Quick snapshot: Give Yopal a couple of days and you'll understand why it's called the Llanos gateway. Base yourself in the center for local amenities, explore the cattle culture, and experience the unique plains-meets-city atmosphere. The city is hot year-round, and neighborhoods range from the central commercial area to more residential outer districts. Stay alert in crowded areas, use ride-hailing apps, and don't drink tap water.
Personality: If Yopal were a person it would be a cattle rancher who also runs a small restaurant and always knows where the best plains views are.
🔝 Top 7 Things to Do
1. Take organized tours to nearby Llanos attractions
Nearby plains areas offer unique landscapes and wildlife viewing, accessible by organized tours or local guides.
Why 80/20: Unique Llanos experience and plains access.
2. Walk through the central commercial area
Commercial center with restaurants, shops and local infrastructure.
Why 80/20: Core commercial area and local life.
3. Try local food in a market
Traditional markets with local fruits, vegetables and typical Yopal food, including Llanos specialties.
Why 80/20: Authentic local food culture away from tourist restaurants.
4. Experience local festivals when they occur
Yopal hosts various festivals throughout the year celebrating music, dance and local culture, including Llanos festivals.
Why 80/20: Cultural immersion and local traditions.
5. Visit nearby natural attractions
Nearby rivers, plains and natural areas offer hiking and outdoor activities, accessible by bus or car.
Why 80/20: Natural escape and outdoor activities close to the city.
6. Visit local museums
Museums documenting Yopal's history, culture and Llanos traditions.
Why 80/20: Local history and cultural context.
7. Evening drinks in central area
Central area bars and restaurants offer local nightlife experience.
Why 80/20: Local nightlife and social scene.
🔎 Unusual facts
Yopal is located in the Casanare department in Colombia's eastern plains (Llanos), making it a gateway city for accessing Llanos attractions.
The city sits at 350 meters above sea level in the eastern plains, giving it a hot climate year-round.
Yopal is the capital of Casanare department and an important commercial and agricultural center.
The city has a strong cattle culture, reflecting its location in a region known for ranching and plains agriculture.
Yopal hosts the annual Llanos Festival, celebrating the culture and traditions of the eastern plains region.
🕐 Local Time
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👥 Population
168,433
💶 Currency
COP
🗣️ Language
Spanish
English (limited, mainly in business and tourist areas)
💧 Tap Water
Tap water in Yopal is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water.
Even if treated, the water quality varies and many locals avoid drinking it directly.
💸 Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard), and appreciated in other service contexts.
💳 Cards
Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and supermarkets; cash is still common in markets, taxis and smaller establishments.
🔌 Plugs
Type A, B
110V
🧻 Toilet Paper
Do not flush toilet paper in most places. Use the bin provided in bathrooms.
🛡️ Safety
Generally safe in tourist and business areas, but requires street smarts and awareness.
📋 Basics
🛬 Arrival
Airport
El Alcaraván Airport (EYP) — 5 km from center
Small airport close to the city center with easy transport links.
Official Taxi or Ride-hailing
• 10 min
• ≈ COP 15,000–25,000 (€3.40–5.60)
Most convenient option, especially with luggage.
Use official airport taxis from the stand or ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify). Avoid unmarked taxis.
City bus
• 20 min
• ≈ COP 2,500–3,000 (€0.60–0.70)
Cheapest option but slower and can be crowded with luggage.
Not recommended for first-time arrivals with heavy bags.
SIM & Internet
Good mobile coverage in Yopal. Prepaid SIMs are easy to get at the airport or in the city.
Esim
International eSIMs work but may be expensive. Local prepaid SIMs are usually better value.
Physical
Get a prepaid SIM from Claro, Movistar or Tigo at airport kiosks or city stores. Bring ID to register.
Money
ATMs are common in shopping malls, banks and major streets.
Use bank ATMs inside banks when possible for security. Decline dynamic currency conversion. Watch for card skimming.
First night tip: Take an official taxi or ride-hailing app directly to your accommodation. Avoid walking with luggage, especially after dark. Get your bearings the next morning in daylight.
💰 Costs
Yopal is relatively affordable, especially compared to major cities, making it attractive for longer stays.
A visitor can get by on COP 55,000–100,000/day (€12–23) excluding accommodation. Digital nomads often live comfortably on COP 1,700,000–2,800,000/month (€380–630) including rent.
Coffee (tinto)
≈ COP 2,000–4,000 (€0.45–0.90)
Cheap local coffee in small cups; specialty coffee costs more.
Beer (local)
≈ COP 4,000–8,000 (€0.90–1.80)
In local bars and restaurants.
Lunch (almuerzo corriente)
≈ COP 10,000–18,000 (€2.30–4.10)
Set lunch with soup, main course, drink and sometimes dessert.
Mid-range dinner
≈ COP 30,000–60,000 per person (€7–14)
Without fancy wine. Expect later dining hours.
Taxi within city
≈ COP 10,000–20,000 (€2.30–4.50)
Depends on distance and traffic. Ride-hailing apps are similar.
Public transport
≈ COP 2,500–3,000 (€0.60–0.70)
Per ride with rechargeable card.
