Experience the diversity of little-known Venezuela as we travel to some of the most remote regions of the country. We visit native Indians in the Orinoco Delta, ride in motorised canoes along jungle-lined rivers to Angel Falls and track wildlife in Los Llanos wetlands.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Caracas
Arrive Caracas and check-in at hotel.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Fly to Maturin; drive to San Jose de Buja and boat to Camp Morichal Largo
We take a flight eastwards along the rugged Caribbean coastline before flying inland across the plains to Maturin, the capital of Monagas state and an important commercial centre. From here we descend to the great plain of Monagas and then head towards a small port on the Orinoco river, San Jose de Buja, on the banks of the Morichal Largo river. Here we board the river boat that will take us into the maze of creeks and channels that form the delta of the Orinoco river. As we travel we see a variety of birds and perhaps even dolphins; there is also the chance of seeing the rare manatee. Tonight we stay in a comfortable rustic camp in beds or hammocks
Overnight Hammock Camp (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
In the Orinoco Delta
This morning we take an early boat journey into the misty silence of the tranquil delta at dawn. Hoping to catch a glimpse of further fauna before breakfast. After breakfast we will take an excursion to visit a Warao Indian community, try our hand at pirhana fishing and explore the maze of channels in the delta. The name Warao comes from War-aroa, meaning ‘people of the canoes’ and even the youngest children are able to swim and paddle canoes almost as soon as they can walk. Dugout canoes, which form the basic mode of transport in the delta, vary from two to ten meters in length and are used both for fishing and for going to the clearings in the jungle cultivated by the villagers. The Warao’s proximity to nature is reflected in the excellence of their delicate basket-work and handwoven hammocks of moriche palm, which can be purchased locally.
Overnight Hammock Camp (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Return to San Jose de Buja; drive to Ciudad Bolivar
Returning to Buja, we then continue by road and cross the mighty Orinoco river near Puerto Ordaz, a large industrial centre, important to the Venezuelan economy because of the processing of bauxite into aluminium and iron ore into steel. We continue to Ciudad Bolivar, arriving in the late afternoon.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5:
Fly to Kavac
From Ciudad Bolivar on the Orinoco, we fly south to the Pemon Indian settlement of Kavac in the Kamarata valley. Here we enjoy the breathtaking wilderness and prepare for our exciting river trip. We fly over the vast bulk of Auyantepui (the Devil’s Mountain) and, weather permitting, hope to see Angel Falls from the air. This is included in the dry season and optional in the wet season. On arrival at Kavac there may be the opportunity to visit Kavac canyon (optional)
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Motorised canoe to Iwana Meru en route to Angel Falls
This morning we have some free time with the possibility of visiting an Inidan plantation. We then board our motorised canoes and begin our exciting journey to Angel Falls
Overnight Jungle Shelter (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 to 8:
Motorised canoe to Angel Falls
For the next three days we make our way round the imposing flat-topped bulk of Auyan-Tepui by river – a journey relatively few people have experienced. Our skilled Indian boatmen guide their 10m craft through the rapids and whirlpools of the river, whilst all around is virgin forest where brightly plumed birds break the eerie silence with their strident calls. During our river journey we stay in spartan accommodation, sleeping in hammocks with mosquito nets, so be prepared to rough it a bit – the experience is well worth it. In the wet season, when there is enough water, it is possible to reach a point from which we can hike to the base of the Angel Falls. Discovered only in 1933 by the pilot-adventurer Jimmy Angel who was searching for gold, the falls are a spectacle of extraordinary beauty as they leap some 975m off the top of the mesa and plunge to the foot of the gorge. The plummeting water vaporises in mid-air forming a glistening white spray that collects in a pool below. This breath-taking cataract is one of the most amazing sights on the American continent.
Overnight Jungle Shelter (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Motorised canoe to Canaima
On our final day on the river, we continue to Canaima.On arrival, there is a chance to visit Salto el Sapo nearby. At this waterfall it is possible to walk behind the curtain of falling water as it tumbles into the lagoon (Approx 1.5 hrs). Canaima is located on a wide stretch of the Carrao river known as Canaima Lagoon. Facing us is the beautiful sweep of the Hacha Falls which continuously pour amber-tinted water (from the tannin leached from the rainforest) into the lagoon. With the backdrop of distant and mysterious tepuis and a foreground of a sandy beach and palm trees, this is a fitting final highlight to our river journey of adventure.
Overnight Basic Hotel (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10:
Fly to Barinas
Today we fly via Caracas to Barinas and overnight in a charming hotel in Barinas, a commercial centre and gateway to the Venezuelan Andes, the Columbian border and the Hot Plains or Llanos. Alligators, anacondas and anteaters are frequently spotted in the Llanos. This vast area contained between the Andes and the Orinoco is the largest wilderness area in Venezuela.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11 to 12:
In the Venezuelan wetlands of Canafistola
We continue our journey via Puerto Nutrias through this little visited showcase of tropical wildlife – one of the finest areas in the world to see birds and animals – and make our way to our base for the next 2 days. On our stay at a working cattle ranch we hope to see alligator, anaconda, capabari, turtle, freshwater dolphin and armadillo. We may be lucky enough to spot the huge Orinoco crocodile and the giant anteater as well as over 100 of the 750 species of birds found in the area. We may also see the Venezuelan cowboys close up as they work with the cattle on the ranch. We will have an opportunity to fish in the rivers where we can expect to catch piranhas!
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13:
Drive Colonia Tovar
An early start this morning as we have a long days' driving ahead to the Caribbean foothills. Hopefully spotting some wildlife on the way out of the area, we intend to reach Colonia Tovar early evening.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14:
In La Colonia Tovar
The attractive village of La Colonia Tovar is nestled in the cloud forest to the east of Henri Pittier National Park. Founded by German settlers in 1843, the villagers’ Black Forest ancestry is reflected in their architecture and clothing.Today the Colonia Tovar is a quiet farming community, dedicated to producing temperate climate fruit and vegetables.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 15:
Tour ends Maiquetia (Caracas Airport) at the time of departure of the group flight to London
Included meals: Breakfast
