Crossing the Andes

"Venezuela"

Merida's snow-capped Sierra Nevada buttresses the highlands that separate Lake Maracaibo from the practically sea-level plains of Los Llanos. Most people think of this rocky rampart as an impenetrable wall one can only cross by bus or plane. We, however, explore it on foot, trekking over mountain ranges and across two states, Merida and Barinas. From the moors of the small Andean village of Gavidia at 3500 meters, we cross the paramos of the Andes and end on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada at about 400 meters. We cross a number of beautiful well-preserved Andean villages, rainforests and valleys with breathtaking views of some of South America's last paradises, sleeping in tents or in farmers' houses, and enjoying time with local people in remote Andean hamlets, completely cut off from civilisation: no roads, no electricity, and surrounded only by the murmur of expansive wilderness.

The Itinerary

Day 1:
Early morning, we drive to the paramo, following a scenic route that passes through a number of well preserved Andean villages and climbs up very quickly. From Mucuchies (2980 m) a gorgeous secondary road leads through a spectacular canyon and the Gavidia creek to Gavidia. From Gavidia, using 4WD, a small road brings us to Micarache (3500 m), the starting point of our hiking journey. Quickly the Paramo changes into the rainforest. After approximately 4 hours hiking, we set up camp beside a creek with an inspiring panoramic view (3000 m) (B L D)

Day 2:
Today, we head for El Carrizal through dense, well-preserved rainforest and narrow valleys. On the way, we cross a magical cloudforest with some incredible suspension bridges. We walk through one of the last paradises surviving in the area: the Sierra Nevada National Park and finally arrive at El Carrizal (1400 m), a small Andean village completely cut off from civilisation; no roads or electricity but abundant coffee, avocado and oranges. We spend the night in camp or in a farmer's house (B L D).

Days 3-4:
After breakfast, we pack up our gear and trek to another small village, Alto La Aguada (1000 m), crossing some beautiful rivers, through sugar cane and coffee plantations and some remnants of cloud forest that are quickly being developed into pastures. From the village, we admire the Lowlands and the city of BARINAS in the distance. Sharing a little time with the locals, we note that not only the landscape changed but also the types and habits of the people. We overnight in tents or in a farmer's house (B L D).

Day 5:
Today, we trek to the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada (400 m), part of the Barinas State. After some 4 hours, we arrive at Canagua, a small village from where we drive by 4WD to the Pan-American Highway and return to Merida (B L).

General Information

Rated: Moderate.

The trek includes one mule per 2 participants so that you only have to carry a weight of 8 to 12 lbs maximum.

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4
USD	$ 633	$ 521	$ 521
EUR	€ 526	€ 433	€ 433
GBP	£ 355	£ 292	£ 292

(*) Price last updated on 23 November 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request
(**) Discount for larger groups

Included: Transport, camping equipment, meals as specified, experienced guides, permanent radio contact, mule support or porters, first aid kit, park fees

Not included: Meals not mentioned, sleeping bags

Venezuela Selections