We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly, you should allow US$50 for tipping.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Venezuela |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.20 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.20 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.20 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$1.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$11.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$11.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
$7.50 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
A Venezuelan Tourist Card required by citizens of UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and USA. Obtained from consular offices or at check-in desk of airline to Venezuela. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to top
Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against yellow fever, malaria, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Back to top
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to top
Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Preparing for your tour
Walking Grades and Fitness
To enjoy any trek such as the hike up Roraima on this Lost World Trip, it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard a trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure – in fact as soon as you book – and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients involved on this trek. Running, hill walking and other more active sports are suitable.
Back to top
Additional Information for your Trekking Tour
Packing List
What to pack in your trek kit bag/rucksack for the Roraima hike:
- Rain coat
- Swimming costume
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection
- Camera and memory cards
- Water bottle
- 2 x trousers
- 2 x shorts
- 2 x T-shirts
- 2 x long sleeved shirts
- 1 x fleece
- Boots
- Tennis shoes/trainers
- 4 x socks
- 4 x underwear
- Sleeping bag
- Matress/mat
- Towel
- Torch/spare bulb/batteries
- Toilet roll
- 2 x plastic bags
- Tooth brush and paste
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Medicines
- Wash kit
- Passport
- Tickets and money
Back to top
Altitude: On Trek
The maximum altitude reached is 2810m, so acute mountain sickness is not normally encountered on this trip.
Back to top
Gradient Chart
Back to top
Climate
Tropical with little seasonal change in temperature, but great variation with altitude. It can be hot at midday, but cold at night. The rainy season is from June to November. Caracas can be cool at night, especially December to February.
Back to top
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to top
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to top
Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to top
Plastic Bags Be aware that your rucksack will get wet – so packing everything in plastic bags helps to keep things dry. A bin liner is ideal. Also it will make it easier to sort through – the less you unpack in the evening, the less you will have to repack each morning!
Back to top
What to pack, when and where? ...
Luggage You will need 3 bags for this trip. Before starting the Roraima hike, there is plenty of time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left behind in Santa Elena . Advice on how to pack will also be given at the trek briefing:
One main piece of luggage. Total allowance 14kg/30lb.
A rucksack Minimum capacity 50 litres. This needs to be large enough to carry everything you need (essentials only) on the Roraima hike – including your sleeping bag. You must be able to carry this yourself unless you wish to hire a porter. The rest of your luggage will be forwarded by road to the start of the river journey in Kamarata. Please also note that due to several river crossings during the trek – this bag will get wet, so remember to pack plastic bags (bin liners are ideal) to keep the contents dry!
Small rucksack/Daypack
If you choose to hire a porter, you will not have access to your rucksack during the course of a trekking day. Therefore you will need a daypack that is large enough to carry items such as your water bottle, camera, suncream, packed lunch etc. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Other optional items might be binoculars, a diary or a book to read at lunch time.
Back to top
Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to top
Clothing
Thick sweater/fleece jacket A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be cold. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.
Trainers or Trekking sandals Useful around camp, in towns, when travelling and for river crossings on trek.
Socks It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
Waterproofs Breathable waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs.
Walking Boots Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops which are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.
Shorts Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold and to protect against sand flies in the morning and early evening.
Track suit Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
Long Trousers For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. These help protect from sunburn and the cold and also from sand flies. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and are cumbersome when wet.
Back to top
Equipment
The following equipment is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:
2-man tents.
All cooking and kitchen gear.
Back to top
Trekking poles Trekking poles are recommended.
Sleeping Bag This may be down or synthetic, and should be 2/3-season. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean and can be used to sleep in if hot. 2 season (temperature 0°C to 5°C), 3 season (temperature –5°C to 0°C).
Sleeping Mat or Thermarest A good quality sleeping mat or a thermarest is essential and is NOT available locally. Bring your own.
Water Bottle Water during the hike must never be considered as drinkable. Take a 2 litre personal water bottle.
Water Purifying Tablets. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. Also energy snacks including chocolate and sweets are recommended whilst on trek.
Sunglasses A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare.
Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block and Lipsalve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Torch/Batteries A small torch is essential for finding things at night etc. Often a head torch is useful. Remember to bring some spare batteries.
Travel Towel Useful – fast drying and compact.
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap, small towel, toilet roll, small nail brush. ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those (nonperfumed to avoid rashes). Due to the environmentally sensitive areas we visit, bio-degradable soap is recommended. Insect repellent is essential in the jungle though mosquito nets are provided. Bring 50-100% deet.
Back to top
Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to top
Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to top
General Information
Please note:
During the dry season (December to May) the itinerary may be modified slightly if there is insufficient water to navigate the Churun River towards Angel Falls. A brief itinerary is as follows.
Days 1 to 10 As per trip notes
Day 11: Continue motorised canoe trip to mouth of Churun and return to camp Arenal. Overnight camping, all meals. Day 12: Canoe to Canaima. Overnight camping, all meals. Day 13: Fly to Caracas. Day 14: Visit Caribbean beaches. Day 15: Bus to Caracas Airport where tour ends.
Back to top
Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to top
General Information
Please bear in mind that some of the areas of Venezuela visited on this trip are still remote and conditions can change from one day to the next. As far as practical we shall adhere to the day to day route as printed, but overnight stops may vary from those suggested.
Back to top
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the UK and European website
