Join us to our TREKKING AUYANTEPUI & ANGEL FALLS and more…
Places Available
18th April - 6th May 2009
11th July - 29th July 2009
29th August - 16th September 2009
(GRADE IV, 19 DAYS / 20 NIGHTS)
Trip Highlights:
• Remote trekking on the extraordinary mountain of Auyantepui.
• River camping expedition to Angel Falls
• Stay on a fair-trade chocolate farm on the beautiful and deserted Caribbean coast
Introduction:
Often overlooked for its South American neighbours, Venezuela is an immensely diverse country and an adventure holiday here will reward the visitor with amazing landscapes, fascinating culture and overwhelming hospitality. This trip begins in the capital Caracas before flying south to Ciudad Bolívar and the gateway to the Gran Sabana. The flat-topped mountains of the Tepuis really are another world and unlike any landscape you will have experienced before. Our trek takes us to the mountain of Auyantepui and the source of the Angel Falls. Unlike the very populated Tepui of Roraima, this is a real wilderness expedition through deep jungle. As we ascend and explore the extraordinary mountain it is easy to imagine the efforts of the great explorers of the 1920’s, who were the first visitors to witness the spectacular Angel Falls. At the end of the trekking, the expedition continues by river to Angel Falls. We camp overnight at the base of the Angel Falls and spend time taking in the dramatic scene. The adventure ends with a relaxing stay at a fair-trade chocolate hacienda on the Caribbean coast and an opportunity to enjoy some superb and totally deserted beaches.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1
Depart London for the flight to Caracas via Madrid or Depart Frankfurt for the flight to Caracas. On arrival, transfer to one of the best hotels in Caracas, located at the foot of El Ávila National Park. If you are making your own travel arrangements you should arrive in time for dinner. We have a welcome dinner and relaxing evening in city to recover from journey.
Day 2
Following breakfast we set off on a tour of Caracas and an opportunity to learn more about the old and new Venezuela. We take an evening flight to Ciudad Bolivar and transfer to our hotel near the airport. (B,L).
Day 3
Today our adventure holiday in Venezuela truly begins! We leave on 5 seat Cessnas and enjoy what can only be described as one of the best small plane flights in the world. We land in the village of Uruyen in Canaima National Park where we have a chance to swim before lunch. Afterwards, we start trekking to Auyantepui with our Indian guides and porters. Our objective is Guayaraca; a camp on the first terrace of the mountain. (B,L,D).
Day 4
Our first full day of trekking leads through the rain forest and climbs into pristine cloud forest. As the vertical walls of Auyantepui draw closer, we encounter the first signs of the endemic tepui flora. Some challenging trekking through the forest leads to our overnight camp at Tiuna camp. (B,L,D).
Day 5
From a height of 1,600m, we continue our climb to the summit of Auyantepui, In places the trekking is quite steep with numerous boulders. We use a native system of knotted ropes to aid our passage over some of the larger boulders. On the summit plateau we enter a different world – the world of the Tepuis. This is simply one of the most fascinating and unusual landscapes on the planet. We set up camp at El Oso – our home for the next 3 nights. (B,L,D).
Days 6 & 7
We have ample opportunity to explore the vast summit plateau, the mysterious rock formations, the vertical rock walls and endemic plant life that can only be found on the Tepuis. On the summit we can also enjoy the many rivers and natural jacuzzis. The waters are crystal clear and a great place to lunch, relax and swim - ample reward for the challenging ascent. (B,L,D).
Day 8
The return journey from the summit plateau via Tiuna to Guyayaraca. Overnight camp in the vlllage. (B,L,D).
Day 9
Our final day of trekking from Guyayaraca to Kavac. Here we enjoy a delicious chicken barbecue hosted by the native Indians of the village. We spend the night in hammocks in one the huts typical of the village. (B,L,D).
Day 10
We spend the morning exploring and swimming in the lovely falls of Kavac. We then transfer by 4X4 to the start of our river expedition to Angel Falls. We stop overnight in Ibanameru where we will have dinner and spend the night in hammocks. (B,L,D).
Day 11
We continue on the Akanán River to Kuay. By early afternoon, we will reach Arenal where we will spend the night. (B,L,D).
Day 12
Journeying first up the Carrao River and then upriver to Churún we reach Island Ratoncito, Here we leave the canoes and trek to the base of Angel Falls; the world’s highest. We will take all the time that is necessary to experience this marvel of nature - the water drops nearly 1000m from the summit plateau of Auyantepui where we were trekking just days earlier. Few people can say that they have been both to the summit and the base of the world’s highest falls. We trek back to overnight in hammocks on Island Ratoncito, overlooking Angel Falls. (B,L,D).
