Tour: The Lost World

Venezuela - The Lost World

Venezuela's diversity will amaze you as we spend 15 days in the rolling grassy highlands known as La Gran Sabana, head inland on a road less travelled to meet the local indigenous people of the country's steamy interior, and finally hit the stunning Caribbean beaches.

This trip will show you the stark beauty of the tabletop mountains, or "tepuys", in Canaima National Park, which surround Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall. Discover the unique culture of the Warao people as we travel down the Orinoco Delta. Come lose yourself in the depths of Venezuela.

15 day journey through Venezuela

    Highlights:
  • Visit the Angel Falls
  • 2 day Gran Sabana excursion
  • 3 day Orinoco Delta excursion
  • Mochima National Park

Summary
Is is for me?: This is a trip filled with natural beauty and a lot of exposure to local culture. If you are interested in the best Venezuela has to offer in an active itinerary, this is the trip for you.
Accommodation and Meals:: 10 nights in simple hotels/guest houses, 3 nights in hammocks, 1 night bus. All meals while on the Gran Sabana and Orinoco Delta excursions.
Transportation: Public transport, light aircraft, jeep and riverboat.
Group size:: Max. 12 G.A.P leader throughout, local guides while visiting Gran Sabana and Orinoco Delta.
Budgeting:: Allow USD $450 for meals not included. There is also a local payment USD $300.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Caracas at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Day 2: Ciudad Bolivar. Founded in 1764, Ciudad Bolivar is a hot colonial city steeped in revolutionary history and set on the bank of the Orinoco River. It was here that Simon Bolivar, known as El Libertador for his role in the liberation of most of South America from Spanish rule, set up his base in 1817 for military operations against the Spaniards.
Days 3-4: Canaima National Park/Angel Falls Excursion A light aircraft takes us to the heart of Canaima National Park for an overview of the world's highest waterfall. Angel Falls boasts a total height of 979 m (3211 feet), as well as the world's greatest uninterrupted drop at 807m (2647 feet), 16 times the height of Niagara Falls. Our 2 days in the area allow us time for maximum enjoyment of the beautiful river beaches and plentiful walking paths.
Day 5: Santa Elena We head south to Santa Elena, a pleasant easygoing border town with an agreeable climate and a Brazilian air. This is a day to relax and take in the local flavour.
Days 6-7: Gran Sabana Excursion. Today we begin our exploration of La Gran Sabana. The most striking natural feature of the area is the "tepuis", sandstone mesas or tabletops that dominate the skyline. These mesas are the remnants of sediments dating back 2 billion years and have gradually eroded, leaving behind only these most resistant rock "islands". These historical remnants are surrounded by the native grasses, bushes and flowers of this vast, wild, grassy highland.
Days 8-9: Orinoco Delta Excursion The second largest delta on the continent is the home of the Warao, whose name literally means "canoe people". The Warao live along the delta's channels in houses built on stilts at the riverbanks, and live mostly off fishing. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet these people and experience their ways of life as we travel by riverboat into the depths of the Orinoco Delta.
Day 10: Caripe A brief stop in Caripe allows us the option to see the famous Guacharo cave, known for its unique wildlife. Go horseback riding or enjoy the delicious coffee and strawberries of the region.
Days 11-13 Caripe/Mochima National Park. We continue on to the fabulous Mochima National Park, with stunning beaches that are perfect for relaxing, taking a dip in the cool blue waters and enjoying the ocean views. There are also opportunities to go snorkeling, horseback riding or taking a Spanish lesson.
Day 14: Caracas. This metropolis of more than 4 million Venezuelans is the perfect place to do some last minute shopping, visit the city's museums or churches or take a stroll through historic Plaza Bolivar before our farewell dinner.
Days 15: Depart Caracas.

Tour Code: VLW
Tour Departure Dates:
In 2007 and 2008 - departs twice a month on a Friday year round.
Please contact us for exact dates.
Tour cost: £855 sterling pp


Local payment: USD $300
International flights not included in price, please call the office for guidelines: 0870 499 0683
Tour stars and finishes in Caracas

 

Note: This tour is run by G.A.P. adventures.

 

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008