Venezuela Trekking & Adventure Challenge – Lost world & Angel Falls – 11 days

Day 2 Continue by bus to Santa Elena de Uairén. Fly in a Cessna to Wonkén Missión, the largest Pemón settlement, which is a unique experience. Expect amazing jungle views from this light aircraft as it swoops across the savannah and jungle – a real earth from the air treat! Your first chance to see a tepui meaning “house of the spirits” will happen today – a pre Cambrian rock plug sticking out above the jungle canopy as we fly over endangered forest and gold miner’s territory. From there we can paddle to Yunek in 2 days. A lorry can take us to Wonkén Viejo on the bank of Rio Karuay. You have the choice of assisting our skilled Indian boatmen who guide their 10m craft through the rapids and whirlpools of the river through virgin forest or alternatively paddle in a 4 man boat “curiaco” for more of a challenge. Riverside camps in the jungle are supported by local Indian tribes, a journey very few non local people have experienced. Brightly plumed birds break the eerie silence with their piercing cries. During our river journey we stay in spartan accommodation, sleeping in hammocks with mosquito nets or tents, so be prepared to rough it a bit – the experience is well worth it. The plummeting water vaporises in mid-air forming a glistening white spray that collects in a pools below. We stay in tents at camp by the riverside. Meals B,L,D

Day 3 We cross a rapid on Rio Karuay, and one on Rio Yunek. If there is lot of rain or the boat is full, the last rapid is not crossable and you have to walk the last 40 minutes on the river bank in the jungle. From Yunek you can see the Churí tepui what is one of the most beautiful tepui in Venezuela. Riverside camping. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 Introduction to village life at Yunek and see Acopan for the first time. Acopan is a giant Tepui (flat-topped plateau with steep drops) that belongs to the massif of Chimanta in Venezuelan state of Bolivar. A chance to swim and perhaps have a football match with the local children, take a walk. We take in all our supplies and cooking equipment as there are no shops in Yunek. You will sleep in tents underneath Indian shelters and we will cook our own dinner. We arrange porters with village chief Leonado in this remote Indian settlement. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 Trek to base across the savannah and through jungle and establish base camp. Local Pemon indians will come with us to help reinforce the trail using machetes. Moving through a jungle is a time consuming business without support, but the sights and sounds make it fascinating. You may see the large orange and black cricket on the savannah which is a small meal for our local hosts! Meals B,L,D

Day 6 Climb the independent Tepui next to Acopán (first ascent so we will prepare it) with expert climbers. Around 100m of vertical climbing and then scrambling and descent Camp on top or descend in the morning. Alternatively walk available. Meals B,L,D

Day 7

Finish climb, descend and walk back to Yunek or continue ascent to the top of Acopan and then descend. Celebration party in the village and gift giving to the local indigenous Indians. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 Free day, a chance to try the villagers dug out canoes or continue the descent after having spent more time on top of the climb. Meals B,L,D

Day 9 Fly Yunek to Canaima, flying past Angel falls world’s highest free drop waterfall. In the afternoon you will take a boat ride across the stunning Canaima Lagoon and take a walk behind one of the raging waterfalls crashing into the lagoon. Often a rainbow can be seen in its plumes. Stay in a hotel in Canaima Campemento Tepuey lodge in front of the spectacular waterfall. Meals B,L,D

Day 10  Transfer flight Canaima to Ciudad Bolivar. You can see Jimmy Angel’s famous plane in which he landed or crashed on top of the falls. His plane has only recently been recovered and we have the opportunity to see it. Here we are reunited with our luggage and take the onward flight back to Caracas from here or Puerto Ordaz which is 1.5 hours drive away.

Day 11 Flight back to the UK or fly to Los Roques Island Extension (2 days)

The flight to Los Roques is just 30 minutes by light aircraft north of Caracas. We land at El Gran Roque on this charming Caribbean archipelago which is also the only inhabited island. Active days can be spent kite surfing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving or fishing. You will be staying in a beautiful beach-front posada.

Day 12  Arrive back home or enjoy Los Roques for a second day

Los Roques Extension – accomodation Los Roques beaach froont posada

Los Roques is a Carribean paradise 

Few places on the planet can offer human eyes such an extraordinary and singular beauty as that of Archipelago Los Roques National Park. An aerial view allows us to enjoy the varied range of blue tonalities of its crystal clear waters, only altered by the white sands and the deep green of the mangrove swamps which are present in the keys.