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Taking advantage of the journey across the Sierra Nevada, we explore
colonial Andean towns and the moors (paramos) of the highlands, and finally
reach the Condors' domain at 4200m. From here, we descend through the
cloudforest and go in search of the rare Cock-of-the-Rock.
During this adventure, we explore all possible ecosystems and use
different modes of transportation to ensure the most complete experience
possible. At a private ranch near Barinas, we stay in rooms equipped
with mosquito nets and fans. We ride through the gallery forest and
plains on horseback, enjoy an exclusive night-time expedition by tractor
to observe nocturnal wildlife, and embark in a dugout canoe for a day on
the river in search of fresh water dolphins and to fish for piranhas.
Engaging in a bit of food chain irony, we savour our capture for dinner.
You can complete the adventure through optional rafting through the rain forest.
The Itinerary
Day 1:
We leave Merida and drive to
Mucuchies (2700 m) visiting Andean villages and the Condor Station
(Venezuela tries to re-introduce the Condor - vultur gryphus).
From here, we drive up to the Pico Aguila, the highest road in Venezuela (4117 m).
After lunch and a short rest, we drive to Mucubaji Lake and onto the
Hotel Los Frailes, a colonial mission built in 1642.
We stop for a short easy walk through low mountain tropical rainforest, passing two
waterfalls, and an ideal area for bird and butterfly watching. With some luck, we
might spot the famous "Andean Cock of the Rock" (rupicula peruvian).
We arrive at the Hato Madera (Cattle farm of 5000 Hectares), a classic
ranch of Los Llanos. Enjoy a typical barbecue dinner (not guaranteed).
Accommodation in rooms or hammocks. (L D).
Day 2:
After breakfast, we drive to another ranch, deeper into the Apure State where wildlife abunds.
We then go horseback riding into the Venezuelan plains (Llanos).
In the gallery forest, we look out for storks, herons, scarlet ibis, hawks,
parrots and many other birds, as well as howler monkeys and possibly
anteater bears and spend time fishing for piranhas. We return to the ranch for a
picnic and a rest in hammocks. In the afternoon, we depart by horse or by tractor
to enjoy the breathtaking sunset of Los Llanos. This nighttime safari
offers a unique opportunity to watch the nocturnal animals of the Llanos.
We return to the ranch for dinner and a good nights rest.
Accommodation in hammocks (B L D).
Day 3:
After breakfast, we drive to the Apure River (the seventh longest river in Venezuela),
where we board a boat. A local fisherman takes us to places where we
can observe the wonderful fresh water dolphins, the world's biggest rodents (Capybaras),
caymans and iguanas as well as hundreds of birds and possibly anacondas.
In the afternoon, we return to the ranch. Overnight at the ranch.
Accommodation in hammocks (B L D).
Day 4:
Today, we drive to the botanical garden of Barinas, a wildlife
reproduction centre, where one can admire deer, capybaras, iguanas, jaguars and
the American lion, tapirs and the beautiful anteater amidst surrounding
tropical trees. Later, we drive back to Merida (optional white water rafting for USD 30 - GBP 22 - EUR 35)
(B L).
Other Itineraries
We also organise first class journeys in luxurious ranches (Hatos) considered among the world's best for wildlife observation areas.
General Information
Read our customers' feedback about this journey.
Rated: Easy. Participants may expect some moments of discomfort as visited places are really out of the beaten tracks and lack
of usual tourist facilities. An open attitude towards outdoor activities is required to fully enjoy this journey.
IMPORTANT! Accommodations are in a "very rustic" setting. Bathrooms are shared and simple. Usually, sleeping is in
beds on night 1 and hammocks on nights 2 and 3. There is no hot water available and with
the heat of Los Llanos, 34C average during daytime, hot water is not necessary.
Nights are cool
Days 1 and 4 involve long drives with numerous stops to discover the Andes and the Llanos.
On day 4, it is possible to board the 17h15 pm flight from Barinas to Caracas or
Ciudad Bolivar. You then save the 3-4 hours drive back to Merida.
Whitewater rafting can be arranged as part of this tour, but the consensus of the whole
group is needed.
| Tour Tariff - Private Departures | |||||
| N° of Participants | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| USD | $ 420 | $ 286 | $ 207 | ||
| EUR | € 349 | € 237 | € 172 | ||
| GBP | £ 235 | £ 160 | £ 116 | ||
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