Canaima National
Park, Angel Falls and Hato El Cedral in the Llanos Grasslands
8 days / 7 nights
From $2,578 per person double
occupancy in 2008.
Includes domestic airfare
in Venezuela, accommodations, tours, transportation, taxes
and service charges where applicable, and meals as specified.
Day 1: Caracas
Welcome to Venezuela! Airport reception and transfer to
your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel
Ole Caribe along the Caribbean coast.
Day 2: Caracas
– Canaima National Park
In the morning set off on a flight to Canaima,
flying over the massive tepuis into the remote south of
Venezuela. After a short dugout canoe ride up the Carroa
River, you’ll find Ucaima
Camp, ideally situated on the banks of the river,
above Hacha Falls with views of three tepuis and the giant
Auyantepui in the distance. Here you’ll find abundant
wildlife including jaguars, monkeys, toucans, fisher eagles
and royal herons. Accommodations are in comfortable cabanas
with private bathrooms. All meals included.
Depending on the time you arrive, you will
have time for an additional excursion. A great day trip
is to Kavak Canyon, one of the narrowest canyons in the
world. Guided by local Indians, you'll wade and swim through
the canyon to the hidden waterfall of Kavak. The park
is also home to a small settlement of Pemon Indians, whose
adobe and thatch churuata dwellings have changed little
in thousands of years.
A half day to trip to Sapo Falls is an
exciting way to explore the backcountry of southern Venezuela
by motorized canoe. You can walk behind the falls and
swim nearby. Afterward, travel up the Caño Moroco
stream to see El venado (the deer) and El Zamuro (the
vulture) mesas. (L,D)
Day 3: Angel Falls Overnight
Early morning, set off for your adventure
through the land of the tepuis in motorized dugout canoes.
Be sure to have your camera ready as you marvel at the
countless waterfalls gracefully descending the face of
the Auyan-tepuy mesa into the jungle below. Upstream,
pass rapids, giant rock formations and exotic vegetation
which dominate this ancient, primeval landscape.
Upon arrival at Orchid Island, breakfast
will be served. Continuing upstream, you will reach Ratoncito
Island, from where you can observe Angel
Falls. From a lookout point, you have a spectacular
view of Angel Falls. Your overnight accommodations are
in a rustic shelter close to Ratoncito Island. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Angel Falls
to Canaima National Park
After another full morning enjoying Angel Falls, return
downriver to Ucaima Camp in time for dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Canaima
- Caracas - Barinas - Hato El Cedral
Today you will fly to Caracas and
connect with a flight to Barinas. You will be met at the
airport and transfer to El Cedral in the flat Llanos
grasslands. Arrive at Hato
El Cedral, a 160,000-acre working ranch and wildlife
sanctuary. The campamento takes a serious approach to
environmental issues, introducing the full protection
of wildlife within their ranches, installing research
stations and contributing to ecological funds.
The Llanos is a bird watcher's paradise,
with more than 300 species identified. Highlights include
hoatzins, pied lapwings, king vultures, storks and ibis.
See rugged Venezuelan cowboys, the llaneros, hard at work
as they skillfully move great herds of cattle across the
ranch. All meals included. (B,L,D)
Days 6 and 7: El Cedral
Embark on a variety of excursions
in the early morning and late afternoon in the "Serengeti
of South America." All meals included. (B,L,D)
Day 8: El Cedral – Caracas
Fly back to Caracas. Proceed to your
international flight home. (B)
Contact
us to include Scenic Andes
Adventure in a customized itinerary of travel to Venezuela.
