Previous mountain climbing experience not required, but excellent
physical condition necessary. Tepuis, or Table Mountains,
are giant sandstone mesas that look like mountains with
the tops cut off. From the Guayana Shield in southern
Venezuela rise many tepuis and you will climb the tallest
of them, Auyan-Tepui.
On top of these remote, massive land formations remains
some of the last yet uncut primary vegetation found nowhere
else on earth. Pemon Indians are porters.
Day 1: Caracas
Airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight
in the Hotel
Ole Caribe along the Caribbean coast.
Day 2: Caracas
– Kavak
Fly to Cuidad Bolivar in southern Venezeula and connect
on a charter flight to Kavak.
Weather permitting, you will have a bird’s eye view
of the world’s highest waterfall, Angel
Falls. Explore the narrow Kavak Canyon and waterfall
and search for hidden caves punctuated with waterfalls.
Dinner and overnight in hammocks at the Kavak camp. (L,D)
Day 3: Kavak –
Guayaraca
Rise early and hike all day along the base of the tepuis
to the first pedestal of the Auyan-Tepui. Cool off with
a swim in the river next to Guayaraca camp. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Guayaraca
- El Penon
Leave camp as the sun begins to burn off the evening fog.
Cross the great savannah with the aid of a machete to
slice the thick tall grass until the 1,200 foot tepui
wall appears. Cross the second pedestal and overnight
under a huge overhanging cliff at the base of the third
level. The Indians call this point "El Peñon".
(B,L,D)
Day 5: El Penon
– Summit
A challenging climb to the top of Auyan-Tepui
lies ahead. Depsite the shear vertical face of the tepui,
there is a rocky path that leads to the top like a staircase
of boulders. With the aid of ropes to hoist the packs,
the guides lead you up the path to the summit. The moment
you crest the top and see the vast flat expanse of the
top of the tallest tepui will be unforgettable. After
setting up camp, wonder off to explore the unique landscape
and flora. Some parts appear like a moonscape, with a
thin layer of water covering black smooth rock. Other
patches of lichens and moss huddle together on patches
of soil that elude the erosion of wind. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Exploring
the Lost World Plateau
We will spend the whole day exploring the Auyan Tepui
plateau. Here, bromeliads and carnivorous plants grow
between grotesquely shaped stone sculptures. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Descent
Bidding farewell to this unique scenery is difficult,
but the descent awaits. In the afternoon we will again
arrive at El Peñon to camp.(B,L,D)
Day 8: El Penon
- Guayaraca
Desend 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
Return to the canyon or go for a swim before returning
to Kavak camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Kavak –
Caracas
Travel to Cuidad Bolivar and fly to Caracas. Overnight
at Hotel
Ole Caribe.(B)
Day 12: Caracas
– Int’l Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Contact
us to include Scenic Andes
Adventure in a customized itinerary of travel to Venezuela.
