Villavo or Villao are shortened forms of the name Villavicencio, which are affectionate nicknames used by Colombians to make names smaller and easier to pronounce, as well as to make them closer to the heart.

The city of Villavicencio, proud capital of the Meta department, still can’t agree on the origin of its name. On one hand, it is said to be a tribute to the Granadan statesman Antonio Villavicencio and Verástegui, while others argue it is due to Manuel Villavicencio, governor of the Llanos Province in the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1789, who is credited with civilizing the region.

Those born in this beautiful llano land are not interested in the debate about its name, they only feel that their city is a source of pride and that just as the llanos are extensive, their faith in a better tomorrow is infinite; a dawn that begins with an unbeatable view of the sky touching the horizon, a view difficult to find elsewhere in the world.

Villavicencio is the gateway to the eastern llanos, so it is impossible not to think that if this is the beginning, how will the full llanos be? Undoubtedly a sublime emotion. For a couple of decades, Villavicencio has shown itself to the country and the world as a novel tourist destination in Colombia that began to secure itself as a frequently visited vacation spot, especially by Bogotá residents due to its geographical proximity, but with the passage of time, it has reaffirmed itself as a corner that welcomes visitors from all over the nation.

Villavicencio is a dynamic city that balances the hustle and bustle of a rapidly growing place with the calmness of a cozy location that refuses to lose its small, peaceful community character.

Villavo has a hot and humid temperature typical of the Colombian plains, but it is just 90 kilometers from Bogotá, making it an important hub and gateway to the fertile and majestic plains that have been considered Colombia’s agricultural pantry.

It is from Villavicencio itself that tons of food are shipped to the Andean region, and of course, meat, considered some of the best in the country, thanks to the vast and almost eternal pastures used for cattle fattening.

Villavicencio is an agricultural and livestock center par excellence, and in recent years, the city and its neighboring towns: Acacías, Guamal, Cumaral, Restrepo, Puerto López and Puerto Gaitán have emerged as holiday centers where the climate and pools have formed a complete infrastructure in summer centers.

• Villavicencio is known for its tranquility and friendly people and has been surprising for its cultural richness, cuisine, and tourist attractions.
• Its geographical location in the center of Colombia makes it an important gateway to the Colombian plains.
• It is an important commercial and tourist center, with a wide variety of options for tourists.
• It has a rich history, with a large number of historical and cultural sites to visit.
• It is known for its natural beauty, with a wide variety of parks and nature reserves, such as the El Tuparro National Natural Park.
• It is famous for its cuisine, especially for its typical dishes of the Colombian plains.
• It is the center of the dairy industry in Colombia and is home to the Milk and Livestock Fair, one of the most important events in the sector.
• It is an important center of higher education, with several higher education institutions and a large student population.
• It is the starting point for exploring some of the most beautiful spots in the Colombian plains, such as the Caño Cristales.
• With a warm and humid climate, it is an excellent option for enjoying vacations at any time of the year.