Day 13
We return down the Churún and Carrao passing the beautiful waterfall El Sapo; our destination being Canaima. Overnight on the shores of the lagoon in a comfortable Lodge. A welcome opportunity for another swim, hot shower and delicious dinner (B,L,D).
Day 14
We leave Canaima National Park for the spectacular flight to Ciudad Bolivar. Afternoon free to explore the historic colonial city. (B).
Day 15
An interesting journey by road and boat from Ciudad Bolivar to Paria Peninsula. We stop for lunch en route before reaching a fabulous chocolate Hacienda situated near some of the best and least discovered beaches on the Caribbean. This is one of our favourite places to stay anywhere and an excellent example of a community tourism business. When we first visited we were ever more pleased to discover that the chocolate machines come from Scotland! (B,L,D).
Day 16
A full day to relax on the Caribbean coast. We will arrange a trip to a beautiful private beach backed by coconut palms. Swim, snorkel or relax with a cold beer in the hammock. Our hosts will prepare us an amazing barbecue of freshly caught fish, fresh salads, fruits and, of course,
chocolate. Overnight at the hacienda. (B,L,D).
Day 17
A further day at the Hacienda to explore the Caribbean coast, visit the local hot springs, the chocolate factory and cocoa plantation, or simply relax by
Day 18
Transfer to Carupano airport for morning flight to Caracas. In time for the onward overnight international flights to Europe. (B)
Day 19
The flight from Caracas to Madrid arrives early in the morning the following day to connect with the onward flight to London or Frankfurt.
Important: This day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. Although we update our itineraries every year, to take into account such things as changes to routes and changes in the availability of accommodation and transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any trip will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. This is adventure travel and a variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions and the challenges of local infrastructure, can lead to enforced changes. The trip leader will make any changes necessary. We cannot be held responsible for the results of any such changes, irrespective of how caused.
TRIP PRICING
The trip price under request
The trip price includes:
- 7 nights hotels
- 10 nights camping/hammocks
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- National Park fees
- Full trekking service including tents and porters
- Internal flights as specified in the itinerary
- All other in-country transportation
- Local guides and Natoura Travel and Adventure Tourss bilingual guide
The trip price does not include:
- International flights, airport taxes and fees
- Insurance, Visas and personal equipment
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Incidental personal expenditure e.g. alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc
- Tips for guides, porters, drivers and other staff
Trip Grading - Moderate/Challenging:
This trip is graded moderate to challenging. Our moderate graded trekking trips are defined as being suitable for those people who regularly enjoy weekends in the hills. This level of activity should mean that you are reasonably fit and prepared to walk approximately six hours each day, with some perhaps longer days. It would be useful if you have been on a walking/trekking holiday before but this is not essential if you are in good shape. Trail conditions are likely to be good throughout perhaps with the occasion more rugged mountain pass. The challenging elements of this trip largely relate to the often hot conditions on the lower parts of the Auyantepui trek and some of the terrain which is encountered in the ascent and descent. By comparison, The river expedition to Angel Falls is a relaxing journey.
Group size and guides:
The minimum group size is 4 and the maximum 12. You will be accompanied by professional, bi-lingual Venezuelan guides who have extensive experience of the places and activities included in this itinerary. You will also be accompanied by a bi-lingual Natoura Travel and Adventure Tourss trip
leader.
Getting there and away:
This trip begins and ends in Caracas, which is accessible by direct flights from several European cities. The itinerary is based upon the following flights from the UK with Iberia Airlines via Madrid or with Lufthansac Airlines via Frankfurt.
IB3161 07.25 Depart Heathrow 10.45 Arrive Madrid. 30 September
IB6701 12.30 Depart Madrid, 15.00 Arrive Caracas.
IB6700 16.40 Depart Caracas 07.35 Arrive Madrid. 17 September.
IB3162 08.45 Depart Madrid 10.05 Arrive Heathrow.
LH534 11.25 Depart Frankfurt. 15.10 Arrive Caracas. 30 September
LH535 17.00 Depart Caracas. 09.25 Arrive Frankfurt. 17 September
Prices for these flights under request.
You have 3 possibilities open to you in joining this trip.
1. We can book this flight on your behalf through our IATA licence. We will handle all of the arrangements and send you your tickets direct.
2. You can make you own arrangements to book onto this same flight.
3. You may make alternative plans to reach the meeting point. However, should you choose to do this is, it is your responsibility to arrive at the designated in-country meeting place. Details of which are contained in the Trip Essential Information which will be sent to you when booking.
Single room supplement:
We do not charge single person supplements to people booking on their own if you are prepared to share a room or spacious two-person tent with another person of the same sex. However, it is possible to book a single room and tent, provided one is available. Please request at the time of booking and we will let you know if one is available and the relevant supplement charge.
