12 days/11 nights
$2,910 (minimum 2 person) per person
$2,260 (group trip: min 4 persons) per person
What this price includes.
Daily itinerary
Bolivar State, in southern Venezuela, is home to the Guayana
Shield, an archaic and pleasantly bizarre landform from
which gigantic sandstone mesas, known as the Table Mountains
or "Tepuis", rise. Being almost inaccessible,
Auyantepui is the largest and most impressive of all.
The expedition through the humid jungle and hot dry savannah,
is a forceful and breathtaking experience. Previous knowledge
of mountain climbing is not required. However, very good
physical condition is advisable.
Note: Auyantepui entrance subject to local
weather conditions and government restrictions. Exact
expedition itinerary subject to change.
Day 1: US - Caracas
(Lost World Adventures can help arrange discounted international
flights for you).
Welcome to Venezuela! Upon arrival at Caracas' Simon Bolivar
International Airport, you will claim your luggage and
clear immigrations and customs. You will be then be met
and assisted by our local representatives and transferred
to your hotel. Currency exchange is available in the airport
lobby.
Venezuela ("Little Venice" in
Spanish) was inhabited mostly by Carib and Arawak Indians
before the Spaniards landed here in 1498 on Columbus'
third voyage. The first permanent settlement was established
at Cumana in 1520. The country was relatively poor and
predominantly agrarian until 1914 when oil was discovered
near Maracaibo. Caracas (elevation 3,105 ft) was founded
in 1567 and has become the fastest growing capital in
Latin America since World War II.
Overnight accommodations at Hotel Caracas
Hilton includes continental breakfast served in the Tower
Lounge. The Hilton is located at the city's center and
is within minutes from the city's cultural and commercial
districts. The Hilton offers tennis courts, a swimming
pool, and a health club with gym, sauna, and massage.
Dining options include three restaurants, a lobby lounge,
sushi bar and a gourmet bar.
Day 2: Caracas - Ciudad Bolivar - Kavak
Hotel pick up and transfer today to Caracas' national
airport. Pay domestic airport tax (around $1 US) and check
in for your flight.
From Ciudad Bolivar you'll set off on a
charter flight to the Pemon Indian settlement of Kavak.
Weather and pilot discretion permitting, you'll have a
bird's-eye view of Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall.
On arrival in Kavak, meet the Pemon Indians who will be
your hosts and porters throughout the expedition. Then
it's off to explore the dark, narrow canyon and hidden
waterfall of Kavak. Enjoy the surroundings by bathing
in a stone-bordered natural pool and swimming through
a gap the width of a human body, whose walls reach up
to 90 feet in height and are covered with moss and lianas.
The goal of this swim is to reach a cave that has a waterfall
plunging into it from the top of the entrance --it is
a fairytale backdrop, and truly a dream of an experience.
In the afternoon return to Kavak. Dinner and overnight
in hammocks at the Kavak camp. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Kavak - Guayaraca
An early departure will be required to undertake the first
monumental stage of this expedition with the Indians.
You will walk on narrow paths until midday along the base
of the table mountain, sometimes in the treeless savannah
and other times through tropical rain forests. You'll
cross the Rio Yuruan and, during the rainy season, up
to five other small streams on this leg of the journey.
Extreme pressure will be placed on all footwear, as absorption
of water occurs not only in streams and rivers but also
in the morass. After hiking about six hours the group
arrives at the base of the first pedestal of the Auyantepui,
where you will remain at the riverside Guayaraca camp.
Refresh yourselves in the cool, clean water of the river
and enjoy the fading day in this Lost World. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Guayaraca - El Peñon
Early in the morning, with the mist still hanging in the
trees, you will leave Guayaraca on an Indian trail leading
out of the Tepui forest and across the savannah. Grass
as tall as a man, orchids and other rare flowers in fantastic
sorts and sizes border the way. To reach the second pedestal
of the mesa, you will have to cut your way through green
thickets with a machete. With a 1,200-foot wall looming
in sight, you cross the pedestal and overnight underneath
a huge overhanging cliff at the base of the third level.
The Indians call this point El Peñon. (B,L,D)
Day 5: El Peñon - High Plateau of
the Auyantepui
The last stage of the climb lies before you. Approaching
the wall, you may not believe that a previous knowledge
of mountain climbing is not required. However, the Indians
will lead you to a point where erosion has partially disturbed
the mountain. Between huge stone entrances, rocks and
gravel have created a stairway of sorts, which you will
climb. You’ll make use of ropes to carry bags and
to help keep your balance.
Around midday arrive at the high plateau.
The moment when you lift your head over the edge of the
plateau and look out on the panoramic view of the mesa
is truly unforgettable. The scene, which almost appears
unreal, evokes the moon with clusters of flowers. Memories
of the "Lost World" of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
are brought to mind. After locating a safe camping spot,
disperse into smaller groups for excursions. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Exploring the Lost World Plateau
You will spend the whole day exploring the Auyantepui
plateau. Here, bromeliads and carnivorous plants grow
between grotesquely shaped stone sculptures. The latter
have existed from the beginning of time and continue to
do so only in this isolated region of the world. Under
clear skies, Auyantepui is a strange, natural playground
waiting to be discovered. But when fog sets in, the summit's
mood transforms to that of an eery inhospitable planet.
For reference see: National Geographic, May 1989. "Tepuis-Venezuela's
Islands in Time." (B,L,D)
Day 7: Descent to El Peñon
Bidding farewell to this unique scenery is difficult,
but the descent awaits. In the afternoon you’ll again
arrive at El Peñon. Caution. The trail here can
be very slippery and ropes must be used in several spots.
(B,L,D)
Day 8: El Peñon - Guayaraca
A long, sometimes slippery, descent to Guayaraca. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Guayaraca - Yuruan
Today continue down to the Yuruan Camp. Close to this
delightful spot are numerous caves and waterfalls, and
you'll enjoy your last day in the Lost World just relaxing
and resting up after your long adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Yuruan - Kavak
You'll spend all the morning here. You can choose between
visiting the canyon or simply swimming and relaxing. In
the afternoon hike back to Kavak. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Kavak - Ciudad Bolivar - Caracas
After breakfast you'll set off on a charter flight back
to Ciudad Bolivar to take your scheduled flight to Caracas.
Upon arrival to Caracas, airport reception, assistance
and transfer to your hotel. Overnight accommodations at
Hotel Caracas Hilton. (B)
Day 12: Caracas - US
Hotel pick up and transfer to the International Airport.
Pay Venezuela's departure tax (approximately $33 US);
check in at airline ticket counter to depart. (B)
Contact
us to include a trek on
Auyan Tepui in a customized itinerary of travel to Venezuela.
