3 Days / 2 Nights
Day 1 - Caracas
- Canaima
Upon arrival in Canaima, pay National Park fee (about $10 US), before
proceeding to front desk to check in (patience is advised). Accommodations
are 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.
Canaima's location is spectacular; it is situated on a peaceful, wide
stretch of the Rio Carrao, known as Laguna Canaima, just below the point
where the river becomes a chain of magnificent falls. The rose-colored
lagoon is bordered by a pink beach. The falls also have conspicuously
colored water, ranging from pale yellow to rich sienna, like torrents
of tea and coffee. The color of this and other black water rivers in this
region comes from tannin, which dissolves in the water from the leaves
of local trees, especially the Brommetia tree.
Included in your stay is a spectacular overflight of Devil's Canyon, Auyan-tepui
and Angel Falls in a specially equipped, converted DC-3. Also included
is a brief boat excursion in the Canaima Lagoon for a close-up view of
Hacha Falls. You will be advised of departure times for these excursions
when you arrive. The beautiful white sand beach at Canaima lagoon is a
perfect place to sit back and enjoy the unique backdrop of Canaima National
Park. The lagoon's cool, soft water (dark in color from the tannins) offers
refreshing respite from the Gran Sabana's midday heat. For the bird watcher,
there are numerous opportunities to add many tropical species to your
lists. In the evening, video documentaries on Canaima National Park can
be viewed in the lounge area adjacent to the dining room. Accommodations
are 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. (L,D)
Day 2 - Canaima
Today you can explore
the Gran Sabana on various guided excursions. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Canaima
- Caracas
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. (B)
Full Day Trip to Angel Falls - After coffee and a light snack, depart from Camp Canaima around 6:00a by jeep for a 15-minute ride to Puerto Ucaima, located over Canaima Falls. From there, board a motorized dugout canoe (curiara) and set off up the Carrao River, which is lined by luxuriant vegetation. After another short jeep trip around Mayupa rapids, continue up river, stopping to view the spectacular scenery of the "Lost World". Giant "tepuis" loom over the savannah and jungle below and countless waterfalls gracefully descend the face of Auyan-tepui. The journey continues passing by Arautaima rapids, Pozo de la Felicidad and Orchid Island. Upon arrival at Orchid Island, breakfast will be served. Afterward, continue upriver, leaving the Carrao River behind, and proceeding up the Churun River. After about one hour, you will reach Ratoncito Island, from where you can observe Angel Falls. From Ratoncito Island, a one hour leads 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 remain here for approximately one hour. Return to Ratoncito Island for lunch and head back downriver to Orchid Island. At the end of the journey visit El Sapo and Sapito Falls, returning to Camp Canaima around 6:00p.