Hato Mata de Palma

Hato Mata de Palma is a friendly ranch-style farmhouse in the Colombian Los Llanos converted to receive visitors. 

Hato Mata de Palma offers traditional ranch-style accommodation on the nature reserve of El Encanto de Guanapalo, an area rich in wildlife, including over 210 bird species, capybaras and a family of pumas.

About two hours’ drive from the airport at Yopal, the main town in Colombia’s prairie/wetlands Los Llanos, this very friendly property has enthusiastic proprietors who speak good English. The characterful guest accommodation is housed in a single storey building with open plan kitchen and dining area with traditional aga-style cooker, overlooking a lake. The terracotta-tiled veranda has cosy seating and hammocks to relax and watch wildlife including abundant capybaras.

There are just two ensuite guest rooms with large windows, traditional antique furnishings, ceiling fan, mosquito netting and newly tiled bathrooms with shower. Home-cooked meals are very tasty, a good thing as because it’s so remote, you won’t be heading off elsewhere to eat. The ranch offers guided activities, including safari-style tractor rides, bird-watching tours, walks and horse-riding.