Whether it's your first time in los Llanos or even in Colombia or whether you have seen it all,
we want to impress and mesmerize you by sharing our passion for the great Eastern plains.
Having evolved from a farm at the foot of the Andes overlooking the Llanos plains, where Colombo-German couple Andrés and Julia organized varied activities to explore Yopal's surroundings, Aventur Eco Tours is a fully licensed onsite travel specialist and eco-tour operator. We take nature lovers to the most rugged and biodiverse places of the Colombian department of Casanare. Whether it's wildlife, sceneries or Llanos culture you are after, we've got you covered together with our extended team of knowledgeable guides, professional drivers, warm hosts and local personalities that'll make your stay with us truly stand out from your trip to South America.
Team
Andres Gonzalez - Management & Guide
Andrés's maternal family explored the Eastern Andes for generations before settling in the Yopal area as one of the first families. Though having lived and studied in Bogotá and across the UK, Andrés always remained true to his inner farm boy and, having met life and business partner Julia along the way, eventually returned to the Llanos in a quest to establish a sustainable tour operating business. For our clients he uncovers the region's finest wildlife habitats, ecosystems, wild trails and routes and always returns mesmerized by the natural treasures, amazing fauna and local people. He holds a BA in Aeronautical Engineering and an MA in Renewable Energy but now much rather enjoys pulling the strings of Aventur Eco Tours and guiding clients with an eye for detail and a wealth of knowledge. Andrés is a human dynamo and living proof that birdwatching, wildlife photography, tour guiding and cattle farming can be executed all at the same time.
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Julia Buschmann - Management & Guide
Having grown up in the flatlands of Germany near the Dutch border where her grandfather took her to collect fungi and study the trees and birds, the leap towards becoming an eco-tour guide in the flatlands of Colombia doesn't seem too big. Following her interests in writing, travel and foreign cultures, Julia initially pursued a BA in English, Spanish and Economics and eventually an MA in Media and Public Relations in the UK. All was set for the obligatory climb up the career ladder and Julia worked as press spokesperson for the Scottish tourism board in Edinburgh. Seeking warmer climates and new adventures, the horse lover followed husband Andrés to his native Colombia, where she fell in love with the Llanos region. Julia is happiest when out in the prairies, observing wildlife and riding horses and jeeps with clients, photographing, studying the flora and fauna, writing and motorbiking across the plains and nurturing her inner wild child.
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Seudiel Gualteros - Guide
Seudiel "Seco" is a bit of a local legend. Famous for having won the international Llanero competition "El Gran Llanerazo" not once but twice, he is your man to navigate the extensive prairies day and night, to stalk wildlife, to cross rivers on horseback, to ride wild bulls and horses, to catch piranhas... you name it! But most of all Seco is a passionate ambassador of his culture and dedicated to keeping it alive. He is a pioneer in tourism in the San Luis de Palenque area of Casanare and runs a lovingly constructed and decorated Llanos museum on his stunning little farm. Seco provides an infinite repertoire of songs, stories and insights and loves to dance Joropo, to sing and play the cuatro - one of the most genuine people you will meet!
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Mafer Roa - Administration & Operations Assistant
Mafer is the busy bee behind the scenes at Aventur. She tends to enquiries from national clients and assists in organizing operations and tour logistics. With a background in office administration and a certificate in accounting Mafer also keeps an eye on numbers and spread sheets and looks after the administrative part of the company including legal documentation and taxation. When time allows Mafer also studies English. A born llanera, she naturally enjoys outings to the farm, horse riding and looking after animals.
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GeiLER Vargas - Guide
Geiler is a genuine cowboy. Participating in and supporting the organization of various events of Llano work and culture he has a passion for cattle work and breeding and training horses. Geirle particularly supports young people to work and live the customs and art of cattle work, and thus, to keep those alive. A warm, attentive and patient guide who enjoys answering questions about all things Llanos, looking for wildlife, horseback riding and providing insights into the region's culture, flora and fauna, Geirle is also at the forefront of bringing responsible tourism to the region as an alternative and sustainable way to generate income for local communities. A bright and diligent guy, Geirle is always on the lookout for possible improvements to provide clients with the best experience.
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Rey Gualteros - Guide
Reymundo "Rey" Gualteros is Seudiel's younger brother and guides visitors with equal confidence across the Llanos savannahs and forests, stalking anteaters, armadillos, anacondas, howlers and birdlife. Rey ropes cattle with the same proficiency as he catches piranhas and catfish, milks cows, rides horses, spots wildlife and crosses the savannahs and lagoons - all of this barefoot and humming llanero tunes. Just like his brother Seudiel he has championed in the great Llanero competition of "El Gran Llanerazo" and is your man to explore the Llanos. He is a warm and caring guide who goes above and beyond himself for visitors to feel welcome, cared for and right at home in the Llanos.
Rey's equally lovely wife Milena is an excellent cook and housekeeper and together with Rey forms a dreamteam to cater to visitors at Hato El Boral, an authentic cattle ranch and natural reserve in San Luis de Palenque. |
And then there are plenty more lovely people that help make our tours amazing... a compilation of friendly and attentive chefs, hoteliers, more guides, drivers, local farmers and even musicians and storytellers, if you want. We are excited to meet you!