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1. General Information of Yopal
Area: 2771 km2 (1069 sq mi)
Elevation: 350 m (1148 ft) asl
Population: 145,000 (2017)
Climate: Warm tropical. Average temperature of 26°C (78.8°F)
Yopal is the capital city of the department of Casanare. It is nestled in the east of Colombia, on the foothill of the Eastern Andes Cordillera in the region called Los Llanos Orientales, which consists mainly of vast plains and savannahs extending all the way to Venezuelan territory.
The also-called Orinoco region is characterized by a sparse population with strong cultural traditions, livestock farming, but above all immense biodiversity and shocking landscapes to discover. Its economy revolves around oil extraction, agriculture, and extensive livestock. There are two marked seasons: the rainy season lasting from around April to October and the dry season which goes from December to March.
Yopal has grown vastly in population in the last 50 years but is still undiscovered by many Colombians. However, it is only 25 minutes by airplane from Bogota and works as a gate for all the incredible nature destinations found in Los Llanos.
2. MICE Information of Yopal
Although Yopal is very new to national tourism and hasn’t made a strong entry into the international market, it is one of the cities in Colombia with great potential for MICE tourism.
The construction of a brand-new Convention Center by the local Chamber of Commerce besides the opening of big chain hotels in the city has led to a positive change in the tourism industry, especially in the MICE sector. Plus, the range of innovative incentive experiences than can be lived not just in the city but in zones around it makes Yopal appealing for foreign and national companies.
Below are 8 venues and hotels in Yopal suitable for holding meetings and events with 24 meeting rooms of different capacities and about 450 rooms in total to accommodate attendees.
3. MICE venues in Yopal
3.1 Convention Center – Centro de Convenciones y Negocios Cámara de Comercio de Casanare
Location:
Calle 29 #14-47, Yopal. It is just 10 minutes (4 km/ 2.4 mi) from El Alcaraván Airport. The best hotels are within 5-10 minutes by car.
The Chamber of Commerce of Casanare inaugurated the Convention and Business Center to attract MICE tourism to Yopal. Its strategic location in the commercial zone of the city is one of its highlights, without mentioning the modern, bioclimatic infrastructure with all the facilities you need for your event. The offices of the entity are also in the building.
The building has a total capacity of 1,400 people and 900 in simultaneous transmissions. It offers 7 boardrooms, 5 event halls, 2 lobbies, and 1 terrace distributed on 6 floors.
Each of the spaces has acoustic surfaces in floors, walls, and ceilings, LG Inverter intelligent air conditioning system, firefighting network and LED lighting with RETILAP certification, main and evacuation corridors, high-speed vertical transport (elevator with capacity for 10 people), sufficient batteries for ladies, gentlemen and people with disabilities, and an emergency power plant with an automatic transfer at 18 seconds.
JAGUAR HALL
1st floorCapacity for 80 people (auditorium) or 52 (classroom).
TITO CUENCA ROOM
1st floor
Capacity for 18 people
Room equipped with a laser projector, camera, ceramic board, speakers, and ceiling microphones.
QUIRIPA HALL
2nd floor
Capacity for 650 people (auditorium) or 450 (classroom).
Hall equipped with Bose speakers and amplifiers, QSC digital console, equalization system, laser projector, electrical curtain, roboshot camera managed by simultaneous transmission network, and wireless hand, lapel, and headset microphones.
Lobby for cultural and artistic activities of 250 m2 (298 sq yd)
BANDOLA HALL
3rd floor
Capacity for 60 people (auditorium) or 45 (classroom).
Hall equipped with a laser projector, camera, ceramic board, speakers and amplifiers, and ceiling microphones.
JOROPO HALL
3rd floor
Capacity for 120 people (auditorium) or 90 (classroom).
Hall equipped with a laser projector, camera, ceramic board, speakers and amplifiers, ceiling microphones, audio console, and wireless microphone.
CAYENA HALL
3rd floor
Capacity for 70 people (auditorium) or 52 (classroom).
Hall equipped with a laser projector, camera, ceramic board, speakers and amplifiers, and ceiling microphones.
Lobby for cultural activities of 164 m2 (196 sq yd).
CARLOS HERNANDO VARGAS ROOM
5th floor
Capacity for 10 people
Room equipped with a laser projector, camera, ceramic board, speakers and amplifiers, and table microphones.
LUZ DEL CARMEN MOJICA ROOM
5th floor
Capacity for 10 people
Room equipped with a laser projector, camera, ceramic board, speakers and amplifiers, and table microphones.
