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Venezuela small group adventure holiday:
Angel Falls, Orinoco Delta and Paria
An adventurous non-trekking small group adventure in remote and evocative places
This non-trekking small group adventure travels by river to the foot of Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world, and into the delta of the Orinoco, a unique environment that is home to the Warao people. The journey ends on the Paria peninsula by some of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean.
To see Angel Falls right up close we fly to the colonial city of Ciudad Bolívar and to Canaima from where we travel by dug-out boat through spectacular tepui scenery to reach the very foot of the falls. We then explore the remote world of the Orinoco Delta, with its flooded forests, wildlife and Warao communities.
It is then time to chill out by the Caribbean on the beautiful Paria peninsula. We stay at a cacao hacienda dating from 1908, now restored to organic production and making its own delicious chocolate truffles, in hills above idyllic beaches. We also visit the pretty town of Caripe and the Humboldt Cave, and see wildlife at a conservation-minded water buffalo ranch.
Caracas
Day 1 You are individually met on arrival at Caracas off your chosen international flight and driven to a 3-4* hotel in the seaside town of Macuto where we get together for a welcome drink overlooking the Caribbean.
Ciudad Bolívar
Day 2 We fly to the historic city of Ciudad Bolívar on the Orinoco, staying at a characterful posada in a renovated house in the old quarter. We visit the bustling river front, and stroll around the colourful colonial streets leading to the tree-lined Plaza Bolívar and the impressive cathedral. In contrast, we’ll then delve into the world of kinetic art at the Jesús Soto Museum. Dinner tonight can be at the posada or at a lively restaurant nearby.
Canaima
Day 3 This morning we are driven to the airport (where Jimmy Angel’s original plane stands by the entrance), and fly down to the tepuis at Canaima.
Angel Falls river journey
From Canaima, we are driven on a rough track past the lagoon and up to a landing stage on the Río Carrao above Hacha Falls for our river journey to the foot of Angel Falls. We travel in a large dugout boat hewn from a single tree in the traditional manner, but powered by a sizable outboard motor. Life-jackets are provided.
As we navigate up the river we pass through some wonderful scenery, first with open savannah with views of some of the smaller table mountains, then we start to skirt the massive bulk of Auyán-tepui, its walls becoming ever more dominant. We continue by the side of the mountain, to reach a permanent camp where we settle down to a drink under the stars, a simple dinner and our first night in hammocks—surprisingly comforting and dream-inducing, efficiently shielded in mosquito netting.
Day 4 At first light our boatmen survey the water levels and make the decision to take the boat on the Churún river into the Devil’s Canyon. The Churún is a delightful small river which tumbles down through the rainforest at the bottom of the canyon, the walls of the tepui glowing red, orange and mauve where the sunlight hits, but gloomy and threatening in the shade.
If the river is getting low, which can happen at any time, but usually only between November and May, then at some points the fitter passengers may be asked to clamber out of the boat in mid-stream to help the boatmen push through shallow water.
The river eases to a gentle flow as we navigate further up to a point opposite Angel Falls. Here the canyon opens out and, with the mountains walls all around us, we at last face Angel Falls’ elegant plume of water billowing down from the edge of the summit a kilometre above our heads. We tie up the boat and make a fairly strenuous jungle walk of 1hr to reach a look-out point close to the falls. We can then continue a short distance to a wonderful pool just below the falls, fed by cascades tumbling from the base, for a paddle or a swim. We rejoin our boat and set off back to our camp.
If the water levels in the Churún are very low the boatmen may decide that it would be too difficult to reach Angel Falls, and instead the journey will continue along the main river which also passes through impressive tepui scenery. This is rare between June and October, when there is normally enough rain at the summit, rising to a chance of 50% or more from January to March. If we miss the falls for this reason, then, weather permitting, the guide can arrange for us to see them from the air on our flight to Ciudad Bolívar tomorrow.
Day 5 Our boat returns to Canaima where the river journey ends.
There is a short time to relax by the lagoon and enjoy the wonderful view across the lake to Hacha Falls before catching our flight back to Ciudad Bolívar. Dinner is again your choice: at the posada or out in the town.
