Another exceptional off the beaten track trek / expedition in Canaima’s National Park, one that very few tourists / trekkers have taken. This IS special, Ghost Canyon (La Cueva Fantasma) is located deep in the park and usually only visited by helicopter.
This is a trip for small groups, really 4-8 maximum for lowest impact and most certainly one where a few friends / family together will enjoy bonding.
Fly over Canaima National Park’s tepuis and dense rain forests to a small community, Purpürken, that time has forgotten, where the indigenous Taurepanes (one of three Pemón tribes), still learn, practice their traditions and speak their indigenous language. Participate with them in their folkloric dancing, even playing football or volleyball with the kids.
From this humble village, depending upon arrival time, there are a few options of short hikes on the first day to nearby waterfalls / rivers / beautiful locations, to enjoy a refreshing dip and marvel at the scenery and serenity! Interact with the children / adults of the native Pemón tribe and get a taste of their culture and lifestyle.
Set off on a trek of a lifetime with your Pemón hosts, cross grassy savannahs, rivers, through rain forests, climb hills along with amazing vistas! Camp in tents or hammocks, in virgin rainforest by rivers and close to spectacular waterfalls.
Your destination – the spectacular, mysterious, Ghost Canyon.
Early morning transfer and assistance to Caracas National Airport. Flight to Canaima National Park via either Puerto Ordaz or Ciudad Bolivar. Flight to Purpürken, a tiny Pemón community, deep in the heart of the park.
Depending upon arrival time, take a short hike to a small waterfall (approx. 40 mins), Kui Meru, enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural “swimming hole” before returning back to the village. Overnight in Purpürken. (D)
Note: an over flight of Angel Falls maybe be possible for 4 or more people at an extra charge.
Breakfast, hike across savanna and through virgin rainforest, about 11kms (3 – 3 1/2hrs), to Prada River where we will rest, take a swim and enjoy a snack en route to our base camp (1 1/2 – 2hrs further) on the other side of the foothills / forest.
Set up base camp – overnight in tents / hammocks. (B,L,D)
Breakfast in the primary rainforest, hike to Ghost Canyon and Kavanarupa water fall.
Lunch and relaxation before returning to base camp. (11/2hrs approx. each way). Overnight at base camp in tents / hammocks. (B,L,D)
Breakfast before returning to the Purpürken community. Stopping en route at Prada River for a snack and refreshing dip (4-5hrs).
Cultural ceremony performed by the children of Purpürken. Overnight in tents or hammocks. (B,L,D)
Breakfast, relaxation before flight to Canaima, Ciudad Bolivar or Puerto Ordaz and onward flight to Caracas. (B).
End of program.
Day 5 – Breakfast before setting off to Salto Aicha (Aicha Falls) overlooking Kamarata Valley. A long hike (5-6hrs) with a break en-route alongside Purpür River. Through savannah, rainforest, making the steep climb to the first level of Auyántepui before reaching the top of Aicha Falls. Overnight in tents or hammocks. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Breakfast. Climb down through the rainforest on foot to Kamarata Valley below, stopping en-route at “Kaneparu”, a conuco (farm) owned by a local shaman and his family – its located at the foot of the tepui on the edge of a river and deep inside the rainforest. Visit the conuco and take lunch / snack. Fresh fruits beckon! Continue our hike to Uruyén or Kavak (total 5-6hrs). Overnight in Uruyén or Kavak. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Morning flight to Ciudad Bolivar or Puerto Ordaz (possibly via Canaima). Transfer by plane to Caracas. (B,L).
End of program.
Accommodation
Camping in tents or hammocks. Plus lodge accommodations private bathrooms if taking the extended tour.
Transportation: Travel by foot, private vehicles and planes from / to Canaima or Puerto Ordaz.
Meals: as outlined in the itineraries.
Excursion with private guides / porters.
Porters.
Gratuities
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic and soft drinks.
Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, laundry and any extras.
Read / download our “What to pack?” check list. Contact us directly and we will send it to you.
Airport transfers.
Private car or jeep transfers. Internal flights.
During the dry season Jan-May preferably.
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.