Room in shared flat (long-term)
≈ COP 450,000–900,000/month (€100–200)
Cheaper in outer neighborhoods, more expensive in center.
1-bed apartment (long-term)
≈ COP 900,000–1,800,000/month (€200–410)
Center at the higher end; other areas cheaper.
🏘️ Where to Stay
Yopal is organized around the center (commercial, mixed) and outer areas (more residential, affordable).
Best for first visit
Central area
— Commercial, local and walkable
Commercial center with restaurants, shops and local infrastructure.
Pros
- Walkable to most commercial areas.
- Many restaurants and shops.
- Good base for first-time visitors.
Cons
- Can be noisy and crowded.
- Less safe at night in some parts.
Residential areas
— Quieter, affordable and local
More residential neighborhoods with local shops and a more authentic Yopal feel.
Pros
- More local character and lower prices.
- Quieter at night.
- More residential feel.
Cons
- Further from commercial center.
- Fewer English speakers.
Good for digital nomads
Central and northern areas
Best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and modern infrastructure.
Some coworking spaces offer day passes and monthly memberships. Good internet infrastructure. Growing digital nomad presence.
Residential areas
More local, cheaper alternative with some cafés, though fewer coworking options than center.
Good for longer stays if you want more local experience and don't mind fewer expat amenities.
Beach areas
Not applicable
Yopal is an inland eastern plains city. No beaches nearby.
Quiet areas
Residential areas outside the center
More residential, quieter neighborhoods with local shops and parks.
Good for longer stays if you want peace and don't mind being further from commercial center.
🔎 Is this city for you?
Come if
- You want Llanos culture and plains access.
- You're looking for affordable living with a growing expat presence.
Avoid if
- You can't handle hot weather year-round (Yopal is hot, often 28–35°C).
- You want a completely safe city with zero crime concerns (requires street smarts).
🛡️ Safety
Yopal is generally safe in the central area and tourist zones, but petty crime like pickpocketing and phone theft is common. Violent crime against tourists is rare but can happen.
Common Issues
- Pickpocketing and phone theft, especially on public transport and in crowded areas.
- Scams targeting tourists (fake taxis, overpriced tours).
- Mugging in less safe neighborhoods, especially after dark.
Simple Rules
- Don't flash expensive phones or jewelry in public.
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Keep bags in front of you and stay alert in crowded places.
- Avoid empty streets and parks after dark.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
General: 123 (emergency services)
National Police: 112
💻 Digital Nomad
Growing hub with a developing digital nomad community, known for Llanos culture and hot climate, though less established than Bogotá or Medellín.
🚇 Getting Around
Walking is best in the center. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses for longer distances.
- Walk the center easily.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) are popular and safer than street taxis.
- Buses for longer distances and outer neighborhoods.
- Taxis for short trips within the city.
🎭 Culture
Relaxed and friendly, especially compared to Bogotá, with emphasis on cattle culture and Llanos traditions.
Mealtimes
🍽️ Lunch
Usually 12:00–14:00. Almuerzo corriente is the main meal of the day for many locals.
🍽️ Dinner
19:00–22:00, though some restaurants serve later.
😴 Siesta
Not common in Yopal; businesses generally stay open all day.
What Tourists Get Wrong
- Expecting cool weather – Yopal is hot year-round (often 28–35°C).
- Assuming everyone speaks English – Spanish is essential outside tourist areas.
- Walking around with expensive phones visible – keep them hidden.
- Drinking tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Only staying in the center – other neighborhoods offer more local experience.
Useful Phrases
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde están los Llanos?
Where are the Llanos?
📅 When to Visit
Special Events
- June – Llanos Festival with cultural events and celebrations.
- December – End-of-year celebrations and cultural events.
👥 Meet People
Regular language exchange meetups in central areas bars where locals and foreigners practice Spanish and English.
Nightlife Areas
- Central area – local bars and restaurants with mixed local and international crowd.
- Residential areas – local bars and restaurants, popular with younger locals.
- Zona Rosa – touristy area with many bars and clubs.
❓ FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Yopal?
No, tap water in Yopal is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water. This is standard practice throughout Colombia.
Is Yopal safe for solo travellers and digital nomads?
Yopal is generally safe in the central area and tourist zones, but requires street smarts. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use ride-hailing apps, and don't flash valuables.
What is the best area to stay in Yopal for a first visit?
For a short first stay, the central area and residential areas are the best 8020 options. The central area offers commercial access and local infrastructure, while residential areas provide better value and more local character.
What is the best area to stay in Yopal for digital nomads?
Central and northern areas have the best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and modern infrastructure, though fewer options than major cities.
How do you get from Yopal airport to the city centre?
The 8020 option is a taxi or ride-hailing app (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) which takes about 10 minutes and costs around COP 15,000–25,000 (€3.40–5.60). The airport is close to the city.
Why is Yopal called a Llanos gateway?
Yopal is located in the Casanare department in Colombia's eastern plains (Llanos), making it a gateway city for accessing Llanos attractions, wildlife viewing, and plains experiences.
Do you need to tip in Yopal?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard and often added automatically). Rounding up for taxis and leaving small change in cafés is appreciated.