Gran
Sabana # 3
7 Days / 6 Nights
Canaima, Devils Canyon Auyantepui, Angel Falls
(6 days/5 nights available on request)
For
the truly adventurous, journeying to the base of 3,212-foot Angel Falls
offers the experience of a lifetime. Travelling on scenic rivers, your
motorized dugout canoe winds past vast savannahs, jungles and table-topped
tepuis. Overnight lodging on the rivers is in rustic shelters, with hammocks
for sleeping.
Note: This expedition normally operates only from June through
October according to seasonal fluctuations in river levels.
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)
Day 3 Monday - Canaima / Isla Ratoncito
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)
Day 5 Wednesday - Canaima
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
Day 6 Thursday - 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.
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.
Day 7 Friday - Departure (or trip extension)
***
End Of Our Services ***
Note:
Also during your visit, arrangements for additional excursions (not included
in trip package) can be made on-site. Prices vary from $30-$200 US, and
depending on weather conditions, water levels, availability and your own
adventure level.
Optional Excursions
Include:
Half-day excursion to Mayupa - Beginning with the 20-minute walk
to Puerto Ucaima, this morninng you will load into motorized dugout canoes
for a trip up the Carrao River to Caño Moroco to explore Sapo and
El Sapito Falls. If river conditions permit, you'll also visit the Mayupa
rapids and Caño Mayupita for a swim.
Half-day excursion to Yuri Falls - Depart Canaima by vehicle for a 20-minute
drive across the savanna to Puerto Verde where you will board a motorized
dugout canoe and head down the Carrao River. Arriving at Puerto Yuri,
a 15-minute walk through the jungle will bring you to the falls and beaches
of Yuri where you will have plenty of time for swimming and exploring.
Prices
available upon request.
Hotel pick up and transfer to the International Airport. Pay Venezuela's
departure tax; check in at airline ticket counter to depart. |
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