Let Angel-Eco Tours be your guide on this two or three day exploration of Catatumbo / Lake Maracaibo and the surrounding areas in Western Venezuela – visiting a number of different ecosystems along the way.
The wildlife in this region is abundant and colourful, as are the locals that live in the palafitos or stilted houses on the edge of this expansive Lake Maracaibo.
Experience the Catatumbo phenomenon which according to Wikipedia – the Catatumbo Lightning (Relámpago del Catatumbo) is an atmospheric phenomenon which occurs strictly in an area located over the mouth of the Catatumbo River where it flows into Lake Maracaibo.
The frequent and powerful flashes of lightning over this relatively small area are considered to be the world’s largest single generator of tropospheric ozone, that is ozone that does not necessarily replenish the atmospheric ozone layer. It originates from a mass of storm clouds that create a voltaic arc at more than 5 kms of height, during approximately 140 to 160 nights per year, 10 hours per day and up to 280 times per hour. It occurs over and around Lake Maracaibo, typically over the swampish areas formed where the Catatumbo River flows into the lake.
Departure from Caracas or Mérida. Visit a typical coffee plantation, zipline in the Andean forest and enjoy some wildlife spotting / observation..
Then take a boat on to the lake of Maracaibo to experience the nighttime Catatumbo lightning phenomenon.
Basic accommodations in hammocks.
Early boat ride back to the pier and drive to Mérida, Barquisimeto or Maracaibo for overnight or flight back to Caracas.
Overnight on day 2. Spend an extra day exploring the area, even go butterfly hunting in the local rainforest (by boat). .Afternoon depart.
Visit the Andes or Los Llanos (wildlife safari) or fly back to Caracas and take a flight the following day to Canaima National Park. Boat trip onto Canaima lagoon and hike to Sapo or Hacha Falls. River expedition to the base of Angel Falls.
Accommodation in hammocks in front of Angel Falls for one (1) night + beds for two (2) nights at a local standard lodge / camp.
Flight from Canaima to Caracas.
All meals (except lunch and dinner on last day). English speaking guide.
End of services.
Angel Falls. The tallest waterfall in the world.
Accommodation
Catatumbo: 1 night in rustic stilt house.
Andes: standard posada with beds and private bathroom.
Transportation: travel by private vehicles, foot, boat, internal flights (4).
Meals: as outlined in the itinerary (B,L,D)
Excursions & Activities
– Catatumbo lightning. Andean treks.
– Angel Falls River Expedition+ Canaima Lagoon + Sapo Falls and / or Hacha Falls + all transfers IN & OUT
– Optional additional tour: Angel Falls: 3 nights in camps with hammock/tents
Gratuities
Porters
International air tickets.
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic and soft drinks.
Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
National Park fee in Canaima approx. US$ 20
PCR Test is mandatory with negative result 48 hours prior the Angel Falls Expedition. Check before tour to see if still mandatory.
Read / download our “What to pack?” or ask for our check list.
Catatumbo / The Andes. Flights from Caracas / private car transfer from Mérida.
Motorboat transfer to and from accommodations on lake.
Angel Falls Option:
Curiaras (dugout wooden motorized canoe) in the excursions with a 48 HP Yamaha engine.
Commercial flights from / to Caracas are in an Embraer 190 (120 passengers).
Flight over Angel Falls by helicopter
Only to be arranged and paid in Canaima lagoon.
Minimum of 4 passengers per flight. The whole flight costs from US$ 1900 to US$ 2200.
About 1 hour or more flight. Please take these rates as a reference, they can fluctuate anytime.
Our clients always ask/ we answer:
Catatumbo: 1 night in rustic stilt house.
Andes: standard posada with beds and private bathroom.
Catatumbo: October – December.
Angel Falls: May – November.
If you are interested or have any questions, please fill out this contact form so we can help you to create an adventure of a lifetime.