JULIO SALCEDO PÉREZ ROOM
5th floor
Capacity for 20 people
Room equipped with a laser projector, camera, ceramic board, speakers and amplifiers, and table microphones.
LUIS ÁLVARO SANABRIA ROOM
6th floor
Capacity for 20 people
Room equipped with speakers and amplifiers, 84’ interactive screen, camera, and table microphones.
FUNDADORES TERRACE
6th floor
Area: 339 m2 / 405 sq yd
Capacity for 460 people (auditorium) or 250 (banquet).
Open-air space – terrace type with ceramic floor, elevator access, and 2 evacuation routes. 110 V sockets available.
3.2 Hotel Convention Center – Holiday Inn Express Yopal
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Location:
Carrera 29 # 15-64 Yopal, Casanare. The hotel is 4 km (2.5 mi) from El Alcaraván Airport.
The Holiday Inn Express Yopal Hotel offers a luxurious but practical stay in the heart of the city. Around it, you will find the biggest mall in the city – Unicentro Yopal, and the best restaurants and shops within walking distance.
The hotel has modern spaces for your relaxation including a rooftop terrace with a panoramic pool and a fitness center. Plus, you get a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. The IHG Green Engage system is used in all of the hotels of the chain to help manage their environmental impacts and achieve sustainability.
Parking: Yes
Shuttle: No
Accessibility: Yes
Pets: No, only service animals
Smoking: No
Restaurant: No
Here, business is important too. That is why there is a business center and one meeting room available with office supplies and free high-speed internet.
CIMARRON HALL
Capacity for 30 people (auditorium), 20 (classroom), (U shape), (imperial), (banquet) or (cabaret).ROOMS
There are 89 guest rooms available at Holiday Inn Express Yopal.
All rooms are equipped with black-out shades, pillow menu, rollaway bed and crib available, ironing board, in-room safe, hanging closet, heating, and AC. There is a private bathroom with amenities, hairdryer, and a walk-in shower.
Other room features are a 40’’ LCD TV with cable, Internet access, safe box, coffee machine, mini-refrigerator and minibar, direct-dial and two-line phones, and work desk.
STANDARD
87 rooms of m2/ sq yd. King size bed or 2 single beds, capacity for 2 adults maximum.
SUITE
2 rooms. Smoking allowed.
3.3 Hotel Convention Center – GHL Style Hotel Yopal
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Location:
Calle 29 #28-14 Centro Comercial Alcaraván, Yopal, Casanare. It is 5 minutes (2.5 km/1.5 mi) from El Alcaravan Airport.
The GHL Style Hotel Yopal is ideal for leisure and business travelers for its modern and comfortable facilities. Being connected to the Gran Plaza Alcaraván Shopping Center is a great advantage for guests since it means immediate access to a variety of shops and entertainment options. And this, without losing the feeling of calm and fresh air because of all the green areas nearby.
Parking: Yes
Transport service: Yes
Accessibility: Yes
Pets: No
Restaurant: No
In the restaurant, you can try local and international dishes enjoying city views, and every Thursday at the Terrace Bar the Jueves de Terraza Llanera show will get you to feel like a local cowboy. There is 24-hour multilingual guest service, room service, WiFi, a 24-hour gym, an E-corner with office supplies, and 6 meeting rooms for guests visiting for business.
ALCARAVAN ROOM COMPLETE
Capacity for 8150 people (cocktail), 100 (auditorium), 80 (banquet), 60 (herringbone), 50 (U-shape), 50 (classroom), 50 (imperial), or 24 (half moon).
ALCARAVÁN 1 HALL
Capacity for 50 people (cocktail), 40 (auditorium), 30 (banquet), 20 (herringbone), 20 (U-shape), 18 (classroom), 16 (imperial), or 18 (half moon).
ALCARAVÁN 2 HALL
Capacity for 100 people (cocktail), 60 (auditorium), 50 (banquet), 40 (herringbone), 30 (U-shape), 30 (classroom), 24 (imperial), or 40 (half moon).
MANAURE BOARDROOM
Capacity for 30 people (cocktail), 25 (auditorium), 10 (banquet), 12 (herringbone), 12 (U-shape), 9 (classroom), 12 (imperial), or 6 (half moon).
CARMENTEA BOARDROOM
4 VIP meeting rooms.
Capacity for for 10 people (cocktail), 9 (auditorium), 5 (U-shape), 3 (classroom), or 6 (imperial).
ROOMS
There are 88 rooms available with modern decor, comfortable furniture, plenty of natural light, and great city views.
