Venezuela Detailed Itinerary

Venezuela
Detailed Itinerary
Journey to Angel Falls
Apr 11/16
Angel Falls — the highest waterfall in the world.
The lost world of Venezuela is a destination
with snow-capped peaks of the Andes, abundant
wildlife in the Llanos, beautiful coastline, lush
jungle, indigenous tribes, interesting colonial
history and friendly South American hospitality.
Venezuela’s greatest natural attraction is the
world’s highest waterfall, magnificent Angel
Falls. Not only is Venezuela one of South
America’s undiscovered travel gems, but a must
see destination for adventure travelers.
From the capital of Caracas, we fly to Mérida,
which boasts typical Andean culture and scenery,
and is situated high in the mountains. The snowcovered peaks of the Andes create the perfect
backdrop to the wildlife rich plains of the Llanos.
We will encounter indigenous tribes, including
the Pemón Indians of Canaima and also the
Warao or “Canoe People” of the Orinoco Delta.
The Delta is an intricate labyrinth of waterways
weaving through the jungle and supports
extremely rich and varied wildlife including
US/CAN 1-800-741-7956
UK 0808-234-1714
Facts & Highlights
• 17 land days • Maximum 16 travelers • Start and finish
in Caracas, Venezuela • All meals included • Includes 7
internal flights • Travel to Venezuela’s Andes Mountains
• Spectacular wildlife viewing on the Llanos grasslands
• Search for wildlife in the Orinoco Delta • Visit Pemón
villages • Explore Canaima Lagoon • Witness the
spectacular beauty of Angel Falls by scenic flight, on foot
and by river boat
Departure Dates & Price
Oct 27 – Nov 12, 16 - $6295 USD
Oct 27 – Nov 12, 17 - $6495 USD
Activity Level: 3 - 5 note: The hikes in Uruyen,
Kavak and to Angel Falls are optional and raises the
Activity Level from a 3 to a 5.
Comfort Level: Some rough roads, long travel days
and some challenging hikes.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms.
Features 1 night camping at Angel Falls with shared
facilities.
INTL. 001-416-588-5000
www.eldertreks.com
jaguar, puma, ocelot, red howler and capuchin
monkeys, capybara, giant otters, manatee and
pink dolphins and anacondas as well as extensive
birdlife.
JHYHJHZ
ZHU[V
KVTPUNV
JP\KHK
TtYPKH
IVSP]HY
OH[V*LKYHS
We cap off our trip with a visit to the world’s
highest waterfall, Angel Falls, situated in the
vast, pristine jungles of Canaima National Park,
which feature a unique geological feature known
as “Tepuis” or table-top Mountains. We see many
of the parks spectacular waterfalls and rivers
which beautifully carve and shape the stunning
*HUHPTH
HUNLS
MHSSZ
\Y\`LU RH]HR
creating the possibility that your one chance will not be
as memorable as we would wish.
landscape of Canaima. We will enjoy these beautiful
surroundings during our scenic flight and a 3 hour
boat journey through Canaima’s jungle enroute to
Angel Falls. We overnight on the river which offers
the opportunity to see the breathtaking view of
sunset and sunrise on Angel Falls.
For this reason, we offer a trip that includes the
possibility of two flights, a boat journey to the falls, a
hike to the base of the falls and return to a camp, where
you can enjoy the sun setting on Angel Falls, followed
by the sunrise on Angel Falls the next morning. These
Falls are truly magnificent in a beautiful, untouched
jungle surrounding. Our itinerary cannot be compared
to one that only offers a much cheaper, one chance only
opportunity (rain or shine) to see the world’s highest
waterfall. Any journey to Angel Falls that may not give
you the chance to view the Falls in all there splendor,
would be nothing short of tragic!!
Unlike many operators, ElderTreks provides various
opportunities to see Angel Falls including a scenic
flight, on foot and by locally-made canoes. At
almost 1 kilometer high, the sheer size and height
of the falls cannot be expressed in mere words or
through photos and must truly be seen up close to
be fully appreciated.
From the world’s highest waterfall, to the peaks of
the Andes Mountains, the lush jungles, indigenous
tribes and abundant wildlife make this journey
nothing short of an absolutely epic adventure.
Day 1 • Arrive in Caracas
Upon arrival in Caracas we are met and transferred
to our hotel. This afternoon is at your leisure for you
to enjoy our hotel situated close to Marina Grande
beach. This evening we have our welcome dinner.
Overnight in Caracas.
