Northern Amazonia & Venezuela

24 Nights - from $1084

Venezuela is one of South America's hidden gems, and on this trip we'll get a comprehensive insight into this hugely diverse country. Beginning our journey in the steamy city of Manaus, deep in Brazil's Amazon, we overland across the Gran Sabana Plateau, heading for the gold mining town of El Dorado. Venezuela has an abundance of natural wonders, including Angel Falls - the highest waterfalls in the world, the 'Lost World' of the Tepuis, and the incredible wildlife of the Los Llanos wetlands. We'll head up to the sultry Caribbean coast to unwind on the beach before ending our trip in Caracas.

This trip is dominated by the wild landscape of one of South America's least visited areas. We get away from the crowds to visit some of the continent's hidden gems. Starting in Manaus, at the heart of Brazil's Amazon region, we'll travel by boat along this mighty river. We then cross into Venezuela, driving through spectacular landscapes with rugged cliffs and dramatic waterfalls - including the highest in the world, Angel Falls. You can also explore this beautiful area by canoe. For those after more of a challenge there are treks to Roraima and the sorrounding area. Further north you get explore the beginnings of the Andes around Merida. To top it all off we explore the lands of the Venezuelan gauchos in the swamplands of the Llanos.

Itinerary:

Nights 1 - 6: Brazil & Venezuelan Gran Sabana Explore the unique jungle city of Manaus Visit the beautiful Kama Meru and Jasper Waterfalls Travel through the edges of the protected Waimiri Indian Reserve Time in Santa Elena to explore gold panning areas or prepare to go trekking Overland across the Gran Sabana, one of the oldest plateaux on earth Nights 7 - 12: Angel Falls Time for optional trips to Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world Explore the waterfront city of Ciudad Bolivar on the banks of the Rio Orinoco Relax by the pool of an authentic Venezuelan Posada Nights 13 - 21 Wetlands & Highlands Time for optional adrenaline activities in the Andean city Merida 2 night exploration into Los Llanos wetlands in search of anaconda and caiman Nights 22 - 24 Caracas & the Caribbean Coast Stay on the Caribbean coast at Puerto Columbia Arrive in bustling Caracas, capital of Venezuela Experience the beautiful en route drive through Henri Pittier National Park

Optional Extras

• Guided tour of the impressive Teatro Amazones in Manaus
• Day trip to the gold panning areas in Santa Elena
• Take a 6 day trek up the spectacular Mt Roraima, rejoining the trip in Ciudad Bolivar
• Trek the slopes of Mt Chirikayen from Santa Elena
• Flights across the incredible flat-topped mountains around Angel Falls
• Hikes and camping trips into the jungles around Ciudad Bolivar
• Horseriding, trekking, rafting and biking at Merida
• Overnight visit to see the lightning phenomena at Maracaibo Lake
• Kayaking, boat trips, scuba diving and snorkelling off the Caribbean Coast

Accommodation: Campsites, wildcamps, hammocks, hostels/hotels(50% camping, 50% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle and local buses
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary
Notes: Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.