The Caura River and the Para Falls

"Venezuela"

200 years ago, more than 2000 people ventured into to the virgin forest of the Rio Caura, attracted by the Sarapia-fruit (king of nut) growing there, valuable for medicine- and perfume-industries (its oil). Huge granite rocks prevented paddle-wheel-boats from pushing forward on the Caura into the untouched forests. Where the first rocks bared the way of those ships, the "Sarrapia-Searchers" settled down. The natural trench presented by the rocks gave "Las Trincheras" its name. The Rio Caura is the only "street" providing a connection to civilisation. A partly paved dirt road leads through a dense jungle to Las Trincheras. Today, the amount of residents is only around 80 -100. With the oil-boom, many of them left for the cities. Today the "Trincherenos" live of fishing and farming their "conucos" (small fields made by fire-clearing) and the camp for tourists. In cooperation with the residents, we offer a jungle-tour to the "Para-Falls", using an Indian canoe on the Caura. With its rapids and scattered rocks from the former Guyana-shield, the river offers an exciting trip. A little luck, and we dolphins, turtles, otters, and an abundance of birds such as herons, kingfisher, the rare Hoatzin and of course parrots, accompany us on our journey to the camp. The camp is at the edge of the village, on the banks of the Rio Caura. The terrace with a view over the bizarre landscape of rocks is the centre for almost every event, like breakfast, dinner or relaxing. Fishing, bathing or exploring the river with a kayak are just a few of the possible ways to spend the day. Additionally, we offer daily excursions to an island of granite-rock in the Rio Caura, to the "La Leona Falls" in the Sierra de Maigualida and animal-observations in the "Cano Mato". A colonial-style house, run by our hostesses, invites us with a spacious kitchen, living room and two bathrooms. The cook spoils his guests with delicious meals. We sleep in hammocks, beneath palm-covered Indian huts, accompanied by the sounds of the virgin forest. Guests who prefer more comfort can stay in double rooms with private bath. Why not join us to this paradise on earth!

The Itinerary

DAY 1:
From Ciudad Bolivar we drive to Caicara del Orinoco, following a road along the Orinoco. The landscape looks like a hilly savannah, crossed by many small rivers with Moriche-palm trees ashore. After one hour, we reach the Rio Aro and rest at the last gas station before our destination. The ride continues across savannah littered with huge, black granite-rocks show up, extensions of the former Guyana-shield. The savannah offers an impressive panoramic view with its single growing palm trees loosing themselves in the overwhelming landscape of black rocks. Finally we turn onto a small red dirt road to the south, which leads us through a dense jungle to Las Trincheras and our camp, where our hostesses awaits us. In the evening, we enjoy a "parrilla" (barbecue) over an open fire. This first night is spent in double room at the Caura Lodge (L D)

DAY 2:
After breakfast, we venture to the beach "El Playon" at the rapids upriver. A Trinchereno accompanies us, knowing the river with all its rapids and rocks lying beneath the water's surface. After half an hour, we reach the first rapids. During the dry-season, white beaches show up ashore, perfect for taking a dip or a rest. From time to time, we meet a curiara with Indians living at the upper Caura (please no photographs!). It is quite a comfortable ride as long as no tropical rain catches us. In the background, we discover the first mountains indicating that we are near our destination. After 5 - 6 hours, the white Playon-Beach lays in front of us (B L D).

DAY 3:
Today, we walk to the Para-Falls, whose fog phenomenon results from the water heating up during the day and the cool air laying over it during a clear night. We walk through a dense rainforest. The river disappears from our view when it enters a canyon. Two hours later, we hear the thunder of the "Para-Falls", next to the former research station Cadafe (electricity company), now home to Indians. In a lagoon above the falls, we bath. Before walking back to our camp close to the falls, we buy arts and crafts from the Indians (B L D).

DAY 4:
After breakfast, we head back to Caura camp, where we arrive around noon. In the afternoon, we enjoy a last bath in the river or some kayaking (B L D).

DAY 5:
On our way back to Ciudad Bolivar, we stop at the "Jugo Caura" and enjoy a freshly made natural fruit-drink (B L).

General Information

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Rated: Easy

Fixed Departure dates
Every Saturday from Ciudad Bolivar with 2 participants minimum

Tour Tariff
	Per person	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 436	$ 40
EUR	€ 361	€ 33
GBP	£ 244	£22

(*) Price last updated on 05 April 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
(**) There is a USD 30 / EUR 36 / GBP 20 discount for those who prefer to spend the first night in hammocks at the Caura Lodge

Included: Camping in double tents or hammock, in room the first night only, meals and transport as mentioned, experienced guide, all camping and canoeing equipment

Not included: Flight to/from Ciudad Bolivar (USD 85), soft drinks

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