TWIN ROOM
19 m2 / 23 sq yd. 2 king-size double beds that can accommodate up to 4 people. Twin rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a safe deposit box, ironing kit, hairdryer, bath set, telephone, LCD TV, work desk, and free WiFi.
KING ROOM
22 m2 / 26 sq yd. 1 king-size bed to accommodate 2 people. King rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with shower and bath set, air conditioning, smoke detector, a safe deposit box, a fridge, hairdryer, telephone, LCD TV, work desk, and free WiFi. Includes room service.
3.4 Hotel Convention Center – Hampton by Hilton Yopal
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Location:
Calle 30 #28-64, Yopal, Casanare. It is 5 minutes (2.5 km/1.5 mi) from El Alcaravan Airport and 9 minutes (3.2 km /2 mi) from the city center.
Hotel Hampton by Hilton Yopal is another hotel perfect for business travelers. It is located in the Altos de Manare neighborhood, near Gran Plaza Alcaraván mall, and is surrounded by many good restaurants.
Parking: Yes
Accessibility: Yes
Pets: No, service animals only
Smoking: No
Every stay includes a free breakfast, free in-room and lobby WiFi, non-smoking rooms, free parking. The terrace with a whirlpool bath is ideal for enjoying the llanero sunsets. Also, access to the fitness and business centers and the meeting rooms is available to all guests.
The Hilton EventReady service helps you organize amazing events with the highest standards. And it is possible to reserve 10+ room blocks for traveler groups.
EVENT ROOM
Area: 11 m2 / 13 sq yd
ROOMS
There are 100 guest rooms at the hotel. Rooms are equipped with 40-inch HDTV, Hampton bed, duvet covers, ergonomic desk chair, and a private bathroom with shower. They also include minifridge, coffee maker, hairdryer, ironing kit, high-speed internet, and braille room numbers.
SEMI-DOUBLES
2 semi-double beds. Sleeps 3
QUEEN
1 queen-sized bed. Sleeps 3.
MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE ROOM
1 queen-sized bed. Sleeps 3. Extra features are a roll-in shower and doorbell with audio or strobe alert.
3.5 Hotel Convention Center – Hotel Estelar Yopal
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Location:
Cl. 7 #21-40, Yopal, Casanare. Estelar hotel is 10 minutes (4 km / 2.5 mi) from El Alcaraván Airport.
Estelar Yopal Hotel is in the heart of the city, close to the financial sector and the main square, which is traditional in Colombian towns.
Parking: Yes
Private transportation: Yes ($)
Restaurant: Yes
Apart from the 24-hour reception and easy connection WiFi, you have different offerings in the hotel to enjoy your stay. Its 2 restaurants and the pool bar have a great ambiance to delight yourself with Peruvian and international cuisine and fine drinks. The outdoor pool with gardens and the gym are designed for relaxing and keeping your energy up.
There are a business center and service for companies to celebrate their events in the 3 specialized meeting rooms. These rooms offer a multifunctional space for up to 113 people and are equipped with the latest technology.
ESTELAR
Capacity for 100 people (cocktail), 100 (auditorium), 113 (classroom), 80 (banquet), or 50 (U-shape).
ESTELAR 1
Capacity for 50 people (cocktail), 100 (auditorium), 40 (classroom), 40 (banquet), or 50 (U-shape).
ESTELAR 2
Capacity for 20 people (cocktail), 25 (auditorium), 26 (classroom), 15 (banquet), or 23 (U-shape).
ROOMS
The Estelar Yopal hotel has 74 comfortable rooms. Standard rooms are equipped with air conditioning, bathroom amenities, shower, safe box, hairdryer, radio, cable TV, telephone, and easy connection WiFi.
STANDARD TWIN
27 m2 / 32 sq yd. Twin beds, 4-person capacity.
STANDARD KING
27 m2 / 32 sq yd. A king-size bed, special for business travels or couples. Natural light and city views.
JUNIOR SUITE
Room with two environments. Extra features are a dining room, lounge with a work desk, wardrobe, minibar, and fridge.
3.6 Hotel – Camoruco
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Location:
Carrera 22 #8-43, Yopal, Casanare. It is 10 minutes (4 km/ 2.4 mi) from El Alcaraván Airport.
Hotel Camoruco has been offering guests the most traditional llanero stay since 1974. Also located in the hear of Yopal, everything you could want is at reach. Founded by a local couple, the design of the hotel reflects tradition and hospitality. Brick walls and the large central courtyard with native vegetation and gardens give guests freshness every day.
Parking: Yes
Transportation: No
Restaurant: Yes
Facilities include 24-hour reception, laundry service, 24-h free coffee stations, traditional buffet breakfast, pool, jacuzzi and Turkish bath, gym, and a bar by the pool.
