Bird watching in the Andes and in the Llanos

"Venezuela"

Taking advantage of the journey across the Sierra Nevada, we explore with a naturalist birding guide the moors (paramos) of the highlands in search of rare birds, 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. Continuing our journey towards the lowlands, we reach the Llanos. At private ranches near Barinas and in the Apure, we drive, ride or hike through the gallery forest and plains and embark in a dugout canoe to observe local birds (more than 400 species recorded), as well as many other animal species (crocodiles, ant-eater, turtles, foxes, anacondas...).

The Itinerary

Day 1:
Early in the morning our vehicles drive us to the Sierra Nevada National Park along the lower section of the Pico Humboldt Trail. In this tropical cloud forest, we should see: White-fronted Redstart, Slaty Brush-finch, Golden-headed Quetzal, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Long-billed Gnatwren, Strong-billed, Montane and Black-banded Woodcreepers, Rufous-shafted Woodstar, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Short-tailed, White-chinned and White-collared Swift, Broad-winged and White-rumped Hawk, Collared Inca, Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Band-tailed and Ruddy Pigeon, Mountain Elaenia, Bank Swallow, Mountain Wren, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Capped Conebill, White-sided and Bluish Flower-piercer, Black-headed and Beryl-spangled Tanagers, Black-throated Mango and Cinnamon Becard. Overnight in a local inn.(L).

Day 2:
We drive via the Tran Andean Highway through the Paramo villages, visiting en route the Black Lagoon, a mountain lake ideal for birding in the Andean open Moors. These high paramos are a treeless habitat of frost-shattered rocks, grasses, lichens, gorse and frailejones, a yellow-flowered plant typical of the Venezuelan Andes which height can reach 4 metres. This habitat is the home of the almost-endemic Bearded Helmetcrests, the endemic Paramo Wren, and Andean Siskin, Paramo Pipit, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Ochre-browed Thistletail and Streak-Backed Canastero. We stop at the Andean Condor Reintroduction Station at Pico Aguila at Mucubaji Lake (3,500 mts). We expect to see Speckled and Blue-winged Teal, Torrent Duck, Andean Condor, Black-Chested Buzzard Eagle, Anhinga, Speckled, Violet-chested and Steely-vented Hummingbirds, Eared and White-tipped Doves, Tropical Peewee, White-throated Tyrannulet, Brown-bellied Swallow, Bar-winged Cinclodes, Eastern Meadowlark and Rufous-collared Sparrow. Overnight in a local inn in Santa Domingo. (L).

Day 3:
Full day bird watching in the Santo Domingo Valley. Including a visit to San Isidro for the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Lek. After an exciting hike down a ravine we arrive to the lekking area. On the trail we may encounter Golden-winged Manakin and Immaculate Antbird. We also visit River Barragan for Torrent Ducks. Overnight at Hato Madera, a working cattle ranch that devotes part of their ranch to ecotourism. (L D).

Days 4-5:
After breakfast we horseback ride into the Gallery Forest of the Hato, looking for birds. In the afternoon, we bird the road to a Hato in the lower Llanos. We are likely to encounter hoatzin, crested cara cara, savanna hawk and a wide number of river birds species. Here we are guaranteed Capybara, piranha, spectacled caiman and with luck, Orinoco crocodile, anaconda, anteaters, armadillo, giant river otter and red howler monkey. Birding is done by a combination of boat, horse and 4WD jeep. Night four is spent in hammocks. (B L D).

Day 6:
In the evening the guide will drop you in San Fernando de Apure from where you can continue to Puerto Ayacucho, an ideal town to start a birding trip into the Amazon. (B L).

Other Itineraries

The perfect continuation is our Amazon birding journey at Junglaven Lodge.

General Information

Rated: Easy

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2	3	4
USD	$ 954	$ 636	$ 477
EUR	€ 792	€ 528	€ 396
GBP	£ 534	£ 356	£ 267

(*) 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




Included: meals as specified, lodging in local inns and ranches, transportation in 4WD from day 2 to 5 (otherwise in bus or private car), bilingual experienced guide from day 2 to 5, tours and activities mentioned in the itinerary.

Not included: Meals not specified, drinks, tips

Venezuela Selections