Venezuela Holidays: Akopan Expedition - Canaima - Gran Sabana

Tepuy Akopan - Canaima National Park - Venezuela

Although the Akopan Tepuy is 700 meters lower than Roraima, do not be fooled as it has no easy ramp to access it and, due to its remote location and the few people who actually climbed it, we need to rely on our Native Indian guide to lead us. Akopan is really off the beaten tracks for tourists and hikers as it is in right in the middle of Canaima National Park with no road close by. This recently explored part of the Chimanta Massif, with tepuys with irregular surfaces, canyons and valleys, are unlike the Oriental Roraima and Kukenam tepuys that present a relatively flat, rocky surface. This makes the exploration of the Akopan more challenging than the Roraima and its summit offers a spectacular view of the surrounding Upuigma, Angasima and Apauray tepuys.

DAY 1:
From Ciudad Bolivar, we fly over the Gran Sabana to the Catholic mission of Wonken, in the hearth of the Gran Sabana. We continue by jeep to the port of Wonken on the Karuay River, 15 km (10 miles) away. After lunch, we board a motorised dugout canoe and navigate to the Indian Community of Yunek. Here, we discuss the goal of our expedition with the leaders of the Indian Community and make the final arrangements for the Indian guides and porters. We spend the night in the community. (LD)

DAYS 2 to 4:
Early morning, we trek to the base of the tepuy and slowly ascend it, through dense vegetation, following our guides that open the way with their machetes. Finally, after approximately 3 days, we reach the summit of the tepuy.(BLD)

DAYS 5 to 10:
We spend a whole day exploring the surface of the tepuy (if we actually reach it!) before heading back to Yunek the same way we came. From Yunek, we return to Wonken by river, dirt road and to Ciudad Bolivar by plane. We spend our last night in Ciudad Bolivar in a comfortable hotel (not included), recalling the best moments of this challenging experience. (BLD)

As this is almost an exploratory expedition, it is reasonable to add 2 or 3 extra days in case of bad weather or to deal with any other unexpected event. The journey may also lasts only 8 or 9 days and we will not pay back any money in case we are back earlier.

The return flight Caracas/Ciudad Bolivar, more the assistance in Caracas upon arrival as well as the first hotel night in Ciudad Bolivar before the start of the expedition can also be booked through us.

Rated: Strenuous.

Best period is during the dry season from January to July. During the rainy saosn, it may not be possible to reach the summit.

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4
USD	$ 1379	$ 1379	$ 1312
EUR	€ 1144	€ 1144	€ 1089
GBP	£ 772	£ 772	£ 735

(*) Price last updated on 04 January 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Included: Professionnal guides, porters for the food and camping equipment, meals as specified, ground, water and air transportation in light aircraft, tent for 2, ground mattress

Not included: flight Caracas-Ciudad Bolivar, transfers hotel/airport, meals in Ciudad Bolivar, tips, sleeping bag

Akopan Expedition

"Venezuela"