Rafting
in the Orinoco River
A
thrilling 12 miles, 2 hours, minimal risk descent of the
II to III strong Atures Rapids, located close to the capital
of the Venezuelan Amazon
amidst one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Orinoquia
and surrounded by the natural splendor of the Guayana
Shield, characterized by its very old geological formations.
Traditional rafting
requires the use of a paddle, which would be exhausting
in the wide and powerful Orinoco, thus, the rafts are
motor-equipped to make the best of the experience, offering
a entertaining show of technical exercises in return.
The ride is tailored to the participants and since neither
previous knowledge nor special skills are required everybody
can join. Fishermen in their usual chores, different species
of birds,
fresh water dolphins and seasonal visits to river island
petroglyphs
are all part of this extraordinary excursion.
Magical
Atures
Navigate
part of the famous Humboldt Route including the world’s
widest rapids and discover samples of primitive
art proving the existence of ancestral indigenous
cultures, observe the fishermen in their everyday chores,
different species of birds
and the graceful fresh water dolphins, hike
through an impressive river island in the Orinoco to a
natural lookout, swim in natural Jacuzzis or river beaches,
fish the local way, canoe, kayak
or paddle
raft (optional) with an escorting guide. Get insights
to the history, art, geology, fauna and legends of this
pristine part of the world.
Puerto
Ayacucho
Visit
the most interesting places of the capital of the Venezuelan
Amazon. The Ethnological
Museum showcases the indigenous groups that live in this
distinctive territory: Yanomami, Piaroa, Guahibo, Yekuana
or Makiritare and the Arawak providing an excellent introduction
of their cultural diversity. In front of the Bolivar Square,
the attractive Cathedral has multicolored wall paintings
and a roof oil painting of Christ with a curious motion
effect. The Indian Square market is a very good place
to buy handicrafts
directly from the hands of the producers. Finish with
a visit to a lookout for a fantastic view of Venezuela’s
largest river, the Orinoco, and the Atures Rapids.
The
South Route
Head
south of Puerto Ayacucho to visit the Turtle Stone Natural
Monument (Piedra de la Tortuga), two huge granite boulders
that resemble a gigantic turtle. Walk through the savannah
to arrive at the Painted Rock Natural Monument (Piedra
Pintada) containing an impressive gallery of very old
petroglyphs,
including the biggest one in the country: A 164 feet length
snake. The Jungle Toboggan is a natural water sledge inside
the rainforest where there are chances for a relaxing
and amusing swim. Stop by an indigenous community to appreciate
the elaboration of and buy typical handicrafts
and then end with a visit to a natural lookout of the
Orinoco River before returning to Puerto Ayacucho.
Natural
Cataniapo
Jump
in a Curiara (an indigenous dugout canoe) and grab your
Canalete, the local wooden paddle,
to go upriver the Cataniapo, a tributary of the Orinoco.
Stop by a Conuco, an indigenous farm system and learn
the way the ethnic groups cultivate the land to obtain
yucca, sugarcane, plantain and pineapple, between others.
Walk
through the rainforest to interpret the varied ecosystems
and visit a natural lookout, observing birds,
butterflies, tarantulas and frogs on the way. Have a refreshing
swim before navigating down current enjoying the sounds
of the jungle. Subject to the water levels, a visit to
the Picure Rapids is included.
Contact
us to include the Venezuelan
Amazon in a customized itinerary of travel to Venezuela.
