Catatumbo

(2-3 days)

Catatumbo lightning

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.

Catatumbo Lightning.

Catatumbo Lightning Tour Venezuela
Typical Catatumbo Lightning strikes.

ITINERARY

Catatumbo Lightning Tour. Venezuela
Overnight in hammocks in a apalfito.

Day 1. Catatumbo

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. 

Day 2. Catatumbo

Early boat ride back to the pier and drive to Mérida, Barquisimeto or Maracaibo for overnight or flight back to Caracas.

 

 

 

 

Day 3. Catatumbo Extension

Overnight on day 2. Spend an extra day exploring the area, even go butterfly hunting in the local rainforest (by boat). .Afternoon depart. 

Highton & Paul Stanley with Alan’s new species of Blue Morphos butterfly he discovered.

Optional Extensions 

Angel Falls Expedition

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, Venezuela - the tallest waterfall in the world Angel Falls. The tallest waterfall in the world.

Tour info

Contact us

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.

Photo Gallery