Panoramas of Venezuela

From the imposing Andes to vast grassy plains; pre-historic looking table-top mountains to tumbling waterfalls; and lush rainforest to Caribbean coastline, Venezuela offers a plethora of beautiful and contrasting landscapes. Discover rich ecosystems, incredible wildlife and laid back Caribbean charm on this enchanting tour.

OVERVIEW OF TOUR
•   Discover the charms of historic Mérida on a city tour
•   Explore tiny Andean mountain villages
•   Stay on a working cattle ranch
•   Discover local wildlife such as giant anteanters and pink dolphins
•   Admire striking tabletop mountains and beautiful waterfalls
•   Visit a local community
•   Take a canoe ride across the Aponwao River
•   Explore Canaima National Park
•   Optional flight over the spectacular Angel Falls
•   Unwind in Los Roques, a stunning archipelago and national park

Guide

This itinerary is escorted by an English-speaking guide and includes local assistance throughout.

MEAL PLAN 
Prices include:
•   Breakfast on Days 3-14
•   Lunch on Days 2-5, 7-10, 12 and 13
•   Dinner on Days 2-5 and 7-13.

ACCOMMODATION
•   3 and 4 star lodges and hotels throughout, selected for their location.

NB
•   Excursions at Los Llanos, Canaima and Los Roques will operate on a shared basis with other lodge guests.
•   We recommend you tip your driver and guide at the end of your holiday.
•   Entrance fees to Canaima National Park and Los Roques are payable locally.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO CARACAS
Fly Iberia from Heathrow via Madrid to Caracas. Spend one night at the Marriott Playa Grande in Catia la Mar which is close to the airport and overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

DAY 2 - CARACAS TO MÉRIDA
Fly to Mérida (approx. 2 hours) and transfer to the traditional Posada La Sevillana for one night. Nestled high in the valleys of the Venezuelan Andes, this charming city boasts colonial architecture, a prestigious university, pretty parks and the world’s highest cable car.

Enjoy a city tour with visits to the Mercado Principal of Mérida, a market spread across three levels that features tiny stalls selling local crafts, medicinal herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables and traditional Andean cuisine. Prepare to be spoilt for choice with a staggering 860 weird and wonderful flavours at the Heladeria Coromoto ice-cream parlour. Adventurous eaters can opt for salmon, egg, cheese or garlic, whilst more traditional gastronomes will be relieved to find more familiar flavours with an exotic twist.

Tour highlights include the Plaza Bolivar which is dominated by a statue of Simon Bolivar, Latin America’s famous freedom fighter, and Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion, one of the country’s most beautiful and unique cathedrals which boasts an eclectic range of styles due to an extensive construction period of over 150 years (1803-1960).

DAY 3 - MÉRIDA
The Andean Páramo occupies an elevated position between the snow line and the forest line, and its vast plains, grasslands, lakes and bogs create a dramatic and wild landscape. Discover some of the picturesque mountain villages that dot this unique region and trace their roots back to Indian settlers in the 16th Century, including Muchuchies, an agricultural village with a pretty church, and San Rafael, Venezuela’s highest town.

Continue to the tranquil Laguna de Coromoto and the stunning Calderones Valley before arriving at Pico El Águila which - at 4,118 metres - is the highest point in the Venezuelan Andes. Continue your journey through this remote landscape, passing the beautiful Mucujabi Lake on your way to Hotel Los Frailes, a former colonial monastery where you will spend the night.

DAY 4 - MÉRIDA TO LOS LLANOS
Journey from the Andes down to the plains of Los Llanos (approx. 6 hours), an endless panorama of tropical grasslands to the east of the Andes. Covering much of western Venezuela and eastern Colombia, these flat plains are dotted with forest and lakes that are home to over 70 species of birds. Enjoy a two night stay at Hato El Cedral, a working cattle ranch and ecological reserve from which you can enjoy safari-tours across the plains in search of the region's abundant wildlife.

DAY 5 - LOS LLANOS
With over 50 species of mammal and hundreds of bird species, not to mention numerous reptiles, Los Lanos is a nature-lover’s paradise. Enjoy morning and afternoon guided excursions by boat or jeep in search of some of the region’s diverse wildlife which can range from giant anteaters to capybaras, crocodiles to anacondas, and pink dolphins to scarlet macaws.

DAY 6 - LOS LLANOS TO PUERTO ORDAZ
Fly to Puerto Ordaz via Caracas. On arrival transfer to the Hotel Eurobuilding Guayana for one night.