Orinoco Delta
Day 6 This morning we drive to the edge of the Orinoco Delta and continue by motorised boat to a jungle lodge. The wildlife of the Delta’s flooded forest includes freshwater dolphin, parrots, monkeys, river turtles, and the strange hoatzin. We will also be among the Warao people: expert boatmen and weavers who live in stilt villages throughout the Delta. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 7 Exploring deep into the Delta we spend the night at a remote camp in the flooded forest.
Day 8 A full day in the Delta returning to sleep in the comfort of the main lodge.
Caripe
Day 9 This morning we travel by river back to Boca de Uracoa and drive to the pretty town of Caripe, set in a valley with green hills all around. In the evening we go to the mouth of the Humboldt Cave ready for the night’s exodus of thousands of birds from its cavernous interior. These are the extraordinary oilbirds which navigate using an echo location system—like bats, but using audible clicks. It is an eerie and unforgettable sight. We stay at a small lodge overlooking the town.
Day 10 We drive to the Paria peninsula today, but first we call by the cave to explore its enormous outer chambers while the birds are sleeping. The road passes through increasingly lush landscapes arriving at the painted village of Chacaracual and the chocolate farm of Hacienda Bukare.
After lunch we are introduced to the mysteries of cacao cultivation and the process of turning its beans into fine chocolate. Dinner at the hacienda, which has a small private bar and great cooking, with chocolate featuring in many dishes!
Hacienda Bukare
Day 11 Today we explore the countryside around the hacienda. A special favourite is natural mud baths where thermal waters bubble up from deep in the ground. Here you can stand in a meadow beside a gently plopping mud hole for some all-over body treatment before plunging into a steaming slightly sulphurous pond ... but it’s better than it sounds!
We also visit a water buffalo ranch whose owners are keen wildlife conservationists. The results are superb, with opportunities to see many of the animals and birds that are found in the main part of the Llanos. Return to the hacienda for drinks and dinner.
Day 12 Today we stop to chill at the beach at Playa Medina, one of the most perfect beaches in Venezuela. A bay of clear turquoise-green water, perfect for swimming, meets a broad curve of gold sand, backed by tall palm trees. We bring hammocks and cool-box, returning to the hacienda in the late afternoon in preParation for cocktails and a farewell dinner.
Day 13 In the morning we drive to Carúpano airport for a flight to Caracas, where each is individually helped to check-in for overnight international flights home.
Choose your 'Angel Falls, Orinoco Delta & Paria' small group holiday |
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'Angel Falls, Orinoco Delta & Paria' small group holiday. 13 days/12 nights. Starts and ends at Caracas airport.
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Places visited on this tour
› Paria
Add-ons
We can arrange for you to extend your holiday in a wide variety of ways. For example to spend some time at the beach go to:
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GROUP SIZE: 2 to 12 people. A substantially similar 'reserve itinerary' applies if less than 4 people.
INCLUDED: All transport within Venezuela, services of English speaking local guides, services of experienced local boatmen and camp porters, accommodation (1 night hotel, 3 nights camping in hammocks with mosquito nets, 8 nights guest house), most meals (except 3 lunches and 2 dinners - allow £80 spending money for these). Porters for personal kit are available at extra cost; they carry up to 10kg each.
NOT INCLUDED: international flights (call us for latest fares), travel insurance, visa fees, vaccinations, Canaima national park fees (allow £10pp), Venezuela departure tax, items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, tips, laundry, room service, phone calls, optional excursions, hotel porterage, meals other than those stated as included, drinks other than those provided. Any meals and drinks you take in place of those provided are, of course, at your own expense.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS (and how to avoid them): Our standard tour prices for small group trips are per person based on two adults sharing twin-bed rooms where applicable. Hotels charge extra for single occupancy. We think this is unfair in the context of a group holiday and we will absorb this extra cost ourselves if you are willing to share with another person of the same sex in the group - regardless of whether there is another person to share with you. (If you prefer a room to yourself and are not willing to share then you do need to pay the single supplement.)
YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY: This tour is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.
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