There are also various work areas and a business meeting room at Camoruco for any kind of event.
CAMORUCO ROOM
Area: 45.5 m2 / 54.4 sq yd
Capacity for 40 people (auditorium), 16 (classroom), 16 (Russian table), 13 (U-shape), 12 (L-shape), or 17 (T-shape).
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Facilities: air conditioning, ergonomic chairs, audiovisual aids, board and markers, coffee station, parking service, and snacks.
ROOMS
There are 35 guest rooms available at Hotel Camoruco. These are equipped with air conditioning or fan, WiFi, TV, safe box, minibar, telephone, bath, towels, shower, and workspace.
SUPERIOR
1 queen-size bed, accommodates 2 people.
STANDARD
1 double bed, accommodates 2 people.
STANDARD JUNIOR
1 single bed, accommodates 1 person.
STANDARD TWIN
2 single beds, accommodates 2 people.
STANDARD TRIPLE
1 double bed and 2 semi-double/single beds, accommodates 4 people. Includes bath.
3.7 Hotel – L’Aurora Hotel Boutique
https://www.facebook.com/hotelboutiquelaurora
Location:
Calle 16 # 28-29 Barrio el Hobo, Yopal, Casanare. It is 10 minutes (4 km /2.4 mi) from El Alcaravan Airport.
L’aurora Hotel Boutique is situated in a strategic zone in Yopal, in a calm and stylish neighborhood near the Unicentro shopping center and the Casanare Convention Center.
Parking: Yes
Transportation: Yes
Accessibility: Yes
Pets: No, service animals only
Restaurant: Yes
The hotel combines comfort and nature, and among its best spaces are the garden and the outdoor lounge. It has a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, a fitness center, and a bar.
As a guest, you will have 24-hour reception, transfer service, room service, and free WiFi in all the facilities. Every morning you are served continental or a la carte breakfast.
L’aurora also offers a meeting room for business travelers.
ROOMS
There are 12 rooms available at L’aurora with a daily cleaning service. These are equipped with air conditioning and fan, furnished balcony, shower, bathroom amenities, cable TV, desk, telephone, and safe box. The ironing kit and hairdryer need prior requests.
DOUBLE
SUITE
3.8 Countryside Hotel – Anamela Hotel
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Location:
Calle 23 # 4-47 Maní, Casanare. Anamela Hotel is 90 minutes (80 km/50 mi) from Yopal and accessible by road.
Anamela Hotel is located in Mani, Casanare, a small town in the middle of vasts green plains known as the tourist capital of the department. Although being away from Yopal, the hotel boasts modern infrastructure and comfortable spaces.
The restaurant offers a la carte service and exquisite dishes made of the best local ingredients. The range of cultural and natural activities offered in the region is a reason to stay here.
MEETING ROOM
There is a small meeting room.
Capacity for 10 people with the biosafety protocols.
ROOMS
There are 43 rooms at Anamela Hotel. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, LCD TV, WiFi, desk, private bathroom, minibar, and room service.
STANDARD DOUBLE
22 m2 / 26 sq yd. 1 double bed for 1 or 2 people. Includes a balcony with plains view.
STANDARD QUEEN
22 m2 / 26 sq yd. 1 queen-size bed for 1 or 2 people. Includes a balcony. Ideal for business travel.
STANDARD TWIN
25 m2 / 30 sq yd. 1 double bed and 1 single bed, accommodates 2 or 3 people. Includes a balcony with plains view.
SUPERIOR JUNIOR
23 m2 / 27.5 sq yd. 1 king-size bed and jacuzzi. Includes a wide balcony.
SUPERIOR KING
26 m2 / 31 sq yd. 1 king-size bed for 2 people, Jacuzzi, sofa, and balcony with views.
SUPERIOR TWIN
26 m2 / 31 sq yd. Familiar room for 3 people with a king-size bed, sofa, and jacuzzi.
4. Airport and Connections to Yopal
El Alcaraván Airport (EYP) – Yopal
Distance from the airport to the city center: 4 km (2.6 mi) – 10-minute drive
NATIONAL FLIGHTS
- Bogota – El Dorado International Airport: Avianca, LATAM Colombia. Puente Aereo Terminal: EasyFly.
