Family Activity Holiday For Teens In Venezuela

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Transferring out to the airport this morning, we take a scheduled flight to Puerto Ordaz, from where we then board a small charter flight on to the pretty Pemon Indian village of Kavac, at the foot of the towering walls of Auyan-Tepui in the Canaima National Park. The flight takes us over the vast bulk of Venezuela’s Devil’s Mountain, one of the most impressive settings in the country and, weather permitting, there may be the chance to take a flight across the thundering cascades of Angel Falls (please note: this excursion is included between January and May, whilst the rest of the year it is offered as an optional trip at US$55 per person). Time permitting this afternoon we will take a hike out to the impressive setting of nearby Kavac Canyon, where it is possible to swim through the narrow fissure to an equally impressive waterfall at the other end. The canyon itself measures just 1.5 metres in width, but its towering 30 meter walls and 100 metre length make it an exhilarating venue to spend the afternoon. Another alternative for this afternoon is to pay a visit to a local Indian community to gain a fascinating insight into life amongst the (almost lost) jungles of eastern Venezuela.

Overnight Jungle Cabin (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Over the next four days we make our way round the imposing flat-topped bulk of Auyan- Tepui by river – a journey that relatively few people have experienced. Staying in spartan accommodation, sleeping in hammocks and relying upon the skills of our Indian boatmen to guide their 10m craft through the rapids and whirlpools of the river, we journey through a landscape of virgin forest, where brightly plumed birds break the eerie silence with their strident calls. Our first day sees us transferring by jeep to neighbouring Kamarata to join our launch, from where we then traverse the flowing waters of the Akanan River towards our camp at Iwana Meru, skirting the eastern edge of Auyan-Tepui as we head into the jungle. Be prepared for some rough adventure over the coming days as we make our way down river, but be assured that the experiences more than compensates for any minor discomforts. On arrival at camp there may be the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing dip in the river, or else take a hike out into the surrounding forest.

Overnight Jungle Shelter (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Today, we continue down the Akanan to its confluence with the Carrao River, passing through rapids enroute to our camp at Arenal. The camp itself is situated close to the junction with the Churun River and the spectacular Angel Falls themselves. Depending on how long today’s journey takes, which will be subject to water levels of the river, there should hopefully be plenty of opportunities to either swim or enjoy some walks into the jungle that surrounds the camp.

Overnight Jungle Shelter (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

One of the country’s major natural attractions and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls present us with a breathtaking spectacle today, as we hike to the base of its 979m-drop. Located in the Canaima National Park, in Bolivar state, the falls were not actually discovered until 1933, when a pilotadventurer by the name of Jimmy Angel flew over them whilst searching for gold. Angel returned 3 years later with his wife and two companions and on trying to land the plane was forced to abandon it on the summit of the falls and trek some 13 days back to civilisation. The downed plane remained in situ for another 33 years, before finally being rescued and restored to its former glory (today it occupies pride of place in front of Ciudad Bolivar airport). We aim to trek up to Laime’s Lookout today, following the trail cleared by the Latvian explorer Aleksandrs Laime in 1949 that runs from the Churun River to a viewpoint close to the base of the falls. Plummeting from the top of the mesa, nearly 1000m into the gorge below, Angel Falls presents a spectacle of quite outstanding beauty, its cascading water vaporising in mid-air to form a glistening white spray that collects in the pool at the foot of the cataract, affording any onlookers a vision that is without doubt one of the most impressive sights anywhere on the South American continent.

Overnight Jungle Shelter (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Our final day on the river sees us continuing to Canaima, located on a wide stretch of the Carrao River known as Canaima Lagoon. Facing us is the beautiful sweep of the Hacha Falls, its amber-tinted water (from the tannin leached from the rainforest) continuously pouring into the lagoon. Set against a backdrop of distant and mysterious tepuis and a foreground of sandy beaches and waving palms, this will certainly be a visual highlight of our river adventure. On arrival there is a chance to visit the nearby waterfall of Salto el Sapo nearby, where it may be possible to walk behind the thundering curtain of plunging water as it tumbles into the lagoon below. Ending our journey at Canaima’s airport, we then board a charter flight on to the historic town of Cuidad Bolivas.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Flying via Caracas, we head next for the city of Barinas, lying along the course of the Santo Domingo River on the western plains that occupy the foothills of the Cordillera de Merida. On arrival we transfer by road the short distance to our camp at Acequia, situated amidst the white water rafting centre of the country. This afternoon we will then take to the waters of the Acequia River to enjoy some rafting along what many consider to be the cleanest and most scenic river in Venezuela. The river cuts through a landscape of dense rainforest and spectacular scenery, its fast flowing waters offering us a chance to enjoy the exhilarating buzz of grade III rapids, whilst taking in a spell binding landscape of mountains vistas and jungle vegetation. All safety equipment and instruction will be provided. In the event that the river levels are too high and the grade exceeds IV, the rafting will not operate and alternative activities will be provided instead.

