Villavicencio: Gateway to the Colombian Plains

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwa-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-kshee-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiquete (para ....)
  [oon tee-keh-teh (pah-rah)]

Villavicencio was founded on April 6, 1840, by colonizers seeking new lands for agriculture and livestock. Originally known as Gramalote, the fledgling settlement quickly grew due to its strategic location as a gateway between the Andes and the vast eastern plains of Colombia known as the Llanos Orientales.

During the Thousand Days' War (1899-1902), Villavicencio gained strategic importance due to its position as a supply route for both government and rebel forces. The conflict had a profound impact on the town, causing fluctuations in its population and economic activity.

In the early 20th century, Villavicencio experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of agricultural activities, particularly cattle ranching. The city became a major center for the trade of livestock and agricultural products, further cementing its role as the 'Gateway to the Llanos'.

The construction of the Bogotá-Villavicencio road in the 1950s was a milestone in the city's history. It significantly reduced travel time between the capital and Villavicencio, fostering economic growth and increasing the city's accessibility. This road became a vital link for the transportation of goods and people.

Villavicencio is a cultural hub that celebrates the traditions of the Llanero people, the cowboys of the Colombian plains. The city hosts numerous festivals such as the International Joropo Festival, which showcases traditional music, dance, and rodeo events, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region.

In recent decades, Villavicencio has seen rapid urbanization and development. The city's infrastructure has expanded with new residential areas, commercial centers, and improved public services. Despite these changes, Villavicencio maintains a balance between modernity and its traditional roots.

Villavicencio is located in the Meta Department of Colombia, about 120 kilometers southeast of Bogotá. The easiest way to get there is by air; La Vanguardia Airport (VVC) serves the city with flights from Bogotá. The flight takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bogotá, which takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The road trip offers scenic views of the Andes mountains and lush countryside.

Villavicencio offers various transportation options. Local buses and minibuses (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available and convenient. If you prefer more independence, car rentals are available, but keep in mind that traffic can be chaotic. For short distances, biking is an excellent option due to the city's relatively flat terrain.

The official currency in Villavicencio, as in the rest of Colombia, is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in the city, but it's a good idea to notify your bank before traveling to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Villavicencio is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Areas such as La Reliquia and some parts of Ciudad Porfía have higher crime rates and should be avoided. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying valuables. Using registered taxis or ride-sharing services is recommended over hailing cabs on the street.

In case of emergency, dial 123 for medical, fire, or police assistance. Villavicencio has several hospitals and clinics, including the Clínica Meta and Hospital Departamental de Villavicencio. Pharmacies are plentiful for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For consular assistance, contact your nearest embassy or consulate in Bogotá.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially when visiting churches or rural areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively and be quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'mamona' and 'arepas de maíz.' Don’t refuse hospitality; it’s considered impolite.

To experience Villavicencio like a local, visit the Plaza Los Libertadores, where you can enjoy local food and interact with residents. Head to the Bioparque Los Ocarros to learn about regional wildlife. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Llanos Orientales, known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural richness. Attend a 'joropo' music and dance performance to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.