Uwe S.
The Venezuela Trekking Experience trip offers a well-thought-out organization that is especially evident in the transfers from Caracas to the Orinoco Eco Camp,...
ROUND-TRIPS · SOUTH AMERICA
This tour begins either in Caracas or on Isla Margarita and takes you to the Orinoco Delta and Eco Camp, where you can experience nature and indigenous culture and spend two nights in traditional Warao huts.
The Journey
This Venezuela tour is a two-week journey through time: We visit the Warao indigenous people, a proud nation in the vast Orinoco Delta, who have successfully resisted hostile attacks and colonization by European conquerors to this day. Additionally, we move across rock formations that are among the oldest on Earth: the Guiana Shield was formed about 2.2 billion years ago. This tour is usually bookable weekly. Since a minimum number of four participants is required for the tour to take place, we recommend that you send us an inquiry. The Orinoco is one of the longest and most water-rich rivers in the world. Through the Brazo Casiquiare and Rio Negro, it is also connected to the Amazon. Relatively late (e.g., through Humboldt, around 1800), the difficult-to-navigate river system of the Orinoco was explored. The endless marsh landscape of the Orinoco Delta is the habitat of the Warao. Due to the inaccessibility of the area from external influences, they are among the last peoples of South America who have largely retained their ancient way of life. They invite us to experience their traditional life up close and to paddle through the spectacular nature of the river in a dugout canoe (curiara): the fauna and flora reveal an extraordinary diversity of species. From water to mountains: "Jurassic Park" by Steven Spielberg was filmed in the Canaima National Park, in the Guiana Shield, not by chance. However, the rainforest national park is not the only highlight: there is also Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world at 979 m, or the incredible sandstone table mountains, on which numerous living beings exist that can only be found here, or the so-called Guiana Shield, one of the ancient geological rock formations of the Guiana Shield. Immerse yourself in the mystical rainforest of Venezuela!
Arrival at the International Airport in Caracas. You will be picked up and taken to a small, clean, and safe hotel near the airport. Overnight stay.
You will be picked up in the morning at the hotel and taken to the National Airport in Caracas (or to Porlamar Airport if you are on Isla de Margarita). Flight from Caracas or Margarita to Maturín and transfer to the small village of San José de Buja. Here begins our Orinoco Delta adventure. We take a motorboat past dense jungle until we finally arrive at the Orinoco Eco Camp. To make you feel at home in our camp right away, we start with a camp tour. This way you will learn about the functions, goals, and successes of our camp. Afterwards, we will provide you with fishing rods and bait, and it’s time for piranha fishing. If you are successful, the fish will be prepared for you in the camp as a small snack. After lunch, we will take a boat tour. We’ll bring you to the narrower channels in the heart of the delta, where you can let the breathtaking surroundings take effect on you. It is always possible to observe exotic animals. Parrots, toucans, monkeys, freshwater dolphins, and butterflies of all sizes and colors have their natural habitat here. The plant life is equally colorful and will enchant you. To crown the end of this day, you will experience a dreamlike sunset in the delta. Back at the camp, a warm dinner awaits you, and there is the opportunity to enjoy a drink at our bar and chat with other guests. If you feel like it, you can join a night tour where you can observe nocturnal animals like snakes or caimans.
After breakfast, a whole day in the delta awaits us. We visit the Warao Indians and gain direct insight into the lifestyle of this South American indigenous tribe. After a light lunch, a Warao guide takes us to a suitable place where our jungle hike begins. Unknown and intense scents flow through the weave of exotic climbing plants, vines, and giant trees. You will experience the interior of the jungle with all your senses! Such a perfect, non-human world in an imperfect human world. As darkness falls, we return to camp and have dinner.
Early in the morning, we are usually awakened by howler monkeys communicating loudly with each other. This is the ideal time to go on an exploration with a typical canoe. You will be equipped with a paddle and a local guide will be available to you. At this time of day, you have a very good chance of observing animals and the sunrise over the Orinoco Delta is an unforgettable experience! Our camp is the only one located in a nature reserve, surrounded by dense primary jungle. The majority of the delta, about 3/4, consists of savanna landscape and gallery forests. After breakfast, we will also show you this part of the delta. A visit to a small farm is on the agenda and you will have the opportunity to learn even more about life in this region. The representatives of wildlife here are water buffalo, herons, black ibises, etc. Back at the camp, a lunch awaits you. After a short siesta, we will leave the delta and travel from San José de Buja to Ciudad Bolívar.
