Catatumbo & The andes
(3-4 days)
Catatumbo & The andes
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.
ITINERARY
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 up to the foothills of the Andes visiting a sugar cane plantation en route. On arriving in the Andes take a downhill hike to Los Nevados to overnight at local posada.
Day 3. Los Nevados – Mérida
Morning hike visiting different villages in the mountains of Sierra Nevada National Park.
Paragliding could be added to your agenda as an option – cost approx. US$ 40 / 30 mins flight).
Leisure afternoon to relax in the city of Mérida.
Paragliding in Mérida.
Hummingbird feeder.Visit the hummingbirds garden and a time permitting a local market before exploring downtown Mérida. An afternoon flight to Caracas.
Overnight in a standard hotel close to the airport.
Angel Falls Expedition
Drive to Los Llanos (wildlife safari) or Mérida in the Andes or return to Caracas for overnight and then take a flight to Canaima National Park and visit Angel Falls . 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.
Tour info
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).
We include flights in all our programs. You will not find them online.
Flights can vary from time to time so please take this information as a reference and check with us first.
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.
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.