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From the Auyantepuy, the largest and most awe-some table mountain of the Gran Sabana,
the world's highest waterfall (979 m), the Angel Falls tumble deep into the jungle below.
The almost vertical walls of the Auyantepuy ("mountain of the evil god" in Pemon)
created a truly inaccessible Lost World that remained isolated for millions of years.
In this unique isolated ecosystem, new plant and animal species evolved which
make the Auyantepuy a naturalist paradise. On our way to Kavac, we enjoy a spectacular flight
over the Angel Falls and the Auyantepuy, discovered by Jimmy Angel when his plane crashed
on the summit of this exceptional table mountain while searching for the river of gold.
Following the same route as Jimmy Angel, we hike to the summit, not in search for a river of gold, but in
search of the exceptional flora and fauna living in this Lost World.
The Itinerary
DAY 1:
From Ciudad Bolivar we fly to the Indian village of Uruyen (where the famous jungle pilot,
Jimmy Angel, had his base) while enjoying spectacular views of
canyons, long stretches of pristine rainforest, the Auyantepuy and the Angel Falls
from high above.
We arrive in Uruyen early enough to enjoy a swim before lunch. The
stupendous view on the majestic Auyantepuy, offers an almost
unreal sight of peace and beauty.
In the afternoon, we hike 3 hours to Guayaraca and set up the camp
on the first terrace of the mountain. Along our way from the Low Sabana
we already observe distinctive changes in plant life.
Finally, we retreat for the night in our tents or hammocks (L D).
DAY 2:
Early morning, we hike through high savannah and cross several small rivers.
Before the sun becomes too hot, we reach the
shady and silent sanctuary of the rainforest and continue our ascension
in the shade till the second terrace. The vegetation changes
quite dramatically as we enter the mysterious Cloud
Forest. We find the first samples of the endemic tepui flora as well as
slippery roots making the hike a bit difficult.
We finally arrive at a gigantic overhanging rock (El Penon), where we
pitch our tents for the night (B L D).
DAY 3:
After about a one-and-a-half hour uphill hike, we arrive at La Paloma where
the steep walls of the Auyantepuy disappear into the clouds.
From here, the
path leads through a dark and impressive landscape of rainforest
and rocks, until we
cross a huge crevice (there is a rope to help yourselves up).
After about 2 hours of rather
tough climbing over large rocks, we finally reach the summit
of the Auyantepuy where a completely different landscape awaits us.
We have lunch at Pico Libertador, approximately 3 hours far from El Oso, a
friendly overhanging rock near a waterfall, which is our home for
the three following nights. Swimming in the cascade, dinner and
overnight at the camp. (B L D)
DAY 4:
Free morning to rest; this is an opportuniy to wash our clothes and
hopefully dry them. In the afternoon, we hike around the summit, exploring
the shrubby vegetation of the forest, admiring the bromeliads,
palms, ferns and other flora endemic to this tepuy.
(B L D).
DAY 5:
We turn away from the bleak plains to enter a green haven of rainforest
signaling the vicinity of the river. We reach the enchanted Churun River
in time for lunch. We jump and swim into the red-clear water
you can even drink while swimming.
Path permitting we continue to a place where the river disappears into
the rocks for about 300 meters/900 ft. The water appears again boiling out
of the rock fissures. Trek back to El Oso. (B L D).
DAY 6:
We break camp as early as possible to begin our way down to
El Penon. This is a long downhill hike, negotiating
the toughest stretches with the ropes' help.
We have lunch in El Penon and arrive in Guyayaraca at the end of the
afternoon (B L D).
DAY 7:
This is our last hiking day before reaching the civilisation.
In Kavac, the Native village we
already saw from the air, cold drinks and the special Kavac chicken barbecue
are waiting for us. We sleep in hammocks inside the typical round huts.
(B L D).
DAY 8:
In the morning, we hike to Kavac Canyon to explore the Kavac Caves
and the River. We swim part of the way to a very impressive waterfall.
Back in kavac we board our flight back to Ciudad Bolivar in the early afternoon.
(B).
General Information
Available from September through June. The journey may also starts and
ends in Puerto Ordaz or Santa Elena.
Rated: Strenuous.
To enjoy the hike, pack up a maximum of 12 kg (25 pounds).
Departure dates
4 & 30 January 2006, special price of USD 950 / GBP 560 / EUR EUR 840
| Tour Tariff - Private Departures | |||||
| N° of Participants | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6+ | ||
| USD | $ 1077 | $ 968 | $ 879 | ||
| EUR | € 894 | € 804 | € 730 | ||
| GBP | £ 603 | £ 542 | £ 492 | ||
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