In the early morning we will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport. With a small plane, we will fly to Canaima. This flight lasts about an hour and, if the weather is good, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Gran Sabana. Upon arrival in Canaima, we will take you to your accommodation and immediately begin the visit to the famous Canaima Lagoon. We will cross the lagoon in a motorized canoe and pass by 4 imposing waterfalls. After a short walk, we reach the Salto Sapo and enter the inside of this powerful waterfall by going through a curtain of water. It is extremely impressive to witness the force with which the water masses tumble into the lagoon. Later in the day, you will have a warm meal at your hostel by the lagoon. The rest of the day can be used for relaxation, as the tour to Angel Falls is scheduled for the next day.
After a light breakfast, we will depart for Angel Falls at 6:00 AM. We will travel about four hours down the Carrao River in a dugout canoe. During the dry season, it may happen that the boat has to be carried for a while due to low water levels. As soon as we reach the "Devil's Gorge," you should have your cameras ready. The majestic table mountains and extraordinary rock formations are unique. Upon arriving at Isla Raton, we will start the approximately 90-minute hike to the base of the highest waterfall in the world - Angel Falls. There, the falling water collects in a natural whirlpool, providing a welcome refreshment. Afterward, you will have plenty of time to explore the surroundings on your own and take breathtaking photos. After a warm dinner, you will spend the night in a hammock directly across from Angel Falls.
After breakfast, it goes back to Canaima by boat and then by air to Ciudad Bolívar. You will take the night bus to Santa Elena de Uairén.
Arrival in Santa Elena. Check-in at the hotel. You have the day to yourself and can, for example, visit the Brazilian border. In the late afternoon briefing for the trek.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
You leave Santa Elena at 8 a.m. for the 2-3 hour drive by jeep to the Pemón village of Pareitepuy, where visitors register with the national park authority and where the porters take over the equipment. After a light lunch, you begin the 4-5 hour hike across open savannah until you finally arrive at Tek Camp, where you will spend the night in tents.
After breakfast, the next 6-hour hike is on the schedule. Today you will cross the Tek and Kukunan rivers, which can be a significant challenge depending on the water level. On the way to the camp where you will have your lunch, you will hike past magnificent fields of orchids. The path is now getting steeper and will take you after a few hours to the base camp at an altitude of 1,800 m at the foot of Roraima, where you will spend the second night.
Today is the most difficult day of the trekking tour. After breakfast, you will hike along a steep path that winds through lush, beautiful cloud forests. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, you will march for about 90 minutes on a natural rock bridge, the only walkable path on Table Mountain. After a light lunch, you can go on an exploration. The overwhelming view of the Gran Sabana from an altitude of 2700 m will take your breath away. That night, you will sleep on the plateau of Roraima, well protected by a natural stone overhang that bears the fitting name "Los Hoteles."
On the approximately 70 km² wide surface of the mountain, you will encounter the most bizarre rock formations, carnivorous plants, and strange black frogs. Many of the plant and animal species that you will discover up here exist only in this unique place. After breakfast, you will spend about eight hours exploring the plateau. You will hike to the Valley of Crystals, the Obelisk, which marks the tripoint between Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil, the waterhole El Pozo, and a cave labyrinth.
After breakfast, prepare for the 7-8 hour return to the Tek Camp. You hike back the same way, past tropical rainforest, through the savanna, and cross the two rivers again. If you like, you can treat yourself to a refreshing swim in the river at the end of the day.
On the last day of the tour, they hike back to the village of Paraitepuy, say goodbye with a heartfelt tip to their guides, and drive back to Santa Elena in jeeps. On the way, they are still awaited by a highlight: The Quebrada de Jaspe, a beautiful waterfall with naturally red rock. Back in Santa Elena, you can take a shower at the accommodation. The night bus heads to Puerto Ordaz.
Arrival in Puerto Ordaz. By car to the airport. Departure to Caracas, Margarita, or any other major city in Venezuela.
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Verified Reviews
The Venezuela Trekking Experience trip offers a well-thought-out organization that is especially evident in the transfers from Caracas to the Orinoco Eco Camp,...
The Venezuela trekking adventure in the Orinoco Delta demands a high level of difficulty due to its challenges and the extreme climatic conditions. Especially t...
The Venezuela Trekking Adventure Experience offers a demanding challenge, especially during the Roraima hike, which requires physical fitness and endurance. The...
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