Gran Sabana Discovery

Arrive Caracas

p.m. you will be met on arrival at Caracas airport and transferred to a hotel on the nearby coast at Macuto for a positioning night

Gran Sabana

A morning flight from Caracas to Puerto Ordaz in eastern Venezuela where you meet your guide. Driving south from Puerto Ordaz, you pass through ranchland then into rainforest. There is a gold and diamond mining region where you can stop to see the mining and then perhaps walk in untouched rainforest in contrast. You will then be driven up the steep escarpment known as La Escalera for dramatic views over rainforests stretching to the horizon. Ascending to the Gran Sabana you have your first views of the table mountains. Stay at a tourist lodge beside the Kamoiran rapids.

Today you turn on to a dirt road to visit Chinak-merú—a very impressive tall waterfall with great views from the top across the savannah. You can walk down to the base of the falls. Continue to a remote lodge in the heart of the northern Gran Sabana at Kavanayén, your base for 2 nights.

Take a day to explore the area around Kavanayén. This Pemón village is in a breathtaking setting overlooking the rainforest and ringed by tepuis. A rough track leads to little Karuay Falls, you might drive part-way then walk on to Hueso Falls for a swim.

Driving south next day there are wonderful views of tepuis from the road. You stop to see Kawi and Kamá Falls and perhaps take a dip at Suruape cataract, then pass Mount Roraima (in the distance but still impressive) and continue to Santa Elena de Uairén—a bustling small border town, your base for 2 nights.

From here you can visit the memorable Jaspé Falls, Aguas Frías and Puerta del Cielo, where clear streams run over beds of semi-precious stone in reds and oranges. There is also the opportunity to shop in the Brazilian frontier post of Villa Pacaraima, border guards permitting.

Canaima and Angel Falls

Say farewell to your guide and board the spectacular flight over the heart of the Gran Sabana tablelands to Canaima. Privately chartered 5-seat Cessna fly Santa Elena/Canaima. If the plane is on time and the weather is good it is usually possible to pay a "tip" to the pilot to divert over the Angel Falls before landing at Canaima. The afternoon boat ride on the lagoon to get a close look at Hacha Falls and to walk behind Sapo Falls. Stay at a tourist lodge x 2 nights. Note: it is possible to upgrade to a lake shore lodge here should you wish.

Free day based at Canaima. Optional excursions are available here locally at additional cost e.g. river trips, or sightseeing flights over the Angel Falls.

Return to Caracas

a.m. transfer to the landing strip at Canaima. Fly via Puerto Ordaz to Caracas, arriving back in the mid afternoon. Fly Canaima/Puerto Ordaz Tras 11.30/13.00 daily airport assistance Fly Puerto Ordaz/Caracas R7744 14.00/15.00 daily you will be met on arrival and transferred back to the hotel on the coast near the airport for a positioning night. [Note: this trip could combine with catching a late evening flight to Coro or Margarita].

Depart

Transfer to Caracas airport for your chosen onwards flight.