About
Meta is a department in the eastern plains of Colombia, in South America. It is a region of wide grasslands, where the land opens out in long, flat horizons and the sky often seems to take up most of the view.
What the region is known for
The department is known for three things that shape daily life here: its vast grasslands, its cattle ranching, and its oil production. Together they give Meta a working character that is quite different from the mountain cities of the Andes. Visitors who come expecting a conventional city break may find the pace slower and the landscape more open than they anticipated.
Villavicencio and the surrounding area
Much of the department's activity is centred on Villavicencio, the capital. It is the natural base for exploring Meta, with services and connections to the wider region. From the city, the plains stretch out in every direction, and the contrast between urban life and the grassland beyond is part of what makes a visit here distinctive.
If you are planning a trip, Meta suits travellers interested in rural landscapes, the everyday economy of ranching and energy, and the eastern plains as a region in their own right. It is best approached with curiosity about open country rather than with an expectation of a dense sequence of sights.