- Bucaramanga – EasyFly
Road Access
Yopal is around 350 km (217 mi) from Bogota. The road trip takes 6 to 7 hours.
https://www.calcularruta.com/de-bogota-a-yopal.html
5. Incentive Travel in Yopal – Activities and experiences
5.1 Gastronomic experience
The cuisine is one of the best ways to discover the culture of the local people. The Llanero cuisine definitely reflects the richness of the territory and can’t be missed on a trip. Warning: there’s a lot of meat since the main activity is livestock. The most famous dish is ‘Mamona’ or ternera a la llanera, which consists of big portions of veal roasted over a wood fire served with yucca, sweet plantain, and topochos. Other common dishes include Sancocho de pato pelón (duck soup), Hayaca criolla (a type of corn dough with meat, potato, and peas), fish soup, roasted capybara, and even roasted turtle.
An incentive trip to Yopal is the perfect excuse to get out of your comfort zone and dare to try the exotic llanero gastronomy.
5.2 Discovering the region
What cooler than admiring the landscape of Casanare from several lookout points that involve exercise and learning? You can hike different hills near Yopal to be rewarded with fantastic views. Virgen de Manare is one of the lookout points of easiest access from where you can see the city and the neighbor Cravo Sur river.
For a different experience, the Historias de Piedra Theme Park is a great option. Around 7 km (4.5 mi) from Yopal is this park that keeps the local history alive. This, through stone sculptures with shapes of animal and human figures. It is a good place to hike with fresh air, take pictures, and enjoy the landscape.
Anyways, there are more lookout points and hills spread in nearby towns. To name one, the Tamara village can be included for a day trip. There it is possible to interact with the locals, taste regional delicacies, and enjoy the views.
5.3 Birdwatching
Bird lovers will feel delighted in Yopal and the whole department. More bird species can be found in Colombia than anywhere else in the world. Its list goes to over 1,900 species, and about 700 are in Casanare. So, you can imagine how the birdwatching experience here would be like. Some common species are the Scarlet Ibis, the Burrowing owl, the Scarlet macaw, the Roseate Spoonbill, the Green kingfisher, and the Whistling heron.
Even though travelers have no experience in this activity, it is an interesting way to connect with nature and develop skills such as concentration and attention to detail.
5.4 Safari llanero
As incredible as it seems, you can go on a safari in the Eastern plains of Colombia. The vast grassland plains are home to a variety of wild animals. There are no lions, zebras, or rhinos, but huge groups of capybaras, deer, and giant otters, giant anteaters, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths… There are even jaguars, cougars, and anacondas, although these are difficult to see.
The safari can be made in off-road vehicles, on horseback or boats during the rainy season, when everything gets flooded. In whatever means of transport you choose, the Safari llanero will be an unforgettable experience for you and your team. Plus, the sunsets in this region are the most colorful and breathtaking you could witness. You can experience this safari in Finca La Fortuna, El Encanto de Guanapalo, Hato Altagracia, Hato La Aurora, among other reserves.
5.5 Living like a cowboy
Of course, other options involve more team building. The cowboy experience offered in some Hatos (the largest kind of Fincas) is recommended. In a visit, you get to live like a local cowboy and learn their chores as you get familiar with their culture! This includes herding cattle and crossing rivers on horseback, learning how to master the lasso to catch a cow, and attending cultural shows with Joropo dancing and musical groups that play traditional songs from the heart.
Spending a day in, for example, Hato Los Deseos will be perfect for bonding with colleagues and working towards a common goal.
5.6 Adventure sports
If adrenaline is what you are looking for, Casanare is also perfect for adventure. Sports such as canoeing, rafting, rappel, bungee jumping, and bike or horse tours can be practiced in several Fincas or natural reserves. At the same time, many animals will cross your way.
The perfect end of a day will always be admiring the reddish tones of the Llanero sky during sunset.
6 Why Yopal?
5 reasons why you should choose Yopal – Casanare as your next MICE destination.
1 Adequate infrastructure.
As Yopal is the city with the highest population growth in the country, tourism infrastructure has developed to high-quality standards and now all accommodation and event organization needs can be successfully catered.
2 Cost-competitive destination.
You can have the same experience and comfort in Yopal during your business travel for a fraction of what you would pay in other cities in Colombia. This is because it is not a well-known tourist destination in the country.
3 Friendly people and exceptional customer service.
Locals will welcome you with the biggest smile and excellent customer service since they are very attentive and aim at making feel foreigners at home.
4 Rich biodiversity and shocking landscapes.
Nature in Yopal and its surroundings is majestic and will provide unforgettable experiences for travelers who enjoy taking a break from their city-lives.
5 Llanero culture.
Interacting with the local culture of the Llanos is enriching as they are deeply proud of their traditions and territory, and will give you a lesson on humility, passion, hard work, and respect for nature.
