Alternative Venezuela

Alternative Venezuela
Rich in variety, from its Andean peaks to its Caribbean beaches, Venezuela presents a timeless landscape of
idyllic off shore islands, lush teeming jungle and majestic flat topped mountains. One of South America’s
untouched paradises, this highly original itinerary takes you from its beautiful northern coast deep into the
heart of the Gran Sabana, a land that time had all but forgotten.
More suited to the dry season that runs between December and April, you can enjoy Venezuela’s wild coast
at its most captivating, whilst also appreciating the vast plains of Gran Sabana without their persistent rain
showers. The journey begins in Caracas, before taking you overland and along the eastern Caribbean coast.
You’ll see spectacular jungle encroaching on glorious deserted beaches, explore the pristine settings of
Mochima National Park and the Paria Peninsula and then head into the otherworldly landscapes of Gran
Sabana.
Steeped in the legends of the indigenous Pemon and scattered with the reminders of colonial gold rushes,
these panoramas provide a spectacular backdrop of cascading waterfalls and magnificent tabletop mountains,
recapturing the ‘Lost World’ that so captivated Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Highlights:
Trek through untamed forests and visit the cocoa plantations of the Paria Peninsula
Relax on the picturesque and deserted beaches of Mochima National Park
Swim in the waterfalls and lagoons of beautiful Gran Sabana
Enjoy some panoramic views of the world’s highest tabletop mountain
Explore the historic heart of Caracas
Tour Includes:
Two domestic flights in economy class
9 nights in simple to mid-range accommodation, 3 nights in four star city hotels
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
Private guided sightseeing
Private driver and vehicle
Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Caracas
Arriving in Caracas, you'll be met at the airport and driven on to your
hotel.
Day 2: Caracas - Mochima National Park
A morning transfer to the airport sees you taking a short internal flight on
to the town of Barcelona, from where you will then be driven on to the
idyllic surroundings of your beach lodge in the Mochima National Park,
located on the northeastern edge of Venezuela's Caribbean coast. (B,D)
Day 3: Mochima National Park
Encompassing over 50 islands, an abundance of lush jungles and golden beaches and a mountainous
landscape that sees gigantic cliffs plunging into the azure waters of the Caribbean, the Mochima National
Park covers nearly 95,000 hectares. From its spectacular white sand beaches, you can stand beneath an
array of palms and gaze out towards virgin islets that lie dotted amongst the glittering seas off shore. Home to
a variety of orchids and cacti, the park also shelters a variety of fauna including iguanas, pelicans, turtles and
dolphins. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Mochima National Park
Another free day in the park provides an opportunity to explore more of this majestic setting, perhaps taking
the time to visit the small fishing village in Mochima Bay or enjoy some snorkelling in the clear Caribbean
waters. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Mochima National Park - Paria Peninsula
Following breakfast this morning you will travel by private transfer on
past the coastal towns, towards the captivating setting of the Paria
Peninsula. Part of the Serrania del Litoral mountain range, the peninsula
separates the Caribbean from the Gulf of Paria and, on arrival, you will
check in to your beautifully located beach posada for a three night stay.
(B,D)
Day 6: Paria Peninsula
An area of rich, outstanding beauty, the Paria Peninsula offers up an idyllic tropical landscape of lush green
plains and deserted picturesque beaches, hidden amongst spectacular bays and set against the backdrop of
forest shrouded hills. These verdant tropical jungles are home to the highest concentration of hummingbirds in
South America and today you will enjoy a guided tour through this most serene of national parks. (B,D)
Day 7: Paria Peninsula
Famed for its cocoa plantations, Paria provides us with a chance today to visit some of the surrounding
haciendas, to see for yourself how cocoa is cultivated and processed. This region of South America is
regarded as the home of cocoa production, considered to be to cocoa what Bordeaux in France is to wine.
The Venezuelan plantations produce some of the finest Crillos varieties in the region, a blend highly regarded
by chocolatiers the world over. (B,D)
Day 8: Paria Peninsula - Puerto Ordaz
After breakfast you'll take a private transfer on to your hotel in Puerto Ordaz. (B)
Day 9: Puerto Ordaz - Gran Sabana
Embarking on a journey into the 'Lost World' of the Gran Sabana, you'll
enter a landscape that captured the imagination of Sir Arthur Conan
Doyle. Characterised by soft hills and blanketed in savanna, forests and
cascading waterways, this is the quintessential Venezuelan landscape.
Travelling by 4x4 vehicles, you'll pass former gold mining villages and
cross the waters of the Cuyuni River, whose electric eels once provided
a formidable hazard for Papillon and the inmates of El Dorado Prison.
Travel through the rainforest to your overnight camp. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Gran Sabana
After breakfast you travel by canoe to the indigenous community of Iboribo, where you'll take in the pink
sands and lush forests that surround the Chinak Meru Waterfall. Continuing to Santa Elena, the journey then
takes you through a rich tapestry of green jungle and Moriche palms (used by locals to make hammocks,
baskets and houses). Accompanied by tantalising glimpses of the majestic tepuys (tabletop mountains), you'll
finally reach a viewpoint where you can take in the setting of Mount Roraima, the largest of these imposing
giants. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Gran Sabana
Enjoy a full day visiting the waterfalls of Gran Sabana and take in an enchanting collection of lagoons, tinted
pink and yellow from the rocks that lie below the surface. There will also be chance to enjoy a refreshing swim
under the cascades, basking in the splendour of the crystal pools and the beautiful lush jungle around you.
(B,L,D)
Day 12: Gran Sabana - Caracas
An overland transfer back to Puerto Ordaz today will include a stop for lunch en route, before boarding your
onward flight back to Caracas. You will be ably assisted at the airport to ensure that the check in procedure is
as smooth as possible, and on arrival back in Caracas you will be met and transferred to your comfortably
appointed city centre hotel. (B,L)
Day 13: Depart Caracas
A morning tour of the Venezuelan capital provides an opportunity to explore its historic centre, taking in some
of its most prominent buildings and soaking up something of its colonial heritage. Founded more than four
hundred years ago, the city was the birthplace of Simon Bolivar and remains one of the most dramatically
sited cities in South America, sandwiched as it is between rugged hills and the emerald slopes of the Avila
National Park. You will transfer to the airport for the return flight home after the tour. (B)
Accommodation
Caracas
Marriott Hotel Playa Grande
Hotel Altamira Village
Puerto Ordaz
Hotel Eurobuilding Guayana
Mochima National Park
Posada Villa Majagual
Paria Peninsula
Posada Playa De Uva
Gran Sabana
Chivatón Camp
Yakoo Camp