Please Note:
ElderTreks’ adventure to Angel Falls gives travelers
the opportunity to see Angel Falls on several
occasions. Other trips offer only a single day trip by
boat to view the falls and return the same day. This
is a long hard day offering one brief period of time
to view the falls. It is not uncommon for clouds to
linger over the Falls for perhaps hours or even days
www.eldertreks.com
6YPUVJV
+LS[H
Day 2 • Caracas
This morning we will have the opportunity to
visit the colonial sites of Caracas including Simon
­Bolivar’s birthplace and, availability permitting,
take the ­Teléferico (cable car) up to Pico El Avila, El
2
Cathedral in the Andes
Day 4 • Mérida sights, to Santo
Domingo
Avila ­National Park overlooking the majestic city
of ­Caracas. The cable car is the highest and second
longest in the world. Lunch will be taken at a popular fondue restaurant high above the city with its
beautiful vistas. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy
the sights and sounds of this wonderful city. Overnight in Caracas.
Today we continue along the Transandean and the
Llanos highways to the Mifafi Highlands in the
Paramos - home of the Andean condor. There, we
will visit the Juan Manuel Paez Biological Station,
where we will learn about this impressive bird and
perhaps even see one circling in the sky. The highway is the highest in Venezuela at some 12,141 feet
above sea level. Enroute we will stop by the replica
of a chapel built by Juan Felix Sanchez at a site
known as El Tisure. In the afternoon we will visit
Laguna de Mucubaji one of the largest and most
beautiful lagoons in the Paramos. We overnight
tonight in Santo Domingo Valley.
Day 3 • Fly to Mérida
Today we fly to Merida, taking us into Venezuela’s
Andes Mountains. In the afternoon, time permitting, we will visit Venezuela de Antier theme park
where we will see an exhibition of Venezuela’s history. We will concentrate on the regions of Venezuela
where we will visit and see recreations of indigenous
villages, re-enactments of historical events, musical
performances and perhaps even sample some local
delicacies. All this in a stunning mountain setting.
Overnight in the city of Merida.
3
www.eldertreks.com
private ­conservation and biological research initiatives
­combine to make a unique ecotourism experience.
Overnight in Hato Cedral.
Day 5 • Descend from the Andes to
Hato ­Cedral
Leaving the picturesque mountain ranges of the ­Andes,
we drive down to the wetlands of Venezuela to the
­incredible wildlife reserves of the “Llanos”. This vast
grassland with its flood/drought cycle ­produces a unique
ecosystem with incredible ­wildlife ­concentrations. We will
visit towards the end of the wet season when many young
birds are ­fledging in the shallow ponds and streams.
Expect to see ­thousands of herons, egrets and storks –
there are 300 species of birds in the Savannas along with
herds of capybara, monkeys, anteaters and foxes. We will
explore the diverse habitats by vehicle and also by boat
in the hopes of seeing caimans and pink dolphins. If we
are very lucky, perhaps we’ll see an ocelot or puma. The
Llanos is the “wild west” of ­Venezuela and our accommodation is on one of the huge working cattle ranches where
www.eldertreks.com
Day 6 • Hato Cedral
Today we will enjoy a few different tours exploring
the expanse of the Hato on foot, by boat and fourwheel drive jeep. It is possible to observe numerous
species of birds and mammals at extraordinarily
close distances as they travel through the area
searching for food. Mammals are more active at
night so after our evening meal we may venture out
with our excellent local guides to look for nocturnal
dwellers. Overnight in Hato Cedral.
4
5
www.eldertreks.com
Day 7 • Hato Cedral to Caracas
and visit some local Warao communities to view and
maybe buy some of their handcrafts - the Warao are
the indigenous peoples of this region living in stilted
houses alongside the rivers. Overnight in the Orinoco Delta.
Today, we enjoy an early morning excursion to search
for more wildlife of the Llanos. We will have time to
relax by the pool before lunch, followed by our journey to Barinas and the airport for our early evening
flight to Caracas. Overnight in La Guaira (outskirts
of Caracas on the ocean near the airport).
Day 9 • Orinoco Delta
Early morning we will explore the tributaries once again
looking for howler and capuchin monkeys in the trees
and even pink dolphins in the rivers. During the day we
will further explore our surroundings with more wildlife
observations and take to the river to try our hand at
fishing for piranhas.
