Non-trekking adventure to Angel Falls
Stay with native Indians in the Orinoco Delta
Wildlife spotting on the Los Llanos wetlandsOrinoco Delta & Warao Indians
We begin at an isolated Indian village east of Tucupita deep in the Orinoco Delta Nature Reserve, a luxuriant mangrove forest of outstanding beauty. Staying for three nights in stilt houses, we use local dugouts and meet the native Warao tribe. We'll observe exotic flora and fauna, and see how the great Orinoco shapes the life of the Indian villagers.
Rainforest Canoe Journey & Angel Falls
Flying into the Indian settlement of Kamarata on the Rio Akanau, our next four days are spent travelling to Canaima by canoe, guided through the rapids by our skilled Indian boatmen. Sleeping in hammocks in simple shelters on the river bank at night, we are enveloped by virgin forest and eerie silences broken only by shrieking jungle calls. The glistening waters of Angel Falls knife downwards in a single unbroken cascade, leaping some 975m off the vertical escarpment of Auyan Tepui ('Devil's Mountain', 2400m) - the tallest waterfall in the world.
Alligators, Anacondas & Anteaters
The Venezuelan wetlands of Los Llanos are a little visited showcase of tropical wildlife. On our stay at a working cattle ranch we hope to see alligator, anaconda, capabari, turtle, freshwater dolphin and armadillo. We may be lucky enough to spot the huge Orinoco crocodile and the giant anteater as well as over 100 of the 750 species of birds found in the area. We may also see the Venezuelan cowboys close up as they work with the cattle on the ranch.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Caracas. 2 Fly Maturin; drive to Puerto El Volcan; motorised canoe to Orinoco Delta. 3 to 5 In Delta exploring by boat and dugout; launch to El Volcan; drive Ciudad Bolivar. 6 to 9 Fly over Angel Falls (dry season only - Jan-May) en route to Kamarata Indian village; 4-day journey by motorised canoe (with day-hike to base of Angel Falls - wet season only, Jun-Dec); last night camp near Canaima; optional excursion to Salto el Sapo. 10 Fly Barinas. 11 Drive to Canafistola. 12 At Canafistola; wildife viewing. 13 Drive Calabozo. 14 Drive Colonia Tovar. 15 Drive Caracas Airport; tour ends.
Accommodation: 5nts standard hotels, 2nts stilt house in the delta, 1nt mission, 3nts jungle shelter, 2nts hammock camp - conditions on the delta and in our jungle camps are very basic and facilities non existent but these are the only options in the remote areas we travel through; 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 8 dinners included.
Transport: Small bus/Motorised and dugout canoe/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: An outstanding non-trekking adventure to discover Venezuela. Conditions on this trip are basic, come prepared for some long travelling days by bus and dugout canoe.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and boatmen.
Trip Reference: AF