Villavicencio is a mid-sized city in central Colombia, located about 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of Bogotá. It’s the capital of the Meta Department and the largest urban center in the Colombian Llanos, the vast plains that stretch east toward Venezuela. In this guide, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Villavicencio.
Even though it’s only a three-hour drive from Bogotá, Villavicencio feels like a different world. The culture here is deeply influenced by the Llanos: expect to hear música llanera, see joropo dancing, and catch events like coleo, a local rodeo-style sport where horseback riders chase cattle at high speed and try to bring them down by the tail.
For a bit of history, head to the city center, where you’ll find the tree-filled Plaza Los Libertadores and the neo-Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Both are located in Villavicencio’s historic downtown. Find accommodation in the City Center.
What sets Villavicencio apart from Colombia’s Andean cities isn’t just its culture—it’s the landscape. You’ll get a glimpse of Llanero traditions at places like Las Malocas Park, Los Ocarros BioPark, and the countryside area known as Vereda El Carmen.
Villavicencio sits where the Andes meet the plains, which gives it a tropical forest climate. It’s hot and humid year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C). The rainy season runs from April through November, so the best time to visit is from December to March.
The city is served by Vanguardia Airport (VVC), a small regional airport with domestic flights to and from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Bucaramanga. Additionally, Villavicencio is well connected by road, with a major bus terminal offering frequent service to cities across Colombia.
What are the best areas to stay in Villavicencio?
The best area to stay in Villavicencio is just south of downtown. This upscale district is home to several high-end hotels, shopping malls, and nightlife venues. Find accommodation in South Villavicencio.
Another good option is the Historic City Center and La Grama’s Zona Rosa. This part of town has a mix of cultural landmarks, restaurants, and bars, making it a solid choice if you want to stay somewhere lively and central.
Keep reading for a closer look at the best areas to stay in Villavicencio.
1. South Villavicencio
A safe and upscale barrio to stay in Villavicencio
Thanks to its range of amenities, walkability, and reputation as a safe part of town, South Villavicencio stands out as one of the best areas to stay in the Meta capital.
One of the liveliest parts of the city, South Villavicencio stretches from the southern edge of downtown along Calle 27 and Avenida 40. This area blends local flavor with modern comforts and is a top choice for travelers looking for convenience, nightlife, and a good variety of hotels.
Calle 27 is known for its buzzing energy, especially after dark. The area is packed with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants serving regional dishes like mamona (barbecued veal) and other specialties from the Llanos. It’s a social hotspot and an easy place to get a feel for the city’s rhythm.
Just a few blocks east, along Avenida 40, you’ll find Unicentro, one of Villavicencio’s most popular shopping malls, surrounded by one of the city’s more upscale neighborhoods. Head a little farther south to the intersection of Avenida 40 and Calle 15, and you’ll come across more malls like Urban Spring and Villacentro, plus several of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
Our hand-picked accommodations in South Villavicencio
GHL Hotel Grand Villavicencio
Estelar Villavicencio Hotel & Centro De Convenciones is located in Villavicencio and offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant. It also offers free Wi-Fi access and free private parking.
Terraza Hotel Villavicencio
Terraza Hotel Villavicencio offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden or mountain views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and complimentary toiletries.
Estelar Villavicencio Hotel & Centro De Convenciones
The Grand Hotel Villavicencio offers comfortable rooms with chic décor. Wi-Fi is free, and a daily breakfast is provided. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms with mini-bars. Some rooms feature work desks and views of the hills. Laundry services are available.
2. Downtown Villavicencio & La Grama
The best area for nightlife and attractions
Offering culture, food, nightlife, and excellent connections, Downtown and La Grama are some of the best areas to stay in Villavicencio.
Downtown Villavicencio is the city’s historic and commercial core, centered around Parque de los Fundadores, a leafy square that serves as a reference point for getting around. Directly across from the park is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a striking neo-Gothic structure built in the 19th century.
This part of the city is home to several landmarks worth checking out, including the Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Cultural Center and the Cristo Rey viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of Villavicencio and the surrounding foothills.
The downtown grid includes many of the city’s busiest streets, lined with small shops, budget-friendly eateries, and a mix of older hotels and modern high-rises with pools and rooftop terraces. It’s a practical area to stay in if you want to be close to the main attractions without spending too much.
Just north of the city center is La Grama, one of Villavicencio’s best-known nightlife and dining districts. Centered around a large traffic circle, it’s considered part of the city’s Zona Rosa, or entertainment zone. If you’re looking to sample traditional dishes from the Llanos—like Carne a la Llanera—this is the place to do it, with plenty of long-standing restaurants and popular late-night spots.
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