DAY 7 - PUERTO ORDAZ TO GRAN SABANA
Travel by 4x4 vehicle up to the unusual landscape of the Gran Sabana region, christened ‘The Lost World’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is a vast savannah covered plateau that is dotted with ‘tepuis’ - huge table-top mountains cloaked in lush forests and spectacular waterfalls.

Continue past several gold mining towns and cross the old bridge and Cuyuni River to the legendary El Dorado where the famous Papillon was imprisoned. Travel through the mining village of Las Claritas and the verdant forest of Sierra de Lema where, weather permitting, you will stop to enjoy stunning views of the forest. Stay overnight at Chivaton Camp.

DAY 8 - GRAN SABANA TO SANTA ELENA
Follow the Gran Sabana route as you journey deeper into this enchanting region. Visit an indigenous Iboribo community before crossing the Aponwao River by curiara (local canoe). Stroll to the incredible 300 feet-high Chinak Merú Waterfall with the chance to take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

Continue past the beautiful Kamoiran rapids and the Nak Piapo lookout which, weather permitting, affords marvellous views of the great plains which are crowned by the amazing tepuis that dominate the area. Spend one night at Yakoo Camp.

DAY 9 - SANTA ELENA TO CANAIMA
After a short visit to the indigenous town of Santa Elena de Uairen, transfer to the airport for your flight to Canaima, gateway to the world’s highest waterfalls, the spectacular Angel Falls. (979 metres). Spend two nights at the rustic Waku Lodge which lies on the banks of the Canaima Lagoon and boasts beautiful views of the Hacha Waterfall.

From the lodge you can venture into the Canaima National Park, the sixth largest in the world, to discover the park's exotic flora and fauna. After lunch enjoy a short excursion by traditional canoe along the lagoon where the mineral-rich waters take on a unique red-tint as they lap the soft-pink sand on the shore.

DAY 10 - CANAIMA
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the national park independently or book local excursions to view the famous Angel Falls which stand at an incredible 979 metres high.

DAY 11 - CANAIMA TO LOS ROQUES
Transfer to the airport with the option to take an unforgettable flight over Angel Falls and experience the thunder of the ferocious waters from a unique perspective as they fall from Cañon del Diablo. Return to Canaima and fly to Caracas via Puerto Ordaz before continuing by plane to the stunning Los Roques archipelago – the Caribbean's only coral archipelago and largest national park. Spend three nights at the tranquil Pousada Villa Caracol.

DAY 12 - LOS ROQUES
Visit the beautiful nearby islands of Madrisqui or Francisqui and choose from a range of optional excursions to other islands, diving trips, snorkelling or windsurfing. Enjoy two days at leisure to immerse yourself in the astounding beauty and serenity of this stunning group of coral islands known for their spectacular reefs, beaches and lagoons.

DAY 14 - LOS ROQUES TO LONDON
Fly to Caracas where you will connect with an Iberia flight for your return journey via Madrid to Heathrow, arriving the following day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

GUYANA
DAY 14 - LOS ROQUES TO GEORGETOWN
Fly to Georgetown, Guayana's capital, and transfer to Cara Lodge for one night. Tour the city and enjoy an optional evening tour to the home of a steel pan musician.
DAY 15 - GEORGETOWN TO IWOKRAMA
Fly across the rainforest to Annai and transfer to Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. Travel through Iwokrama Rainforest, a million-acre protected wilderness and spend two nights at the Iwokrama River Lodge.
DAY 16 - IWOKRAMA
Set off on the Essequibo River, circumnavigating Indian House Island while listening to the birds’ dawn song. Climb Turtle Mountain and take a boat trip to Kurupukari Falls, hopefully seeing the Amerindian petroglyphs. Stop at Michelle Island and head back on the river after dark to spot caimans and birds.
DAY 17 - IWOKRAMA TO SURAMA
Travel through Iwokrama Rainforest to the Amerindian village of Surama, home to Macushi tribes-people. Walk to the Burro Burro River and later discover the forest after dark on an evening walk. Overnight at the Surama Eco Lodge.
DAY 18 - SURAMA TO ROCK VIEW
Rise before dawn to climb Surama Mountain and enjoy breakfast with stunning views. Tour the village and travel through the Rupununi Savannah. Optional tour to the village of Aranaputa. Spend one night at the Rock View Lodge.
DAY 19 - ROCK VIEW TO GEORGETOWN
Go birding in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains, with vistas over the savannah as the sun rises. Further explore the region before flying to Georgetown for two more nights at Cara Lodge.
DAY 20 - GEORGETOWN
Fly to the remote Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall, and Orinduik Falls on the Brazilian border.
DAY 21 - GEORGETOWN TO LONDON
Fly Delta Air Lines from Georgetown to Heathrow via New York, arriving the next day.