Venezuela - From Angel Falls to the Orinoco Delta and beyond

Itinerary

Day 1 – Caracas
Arrive in Caracas and transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. Overnight Hotel Avila or similar.

Day 2 – Merida
This morning we discover Caracas' colonial roots, proudly displayed in its historic centre. We visit the birthplace of ‘El Libertador’ Simon Bolivar, the Panteon Nacional and the Quinto Anauco Museum among other sites. Later we fly to Merida in the Andes. Overnight La Sevillana or similar. (B)

Day 3 – Merida - Jaji
We spend this morning exploring Merida, with its colourful ‘Mercado Principal’, its beautiful Cathedral, and the Government Palace on Plaza Bolívar. After lunch we drive along the winding streets of the Andes, through cloud forest, until arriving at the small Andean village of Jají. After exploring its beautiful colonial streets, we continue to the old coffee plantation Hacienda El Carmen, with its small museum. Overnight La Sevillana or similar. (B)

Day 4 – The Andes
Spend the day in the Páramo region of the higher Andes. We visit the Andean villages of Tabay, Mucurubá and Mucuchíes and reach Laguna Mucubají, from where we hike for 2 hours to Laguna Negra, a beautiful glacial lagoon at 3000 meters, whose dark waters mirror the surrounding landscape. We also visit the biological station of Mifafi, working to protect the endangered Frontino Bear and to reintroduce the Condor to the Venezuelan Andes. We then drive along Pico El Aguila, at 4100 metres the highest mountain pass in the Venezuelan Andes, with spectacular views. Overnight Hotel Los Frailes or similar. (B)

Days 5-6 Los Llanos
Leaving the Andes behind we head to the Llanos, a wetland area rich in wildlife and home to an incredible variety of species. Our base is Hato El Cedral, a working cattle ranch, with the mission of protecting the spectacular wildlife of the Llanos. Morning and afternoon animal-watching excursions are done by open trucks, boat, or on foot. A true paradise for naturalists, birdwatchers and everybody who wants to discover nature from close up with the guidance of professional naturalist guides. Overnight Hato el Cedral. (BLD)

Day 7 – Puerto Ordaz
Fly to Puerto Ordaz. Set on the southern bank of the Orinoco River, at its confluence with the Caroní River, the bustling city of Puerto Ordaz is the gateway to the Gran Sabana, the Orinoco Delta, and Canaima National Park. Overnight Roraima Inn or similar. (B)

Day 8 – Canaima National Park
Fly into Canaima National Park. Board dugout canoes at Canaima beach, (shared tour) and cross Canaima lagoon with impressive views of its seven waterfalls. A short walk through savannah, and we start walking behind! the impressive water curtain of Sapo falls. It is a truly exhilirating experience: a cliff to the right, the roaring falls to the left, and water spray everywhere. Overnight Parakaupa Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 9 – Canaima National Park
Today we visit Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world. We take a flight over the spectacular landscape of Canaima National Park, entering the impressive Devil's Canyon, and view the falls from the air. Overnight Parakaupa Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Days 10-11 – Orinoco Delta
Fly to Puerto Ordaz and from here transfer to Boca de Uracoa, in the Orinoco Delta. We spend our time here exploring the delta by foot or boat, through the endless mangroves and creeks of the Delta. A naturalist guide will explore with us the flora and fauna, and will show us how to survive in the jungle and fish piranhas! Overnight Mis Palafitos or similar. (BLD)

Day 12 - Coro
We exit the delta and fly via Caracas to Las Piedras, before heading to Coro. Our accommodation is in the village of Tocopero, with its own beach and coconut plantation. Overnight Granja El Ojito. (B)

Day 13 - Coro
Discover the World Heritage site of Coro, the only surviving example of a rich fusion of local traditions with Spanish Mudéjar and Dutch architectural techniques. One of the first colonial towns (founded in 1527), it has some 602 historic buildings. We then continue to the Médanos de Coro, Venezuela's mini-Sahara, with dunes up to 40 metres in height. Overnight Granja El Ojito. (B)

Day 14 - Caracas
Return to Caracas by flight. The rest of the day is at leisure for some last minute exploring. Overnight Hotel Avila or similar. (B)

Day 15 – Caracas
Tour ends. (B)