Why Venezuela?
Most all of our preferred destinations are in National Parks, and by their location alone, are segregated and not exposed to any of the pressures and political climates that exist in the big cities. Venezuela, is classified as a third world country, an oil-producing nation, interspersed with wealth and beautiful historical cities, such as Caracas. They are absolutely worth a visit, however, some of these civilized cities house many underdeveloped, less fortunate communities, that are not surprisingly, exposed to relatively high crime rates. Consequently, these cities must be visited with consciousness and alertness, in fact an organized/supervised visit would be our recommendation.
Are there daily departures to Angel Falls from Caracas?
NO. Flights from Caracas depart only on Thursdays and Sundays. We mostly depart on Thursdays as that allows us to complete the experience in 4 days instead of 5. There are different schedules to suit: Caracas to Canaima 8:30am and 12:30pm and 10:35am / 2:15pm from Canaima to Caracas. Flights may change or vary so please use this is a general reference – flights are included in our packages as it is unlikely one would be able to book online.
Can I take a day trip from Caracas to Angel Falls?
NO not really. Of course, it may be possible to charter a flight from Caracas but that would be extremely difficult and expensive – perhaps more than $3,000 per person.
Can I do Angel Falls on my own as I am a seasoned traveller and I never buy tours?
To avoid disappointment we would suggest not. Logistics such as having to participate with 6 or more folks, gasoline, food, guides etc. Even trying to buy your own ticket to Canaima is virtually impossible.
Pricing – I see different tours offering cheaper prices. How is it that your pricing appears much higher in some instances?
Well there are many reasons from old web sites not being updated to the present to simple cases of “not reading between the lines”! Many trips will offer Canaima but then one has to pay extra for the excursion to Angel Falls. That can be met with disappointment IF there are not sufficient folks to fill a boat to the falls or gasoline is not available at that time. Much has changed since Covid.
There are a lot of Instagram promotions – why should I be wary of them and what is different about our experience?
We like to think we are different. Many of these Instagram offers make up groups of 20-30 people! Not a great experience at all to be with such a large group. Our trips are more personal with normally 6-8 or 10 people – we stay at Angel Falls for one or two nights, a full and authentic experience and not the uncomfortable day trips offered by other organizations / lodges in Canaima. When we are descending from our trek to the falls we often pass these other groups going the other way. Being in front of the falls at 7:00am or first light, the best time to get fantastic photographs – memories last forever.
When is the best season to go to Angel Falls?
Well nowadays practically all year round. Dry Season, as such, normally runs from December to April and generally there is enough water to take the curiaras to Angel Falls. While the cascading falls may not be full they are still spectacular and the positives are that the tours can be more photogenic. From May through December is rainy season – it may rain but seldom for full days – more like strong showers that come and go.
“How ecologically correct is the tour?”
Very! We respect the laws of the land totally, no collection of fauna / flora, rocks etc., no graffiti of any kind, hikes are confined to paths, rubbish / garbage is collected and recycled. In short, we have total respect for the indigenous communities and their unspoiled environment.
“Do our tours support the indigenous?”
Great question! Absolutely please check out our two NGO’s – www.angel-conservation.org and www.fundacionetnika.org. We are even building a Cultural Centre and Museum inside the national park in Kamarata working with the local indigenous Pemón.
“Do I need any special visas to travel in Venezuela?”
Now quite a complicated question to answer due the extreme political climate that exists between Venezuela and certain countries.
If you are a citizen of The European Community (EEC), (as of November 2015), all you need is a valid passport. However, political situations change overnight so we still recommend that you check with your local Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate web-sites (or google) to ensure that you have the up to date information. To travel for up to 30 days a visitor’s pass will be given to you on your international flight (although this recently changed too – only a customs form will be required and a stamp will be made in your passport on arrival. Your information will be entered in the “system” for possible future reference. On departure your passport will be stamped and your information reviewed in the system to ensure compliance with the visa timing.
If you are a citizen of Canada or the United States you now need a visa to enter Venezuela (since March 2015), please see the following link for more information on applying for a tourist visa. In any case the process is quite complicated sadly – you will probably need to attend an interview personally at your local Consulate or Embassy and whilst the advice given suggests applying 3 months prior to any trip we have had clients most recently who have been resourceful and applied to a Venezuelan Consulate / Embassy in Ottawa, Canada for theirs – even Mexico City. WE SUGGEST YOU CONTACT US FIRST TO SEE IF WE HAVE ANY LATEST INFORMATION OR WORDS OF WISDOM.
For all other nationalities please check the latest visa requirements with the local Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate.
Important – please ensure you have at least 6 months left before your passport expires – any less, can lead to problems at the point of origin.
“How friendly are the Indigenous people?”
Very! In Canaima we visit the and stay with the Pemón and their name itself means ‘people’ or ‘friends’. Other groups we visit are the Piaroa (Amazonas) and the Warao (Orinoco Delta) and honestly speaking all are very friendly and welcome visitors.
“Since we are sleeping in hammocks in front of Angel Falls do we have to worry about tropical storms in Canaima?“
All overnight accommodations are under cover in Churuatas (Indian dwellings) or lodges. There are occasionally storms throughout the year, but nothing that should cause any concern.
“Should I have any concerns once I am on the trip?”
You will be under the care of experienced and knowledgeable guides and friendly hand picked personnel, the guides we work with have been guiding in these parts for years. In Canaima the Pemón too will take good care of you and our guides speak great English. You should receive comfort in the fact that many have preceded you, from all over the world, from the ages of 8 through 80! From their feedback over the years, we know that they all would return to Canaima – in a heartbeat.
“What happens in the case of medical emergencies?”
There is a medical post within close proximity of the communities in Kamarata and Canaima. All major cities too have clinics or hospitals – even Los Roques has its own “ambulatorio”.
“How strenuous is the Canaima National Park/ Angel Falls trip?“
It can be a little challenging occasionally, if you want to experience all of the options available on the expedition. Possibly the most challenging would be the hike to the base of the falls – in this case we do not rush anyone and will help those that cannot keep up with the main group.
“Do we have to carry our bags?“
There is some hiking involved and we will be on the move almost every day but transport of bags and supplies etc. will be supervised in jeeps and on boats. It will only be necessary to take essentials (sun block, cameras, swimwear etc.) on individual jaunts at each location.
“Do I need special vaccinations before I travel to Venezuela?“
Malaria tablets are really only necessary of one wishes to spend an extended period in the jungle. Therefore, if visiting the Amazonas’ deep jungle regions it is advisable to check with your physician regarding which inoculations are recommended.
“What do I need to bring with me?”
MEN
CLOTHING (quick drying everything!) – a list will be provided well before your visit to help you pack and buy the appropriate clothing etc:
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR (no aerosols – biodegradable products only):
OPTIONALS:
Click here for a printable gear checklist.
IMPORTANT:
Please note that we are operating an ecotourism trip and as such it is important to set an example within these communities. Hence we are suggesting biodegradable personal hygiene items and bringing used batteries and “cans / plastic” items back with us for correct disposal.
WOMEN
CLOTHING (quick drying everything!):
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR (no aerosols and all biodegradable personal hygiene products):
OPTIONALS:
Click here for a printable gear checklist.
IMPORTANT:
Please note that we are operating an ecotourism trip and as such it is important to set an example within these communities. Hence we are suggesting biodegradable personal hygiene items and bringing used batteries and “cans / plastic” items back with us for correct disposal.
