Venezuela Explorer

DAY 1: Caracas-Canaima-Angel Falls Tour

After your welcome lunch and cocktail, the excursion will begin! We will shove off from the sandy pink beaches of the Canaima Lagoon to tour this enchanting area. The tour will bring us so close to the raging falls that we will feel its refreshing mist. The dramatic scenery provides for some of the best photo opportunities in the park. After the tour of Canaima Lagoon we will head back to the camp for a culinary delight of the dinner at the camp. Lodging is in double rooms with private bath. Meals (–, L, D)

DAY 2: Caño Moroco-Yuri & Yuri Lue Falls

This day will include two excursions. After breakfast we will depart for the Mayupa Beach and Caño Moroco, come back to the camp after lunch and then set off again for the incredible Yuri and Yuri Lue Falls. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Angel Falls-Mérida

After a tasty breakfast we will board a small aircraft for a thrilling ride through Devil’s Canyon and birds’ eye view of Angel Falls. After the flight we will return to the camp to gather up our things. Once in the Caracas national airport, you will need to transfer planes for your flight to Mérida at 4:35p.m. Upon arrival at the Mérida airport, a Natoura representative will transfer you to the charming new Posada Casa Sol for the night. (B,–,–)

DAY 4: San José

Our first visit is to verdant cloud forest, where we’ll visit a rushing waterfall. Our next stop is the picturesque Andean village of Jají. After touring the village, we will mount mountain bikes to begin our decent down to a xerophytic ecosystem. On the way, we will visit a small sugar cane mill to observe the production of “panela.” Next, we will travel to the curious salt lake, Lagunilla, the only one of its kind in Venezuela. We will visitthe Coffee Museum and present day coffee farms. Afterwards, we will take a winding switch back road with a breathtaking view. We spend the night at an idyllic Andean chalet with trout ponds. (4 hours by jeep, 1 hour hiking, 1.5 biking) (–, L, D)

DAY 5: San Jose-Acequias

We will eat a tasty breakfast and then descend into the beautiful valley of Tostos either on horseback or by foot with mule support, enjoying the surroundings of eucalyptus trees and beautiful rivers. There we will have direct contact with the villagers. From Tostos we will go to Acequias, a friendly mountain village, even more remote than San Jose. There we will visit ruins of an Indian village that dates back to the times of Machu Pichu. The night will be spent at a small inn located in Acequias. (4 hours by horseback/5 hours by foot) (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Acequias-El Morro-Los Nevados

After a satisfying breakfast we will depart for El Morro, another mountain town. There you’ll take the most thrilling jeep ride to Los Nevados, a village that lies behind Pico Bolivar at an altitude of 2,700 m. This town, which seems like it was left a century behind, boasts one of the smallest center squares in Venezuela. Your visit to Los Nevados will be more cultural in nature, having constant direct contact with the locals in this town, sleeping in their homes, sharing meals with them, and even having a few beers in a small local cantina. (3 hours hiking, 3 hours by jeep) (B, L, D)

DAY 7: -Mérida-Paragliding

Starting the day with a typical Andean breakfast, our energy reserves will be replenished for a trek on mules over a peaceful, colorful mountain trail that leads to the cable car station. We will witness the change of scenery from a mountain cloud forest to the páramo region as we reach the Alto de la Cruz at 4,200 m. From there we will have a wonderful view of the impressive Bolivar Peak, the highest in Venezuela. We will drive back to Mérida, arriving at mid-day. You will also have the option of taking a paragliding flight. You will stay overnight again at the charming colonial inn, Posada Casa Sol. (4 hours by mule, 1 hour cable car ride) (B, L,–)

DAY 8: Mérida

You will have the day to explore the picturesque town of Mérida. You may choose to visit any of the nearby trails into the Andes, or to buy more man-made treasures at the local artisan markets. Your overnight will be at Posada Casa Sol. (–,–,–)

DAY 9: Páramo Tour

On this excursion, you’ll walk through the cobblestone streets of whitewashed, clay-brick villages and hike up to a clear glacial lake that reflects the landscape like a mirror. You will visit a biological research station where parks officials manage an Andean Condor re-introduction program. You will also journey to Los Frailes, a quaint colonial mission of the 17th century, and to Pico Aguila (4,125 m), the highest point in Venezuela reachable by car. We will drop you off at Posada Casa Sol for the nights rest. This is also one of our most requested tours.

DAY 10: Mérida-Los Roques via Caracas

A Natoura representative will pick you up very early in the morning to transfer you to the airport in time to check-in for your 6:35a.m. flight to Caracas. Upon arrival, you will take a spectacular morning flight over the crystalline blue Caribbean waters to the islands of Los Roques. Upon arrival to Los Roques, you will be met by a Posada Mediterraneo representative who will then transfer you to the quaint posada with an Italian flair, for your stay Los Roques. (–,–, D)

DAYS 11-12: Los Roques

The Bed and Breakfast plan is included in this package. There is also an all inclusive plan that includes daily excursions to the surrounding islands.(B,–,–)

Day 13: Los Roques-Caracas

You will be transferred to the Los Roques airport in time for your 4:00p.m. flight back to Caracas. End of Services. (B,–,–)