Day 8 • Caracas to the Orinoco
Delta
After breakfast, we will make our way to the Caracas
airport and fly to Maturin. From Maturin, we will
transfer overland to the small “port” of San Bujas
and for the rest of our journey take to the river to
our lodge deep in the Orinoco Delta passing small
Indian settlements dotted on the river banks along
the way. The lodge is situated off a main tributary in
a thick area of jungle. During the next couple of days
we will explore the jungle with a guided excursion
Towards the end of the day, we may see many flocks
of parrots and other exotic birds such as scarlet
macaws flying to their roosts for the night, we may
again see the popular pink dolphins as well as river
otters and monkeys – it’s even possible we will find
an anaconda on our trails. Overnight in the Orinoco
Delta.
Llanos
www.eldertreks.com
6
Jimmie Angel’s plane
Uruyén Lodge
7
www.eldertreks.com
Uruyén
Penóm Indians
www.eldertreks.com
8
Canaima National Park
s­ pectacular with the bizarre landscape of the Tepuis (table
top). This afternoon is spent exploring the ­surrounding
canyons, jungle and waterfalls as well as Yurwan Canyon.
Day 10 • To Ciudad Bolivar
Before breakfast we will have the chance for one last
excursion before departing once again by river and
overland back to Ciudad Bolivar. Located at a narrow part of the Orinoco River it has a long history
and commercial importance. We will have some time
to relax pool-side before dinner. Overnight Ciudad
Bolivar.
This evening we have a demonstration of Pemón
traditional dancing. The Pemón are the indigenous
dwellers of Canaima National Park. Overnight Canaima National Park.
Day 12 • Kavak
Day 11 • Uruyen Lodge
This morning, our luggage is taken off by jeep and we
head out for a 3-hour trek via the local Pemón Indian
villages of Old Uruyén and Santa Marta to Kavak.
In Santa Marta we will have the opportunity to visit
some Pemon children in their school. Kavak is located
on a savanna on the opposite side of Auyantepuy to
Angel Falls and was built in the traditional style of a
Pemón settlement.
This morning we fly to Uruyén Lodge in Canaima
­National Park, which is on the UNESCO World
­Heritage List. Our magnificent flight retraces ­Jimmie
Angel’s infamous flight as the first westerner to view
Angel Falls. Although his flight took place in 1939, it
was not until 1949 that the highest falls in the world
received recognition.
After lunch, we visit the Cueva de Kavak (Kavak
Cave), which is sacred to the local Pemón. It is not ac-
The birds-eye-view of Angel Falls is nothing short of
9
www.eldertreks.com
tually a cave, but a deep gorge with a waterfall ­falling
into a natural pool at the base.
We explore the lagoon this afternoon, with its unique
­wine-colored water and pink beach; colors caused by the
tannin found in the local vegetation. We also visit Sapo Falls
(Frog Falls) or Hacha Falls. It is possible to walk right under
the thundering waters of both waterfalls. Overnight in
Canaima.
We then have a late afternoon siesta before dinner.
Overnight in Kavak.
Day 13 • Canaima — Sapo and Hacha
Falls; Angel falls flight
Day 14 • Angel Falls
Early this morning, we have the possibility of a visit
to the old Pemón village of Kamarata, a pleasant, local
administrative capital for the Pemón. The locals are
friendly and it is a great place for a leisurely walk.
Angel Falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfall
in the world (15 times higher than Niagara Falls). It
was discovered in 1935 by the American aviator and
adventurer, James C. Angel, after whom it is named.
From here we will fly to Canaima, with our ­second
opportunity for a view of Angel Falls. One of the most
beautiful places in Venezuela is ­Canaima ­Lagoon and
its surroundings. The lagoon is fed by several small
­waterfalls: Hacha, Wadaima, ­Golondrina and Ucaima.
In the background we can see 3 “Tepuis” table-top
­mountains that distinguish this region.
www.eldertreks.com
The almost 3,212 feet (979 meter) free flow ­water
drop is truly spectacular. We travel by curiaras
(­locally made canoes) on the Rio Churún River to
view the falls this morning. The river safari to the
falls takes us through pristine rainforest and the
ever-changing scenery of the table-top mountains.
There are just enough rapids to give the journey
10
Angel Falls
11
www.eldertreks.com
low a little time to explore. Located at a narrow part
of the Orinoco River it has a long history and commercial importance. Originally named Angostura in
1764, the town has given its name to the shrub-like
Angostura tree, the bark of which is used to make the
bitter tonic. In 1846 the city was renamed Ciudad
Bolivar in honor of Simon Bolivar. In Plaza Bolivar
we can see many buildings connected to his legacy
including a house where there is a Tamarind tree
reported to be where he would tie his horse when
visiting. There is a statue in the main square and in
the Cathedral, a giant clock that plays the Bolivar
State anthem every quarter hour. Schedule permitting and providing the museum is open, we may visit
the famous Jesus Soto museum.
some excitement! A truly unforgettable day, which
will be highlighted by our sighting of Angel Falls.
