Gran Sabana – Canaima

The Gran Sabana

The Gran Sabana is one of the most discussed landscapes in Venezuela. Massive tepuis stick out above the forest greenery and undulating pastures; waterfalls gush down the sides of these massive batholiths, including Angel Falls. These mysterious tepuis, encircled by mist, which encouraged Arthur Conan Doyle to write ‘The Lost World’, are some of the oldest formations on the earth. Rising above the llanos (plains) of Venezuela’s Gran Sabana, the vertical and rose-coloured cliffs of these mountains with their table-top flat summits, from where waterfalls tumble into the tropical forest, are dramatic and inspirational to see.

Tours to Angel Falls and Canaima

To the south of the Orinoco River is Canaima National Park, the third largest in the world, a tropical paradise with a huge variety of resources and stunning landscapes. Without doubt, Canaima is one of the most impressive places in this country, truly the epitome of the Lost World.

Canaima is home to the Angel Falls, one of our most famous sights, located at the heart of the Venezuelan jungle. They are the highest waterfalls in the world; you will be fascinated by the power of the falls from a height of 915m (3000ft). On this tour you will also have the opportunity to see other waterfalls and navigate some of the rapids in local handmade canoes. These tough and sturdy canoes, propelled by outboard motors, are driven by experienced river guides, accompanied by an English-speaking guide, who will tell you about the legends and ecology of this mystical place.

Ciudad Bolivar

Historically known as the main port of the Orinoco River, Ciudad Bolivar is a popular and lively city for travellers en route to the Gran Sabana. Ciudad Bolivar is the capital of Bolivar State and is the base for all air travel into Canaima National Park.

Puerto Ordaz

Puerto Ordaz was established in 1952 as a port for the iron industry and has a reputation as being the place with the highest cost of living in the country. The city is located on the banks of the Orinoco River and has a variety of tourist attractions including zoos, museums and trips along the Orinoco. In addition there are a number of shopping centres, supermarkets and night clubs. Puerto Ordaz is also one of the main entry points for visits to the Gran Sabana with many flights to and from the main domestic airports in Venezuela. There is a selection of hotels, ranging from economy to deluxe, to suit the tastes and budgets of all visitors.

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is just to the north of the Brazilian border and is the capital of the Gran Sabana. The area is historically known for being a big draw for diamond miners and missionaries. Miners came in their droves in the 1940s following the discovery of diamonds in the area. Santa Elena is actually divided into two towns: one for miners and the other a native shanty town, with a huge stone missionary building constructed on the top of a hill between the two towns.

Canaima National Park

Venezuela is one of the ten most biologically diverse countries in the world. A pioneer in environmental protection, Venezuela has introduced many laws concerning the use and enjoyment of these national treasures. As a result of these laws there are 43 national parks and 22 nature reserves (around 21% of the country), 2 bio-reserves, 7 sanctuaries and 5 wildlife reserves. This fantastic combination of boundless and raw beauty makes it exceptionally good for the tourism industry.

Canaima National Park is located in the Macizo Guayanes region of Bolivar state, in the south east of the country and was established on 12 June 1962. It is considered to be one of the oldest land masses on the planet and includes the upper basin of the Caroni River. The landscape is dominated by open savannah which highlights the massive mesetas, also known as tepuis. These are tall mountains with very steep sides, from which ascend vertical walls, and whose summits are rocky and flat. This protected area is divided into two sections: Canaima and Gran Sabana.

The tour includes

• First aid kit
• Domestic flights
• Airport assistance
• Pre-departure information
• Excursions to the waterfalls
• Life jacket for each passenger
• Accommodation, as described
• Flights over the falls, as described
• All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Transportation by land and boat to Canaima

The tour does not include

• Items of a personal nature
• Accommodation in Merida (we can book this for you)
• Any fee to enter the Canaima National Park costs US$ 10.00
• Tours, meals, alcoholic drinks and other services not included in the itinerary
• Tips to local staff, costs incurred in the organisation of the trip, such as non-refundable air tickets, insurance policy or additional costs incurred by flight delays, cancellations or missed connections

We recommend that you bring with you

• Swimsuit
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Pocket torch
• Suntan cream
• Malaria tablets
• Camera and film
• Adjustable sandals
• Lightweight clothes
• Sun hat, cap or visor
• Waterproof jacket or cape
• Insect repellent with 50-90% Deet
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Comfortable and hard-wearing shoes and boots

How to get to Canaima

Our tours to the Angel Falls start from Canaima. There are three ways to get to Canaima from the Simon Bolivar International airport at Maiquetia. We can organise it to fit in with your flights and arrange assisted transfers in all destinations. The options are as follows:

Option 1: Maiquetia – Ciudad Bolivar – Canaima

A Flight from Maiquetia to Ciudad Bolivar

B Spend the night in a hotel

C Take a charter flight to Canaima in a Cessna the following morning

PROS: The seats can be reserved.

CONS: Flights from Maiquetia to Ciudad Bolivar do not operate on Saturdays. Neither are there flights from Ciudad Bolivar to Maiquetia on Saturdays or Sundays. If you would like to take this option, but have to travel on either of these days, you would need to choose option 2. The luggage limit on this flight is 20kg, but 12kg on the charter flight.

Option 2: Maiquetia – Puerto Ordaz – Canaima

A Take a flight from Maiquetia to Puerto Ordaz

B Spend the night in a hotel

C Take a charter flight to Canaima in a Cessna the following morning

CONS: You need a minimum of 4 people to be able to travel by Cessna plane to Canaima.

Option 3: Maiquetia – Ciudad Bolivar – Canaima

A Travel by bus from Caracas to Ciudad Bolivar

B Take a charter flight in a Cessna

PROS: This is the cheapest option. The sleeper-buses travel through the night and you can sleep on the reclining seats or watch films. There are several companies with departures every night so there is no problem with availability.

CONS: The charter flight has a limit of 12kg luggage for passengers. The sleeper-buses are chilly so you need to wear warm clothing and take a blanket. If the bus is delayed you will have to spend the night in a hotel before taking the flight to Canaima the following morning. Also, if your flight arrives in Caracas after the last bus departs, around 2130 hrs, and depending on how long it takes to get through customs and get transferred to the bus station, you will have to spend the night in Caracas and leave the following day. For this reason we are unable to book the buses and you will have to buy the bus ticket on arrival in Caracas.

NB: If you have any questions about the itinerary or want to check availability, please call or email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.