How to Book:
Full details of the booking procedure are set out in our booking form and terms and conditions. Within 7 days of receipt, we will confirm your booking by e-mail or post, whichever you prefer. At this time we will send you joining instructions and further booking details including Essential Information. The Essential Information includes:
· Passport & visa information
· Medical & health considerations
· Detailed equipment lists
· Useful country and travel information
· Details on sustainable tourism in France
In your booking confirmation, we will also send an invoice for payment of the balance.
Insurance:
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks. This must be for the activities undertaken and include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services and cancellation and curtailment. We also recommend that you take out insurance which includes baggage cover.
If you choose to arrange your own insurance, it is your responsibility to ensure you have read and understood fully the policy terms and conditions of the insurance cover you purchase, in order to determine whether the cover provided meets your requirements. You must complete the declaration in the booking form below in order to confirm you have adequate travel insurance in effect. It is your responsibility to disclose any material facts such as pre-existing medical conditions to your insurers.
You must also provide proof of this insurance to our office (i.e. your insurance certificate) prior to departure along with written confirmation from your insurer that they will meet any rescue fees incurred without their advance approval. If you cannot provide this documentation, we reserve the right to cancel your booking at any time prior to the departure date.
If you need that we include your insurance please email us requesting the Service.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Climate:
Venezuela’s dry season runs from November through to May. Although rain is still possible during the dry season, it is usually short lived. Throughout this itinerary you can expect the weather to be hot and dry, although humidity can be a factor whilst trekking and when on the river expedition. However the benefits of this are that even at the higher elevations at night on Auyantepui, the temperatures will remain pleasant. At the end of the trip by the coast, both the air and sea temperature will be positively Caribbean!
Medical Information & Safety:
We will provide you with detailed information when you book your holiday.On all our trips each guide is qualified in First-Aid and they will carry a comprehensive first aid kit with them at all times and have experience of treating medical situations in an outdoors environment. In addition, we do encourage clients to bring their own first aid kit. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are physically fit enough to join an adventurous trip such as this. We recommend that you have a complete medical and dental checkup prior to departure.
Currency and spending money:
This is very much an inclusive trip and, except where indicated, all meals are included in the trip price. For personal expenditure, we suggest that approx.£200 will be more than sufficient to cover drinks, laundry, tips etc. You will be able to change US$ cash or travelers cheques in several places on the itinerary. The most convenient method and the one we recommend is to
have a debit or credit card that you can use to draw currency from local ATMs. Further information regarding currency and money matters in Venezuela is contained in the Essential Information, sent to you at the time of booking.
Extending your Trip:
If you wish to spend more time in Venezuela , consider adding one of our personalized trip extensions to your trip. We have a wide range of options to explore Venezuela and other countries within South America in even greater depth. Explore the Andes in the west of the country or head for some serious relaxation on the islands of Los Roques in the Caribbean.
About Natoura Travel and Adventure Tourss:
Natoura Travel and Adventure Tours is the creation of a small team of dedicated adventurers, committed to the principles of sustainable tourism and driven by a passion to share with others the earth’s remaining wild places. Our journeys are first and foremost fantastic holidays. They are designed to be inspirational and fun. We do our utmost to ensure that every detail is taken care of and we have devoted many years to creating a range of imaginative and unforgettable adventures.
The Trip of a Lifetime:
Our service is defined by passion, knowledge and attention to detail. We believe that there is no substitute for experience and in booking what may well be the “trip of a lifetime” with Natoura Travel and Adventure Tourss you can be sure that you are joining a holiday that has been exhaustively researched and personally assessed for its style and quality
Making a difference:
Our destinations are also selected on the basis that we can make a difference throughout out visit. We are deeply involved in conservation initiatives and community-based tourism. We firmly believe that tourism can be a tremendous force for the preservation of wild nature and to support remote communities. The local people are the custodians of many of the earth’s wild places. Through benefiting from tourism they will increasingly value their wildlife and forests and, in a world which is rapidly changing, have clear motivation to protect their natural heritage.
Our vision is to organise holidays which will inspire you and provide memories that will last a lifetime. It is our sincere hope that your holiday will be an experience from which you will forge a deep connection with the wilderness region you visit and with the people you meet on your journey.
Sustainable Tourism:
In choosing Natoura c.a Adventure Tours, you can be sure that you are travelling with a company that takes its commitment to sustainable tourism seriously.
Further Information
Please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone or e-mail on the details provided below. We are passionate about travel and adventure in the wild places of the world. As such, we are in a position to offer a extremely detailed and knowledgeable service and deal with any requests or queries that you may have.
Natoura C.A. Travel Adventure Tours
Tel: +58-0274-25