This afternoon we hike (optional - this is a level 5 hike)
to the falls and return to our campsite, where we have
time at leisure to reflect on the majesty of the falls.
Overnight at Angel Falls. The campsite is basic with
shared washroom facilities.
Day 15 • Ciudad Bolivar
After breakfast, we must bid a fond farewell to Angel
Falls. Breakfast at our campsite and then relaxing
in our curiaras, we can enjoy the trip down the Rio
Churún. Arriving in Canaima in time for lunch, we
will transfer to the airport for our flight to Ciudad
Bolivar. Upon arrival in the tiny airport we will get
the chance to see Jimmie Angel’s plane (part original
and part replica), which is situated in front of the
airport, before transferring to our hotel. Overnight
Ciudad Bolivar.
We have a flight back to Caracas at the end of the
afternoon from Puerto Ordaz.
This evening in Caracas we enjoy our farewell dinner
where we remember our many adventures with new
friends. Overnight Caracas.
Day 16 • Ciudad Bolivar to
Caracas
Day 17 • Departure from Caracas
Our Venezuela Adventure concludes with a transfer to
Caracas International Airport for your departure flight.
This time our stay in this lovely colonial city will al-
Hacha Waterfall
www.eldertreks.com
12
Orinoco River Lodge
Orinoco Delta
13
www.eldertreks.com
Questions & Answers
day. We eat a variety of local foods prepared in a wide range
of settings. In many cases, we simply order a number of
dishes and share, allowing you to sample new foods and
decide what you enjoy best. On long travel days, we often
take box lunches.
1. How big are the groups?
Each group is limited to 16 participants. Small groups are
an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for
more interaction and more personalized service throughout
the itinerary.
8.What about the weather?
This adventure covers a great deal of territory and travelers
should expect, in general, hot, humid weather. Temperatures
will be more moderate in the highlands of Venezuela. All
locations are in the tropics and with the high humidity,
temperatures can reach the high 90’s°F (37°C) during the day.
2.What is included in the tour price?
All accommodations throughout; all meals, starting with
dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure
day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); bottled drinking
water throughout the trip; all internal transportation; airport
transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the
ElderTreks tour); all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in
the itinerary; tips for hotels (porterage), bus driver, national
guide, restaurants and spot guides; services of a trip leader.
9. Is medical insurance required?
Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your
trip. Please note that medical insurance is not required
for this adventure but is recommended. ElderTreks offers
comprehensive travel insurance and we are happy to
provide you with a quote if you call our office. If you are
purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide
the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible.
*Please note those travelers with pre-existing medical
conditions must take out travel insurance at the time of
deposit
3.What is not included in the tour price?
International flights, tips to ElderTreks tour leader, alcoholic
drinks, visa’s and travel insurance.
4. Are these “educational” tours?
Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, “educational”.
Although we visit many historical sites and although we have
talks and discussions on many aspects of South American
history and culture, this is only one aspect of what we do. We
believe that it is equally educational to meet new people on
a non-commercial basis, visit their homes, and even try to
learn a few words in the local language. Sometimes the most
“educational” moments are spent sipping a cold drink in a
street market.
10.What should I take on the tour?
There is a detailed “What to Take” list in our Trip Kit, which
we will send to you after you have booked the trip.
11.When is payment due?
A non-refundable deposit of $500 or £300 GBP (plus
insurance if you want it) is due as soon as you decide to go
and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment in full of
the land cost is due 100 days before departure. Cancellation
charges are applicable and these are outlined in the “Terms
and Conditions” section of our brochure.
5. How do we travel?
All land transportation is included in the land price of the
trip. We use mini-vans, 4x4 vehicles, local ferries, canoes,
scenic flights on small aircraft, scheduled flights and of
course by foot. The trip cost also includes 7 internal flights.
12. Can you arrange my flights?
We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements.
ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group
flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or
extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.
6.What are our accommodations like?
We always stay in very good hotels and guesthouses that have
been chosen on the basis of location, atmosphere and local
charm. Please note that there is 1 night of camping at Angel
Falls which is basic with shared facilities.
13.What if I would like more
information?
If you have any further questions about the trip, please do
not hesitate to contact our office for additional information.
A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will
be sent to you once you have booked the trip.
7.What meals are included?
All meals during the itinerary are included, starting with
dinner on day 1, and finishing with breakfast on departure
www.eldertreks.com
14
15
www.eldertreks.com
Orinoco Delta
www.eldertreks.com