7 Days / 6 Nights
Canaima, Devils Canyon Auyantepui, Angel Falls
Day 1 - Saturday
- US - Caracas
Welcome to Venezuela! Upon arrival at Caracas' Simon Bolivar International
Airport, you will claim your luggage and clear immigrations and customs.
You will be then be met and assisted by our local representatives and
transferred to your hotel. Currency exchange is available in the airport
lobby. Venezuela ("Little Venice" in Spanish) was inhabited mostly by
Carib and Arawak Indians before the Spaniards landed here in 1498 on Columbus'
third voyage. The first permanent settlement was established at Cumana
in 1520. The country was relatively poor and predominantly agrarian until
1914 when oil was discovered near Maracaibo. Caracas (elevation 3,105
ft) was founded in 1567 and has become the fastest growing capital in
Latin America since World War II. Overnight accommodations at Hotel Caracas
Hilton, includes continental breakfast served in the Tower Lounge. The
Hilton is located at the city's center and is within minutes from the
city's cultural and commercial districts. The Hilton offers tennis courts,
a swimming pool, and a health club with gym, sauna, and massage. Dining
options include three restaurants, a lobby lounge, sushi bar and a gourmet
bar.
Day 2 - Sunday
- Caracas - Canaima
Hotel pickup and transfer this morning to Caracas' national airport. Pay
domestic airport tax (approximately $1 US) and check in for your flight.
Upon arrival in Canaima, pay National Park fee (about $10 US) before proceeding
to front desk to check in (patience is advised). Accommodations are at
Camp Canaima in comfortable private bungalows with hot running water and
ceiling fans. Meals are included and served buffet-style in the large
open-air dining area overlooking Hacha Falls and Canaima lagoon. Included
in your stay is a spectacular overflight of Devils Canyon, Auyan tepui
and Angel Falls in a specially equipped, converted DC-3 as well as a short
boat excursion in the Canaima lagoon for an up-close view of Hacha Falls.
You will be advised of departure times for these excursions when you arrive.
While here, your time is free to spend as you wish to relax or arrange
for additional activities. The beautiful white sand beach at Canaima lagoon
is a perfect place to sit back and enjoy the unique backdrop of Canaima
National Park, and the lagoon's cool, dark and clear water offers refreshing
respite from the Gran Sabana's midday heat. In the evening, video documentaries
on Canaima National Park can be viewed in the lounge area adjacent to
the dining room. See separate briefing for more trip details. (L,D)
After breakfast, hike about 1/2 mile above Hacha Falls to Puerto Ucaima where you'll embark in motorized dugout canoes up the Carrao River to Angel Falls. Be sure to have your camera handy to capture what you will see--but don't for get a rain poncho, should the rainforest live up to its name. En route you'll marvel at the spectacular scenery of this "Lost World." Giant tepuis or "table top" mountains loom over the savannah and jungle below, while countless waterfalls gracefully descend the face of the Auyan-tepui mesa. Along the way pass the Sabana (plain) de Mayupa, the Arautaima rapids, Pozo de la Felicidad (fountain of happiness) and Orchid Island. Continuing on, the expedition will leave the Carrao and navigate the Churun River where rapids, giant rock formations and exotic vegetation dominate this ancient landscape. Arriving at Ratoncito Island with its spectacular view of Angel Falls, you will be served a cold lunch. In the afternoon, set off with your guide to explore the island including an introduction of the unique flora and vegetation present here, a hike across the island and an evening view of the area's fauna. Dinner and overnight on the island. Lodging is in primitive shelters along the river, with hammocks for sleeping. (B,D)
Day 4 - Tuesday
- Angel Falls
Today, you'll have plenty of time for exploring the rainforest and swimming.
From Ratoncito Island, you can hike about one hour to El Mirador, a lookout
point offering superb views and photographic opportunities (weather permitting
) to capture the massive rocky face of Auyan-tepui and "Salto Angel" in
the warm morning sun. You may also venture further to the base of the
falls, but take caution as the rocks are often very slippery and sharp,
and the air displacement from the falls itself can create gale-force winds.
You can even swim in the pool at the base of the falls before returning
for dinner and overnight on the island. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, embark on the return journey. The return downstream is usually much faster, and groups normally are back in Canaima by early afternoon. (See separate briefing for more trip details). (B,L,D) Overnight accommodations and meals at Camp Canaima
After breakfast your morning is free to arrange for a short excursion or explore the camp area on your own. After checking out you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight. Upon arrival to Caracas, airport reception, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Overnight accommodations at Hotel Caracas Hilton includes continental breakfast served in the Tower Lounge.