Overnight Rustic Cabins (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we plan to return to the white waters, this time to raft on the Bum Bum (no joke!) River. Again, if water levels are too low or too high alternative, land-based, activities will be provided instead. After a morning of exhilarating white water rafting, you may want to take to mountain bikes in the afternoon to explore more of this picturesque region or go on foot to view some of the local widlife that may be lurking by the river or in the forest.

Overnight Rustic Cabins (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our journey today through one of the finest wildlife areas on the planet, as we make our way across the Los Llanos wetlands, the vast expansive plains of central Venezuela that are fed by the waters of the Orinoco, the third largest river on earth. This is Venezuela’s most comprehensive wildlife area, where you can find an extensive array of flora and fauna, including caimans, giant anteaters, capybaras and freshwater dolphins. We will spending the next two nights at a working cattle ranch, set in the heart of this spectacular region, and over the coming days we may be lucky enough to spot huge Orinoco crocodiles, turtle and a rich selection of the nearly 750 species of birds that reside in Venezuela. Our first afternoon affords a chance to do some wildlife viewing and we may see some traditional Venezuelan cowboys up close as they work the cattle on the ranch. We will also have an opportunity to take to the waters by boat on our second day, to enjoy an altogether different perspective of the region and fish in the rivers, where we can realistically expect to catch piranhas!

Overnight Hammock Camp (C+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Making the most of the wildlife advantages of an early start, our final day in the Llanos sees us driving via San Fernando de Apure to Calabozo, crossing the grasslands and taking in some more wildlife viewing enroute as we make our way towards the capital of Apure State. Following lunch in the city we then continue by road to Calabozo, situated beside the waters of the Guárico River to the southwest of Caracas. Founded during the 17th century its remote location saw it become something of a Spanish gulag, colonial prisoners being readily offered the choice between imprisonment and banishment to the plains of Calabozo. Located today in the centre of the country’s cattle country, the city prospers from the raising of livestock, its old churches and colonial history providing an interesting backdrop to our overnight stay.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

A morning’s drive takes us to the attractive village of La Colonia Tovar, 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 very much reflected in their uniquely European architecture and clothing. Isolated for generations, the settlers managed to retain much of their German traditions, language and even food, before finally becoming integrated into their Spanish heritage. A quiet farming community today, Colonia Tovar is dedicated to the production of fruit and vegetables ideally suited to its temperate climate and even today of its German culinary fare has managed to survive the passage of time, with beer and marmalade being popular reminders of its European past. With a free afternoon there is time to explore a little something of the town, enjoying its Bavarian ambience, relaxing amongst the spectacular landscapes and perhaps doing a little shopping.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we have a chance to pay a visit to the cloud forest (optional), before continuing along the coastal Cordillera to Chichirvichi de la Costa on the Caribbean seaboard.  Founded by escaped slaves some 150 years ago and set around a horseshoe shaped bay, Chichirvichi offers an idyllic mix of golden sandy beaches, coconut palms and views out across the Caribbean, making it an ideal spot to spend our last few days.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

A free day today affords an opportunity to explore something of this marine wonderland, with a chance to enjoy some snorkelling in the crystalline waters offshore. The Caribbean can boast nearly 10% of the world’s coral reefs, presently a rich ecosystem that supports some of the most diverse habitats on the planet. Off the Venezuelan coast the abundance of reef fish and other marine animals is equal to anything else in these waters, with dolphins often regular visitors to the coastal waters. Of course you may just simply wish to relax and enjoy the tropical setting, making the most of the time to simply revel in the tranquil surroundings.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Included meals: Breakfast