters.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Carreño
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% is common if service is good and a service charge hasn't been included; tip boat crews, guides and hotel porters modestly. Small cash tips for local helpers go a long way.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is king — many shops, taxis and market vendors do not accept cards. ATMs exist but can be unreliable or empty; bring enough cash for excursions and remote days. Credit/debit cards may work at hotels and some restaurants in town but don’t rely on them.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier conditions, lower river levels and clearer skies make this the most comfortable time to visit for overland excursions and wildlife viewing on exposed riverbanks. Temperatures remain high but humidity is slightly reduced.
Rain increases, rivers rise and many dirt roads become muddy or impassable; boat travel becomes more important and mosquito activity rises. Some excursions may be limited.
A mix of rain and drier spells: it can be a good time for birding and fishing as many species are active, but expect sudden downpours and hot, humid conditions.
Another period of increased rainfall and higher waterways, which can enhance river-based wildlife viewing but make overland travel challenging; plan flexible itineraries.
Puerto Carreño at Night
Hiking in Puerto Carreño
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An easy, short walk along the riverfront ideal for birdwatching, sunrise photography and casual exploration of local life.
Guided walks on private ranch trails through the llanos offer wildlife viewing, encounters with grazing cattle and insight into traditional cattle-raising; best undertaken with a guide and sun protection.
Short guided hikes on river islands and wetlands combine boating with shoreline exploration to see aquatic birds and river-edge wildlife; timing with low water levels offers expanded walking opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Carreño by plane.
Small regional airport serving Puerto Carreño with flights to national hubs; convenient for direct access but subject to schedule changes and limited services.
A larger regional airport (Villavicencio) used by many travelers connecting to eastern Colombia; overland or air connections to Puerto Carreño are possible but require planning.
The main international gateway for Colombia; most international arrivals route through Bogotá before taking a domestic flight to Puerto Carreño.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A majority population of mestizo Colombians lives and works in the town, occupying commercial and public service roles.
Several indigenous peoples live in the Vichada region and maintain traditional languages, crafts and livelihoods; they are important cultural contributors and custodians of local territories.
Hato (ranch) families, fishermen and riverine communities form a significant part of the social fabric, preserving llanero traditions and practices.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional llanero events featuring horsemanship, cattle handling and rodeo-like activities are culturally significant and often attract local participation and spectators.
Fishing is both a pastime and a draw for visitors seeking regional river species; guided fishing trips are common.
As in much of Colombia, informal and organized soccer is popular among locals, with pickup games in open spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Carreño.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are available but limited; markets offer fruits, rice, beans, yuca and arepas. Inform restaurants clearly ('Soy vegetariano/a') and be prepared to adapt dishes, as many meals center on fish or beef.
Vegan options can be scarce and cross-contamination is common in small kitchens; carry snacks and ask about ingredients. If you have serious allergies, plan ahead and bring necessary medication.
Tap water is not recommended for drinking — use bottled or boiled water. Eat freshly cooked food and fruit you can peel to reduce risk of stomach upset.