A labyrinth of channels and islands full of forests and mangroves, the delta of the Orinoco River is the second largest delta in South America. Generated by Venezuela’s largest river, it is made up of forty main canals and several secondary ones.

The Moriche palm, a local plant, is the main staple food and raw material for the Warao Indians, whose current population is 24,000. The typical Warao dwelling is the “palafito,” a house perched on the trunks of Moriche palms buried in the mud. The Warao are adept fishermen and craftsmen; their masterpiece is the “curiara,” a dugout boat made from the trunk of the palm, a good, simple means of transportion between channels and islands.

Aboard a curiara and knee-deep in the mud with a Warao Indian as a guide, you’ll hear about Warao traditions and see some local fauna for yourself, from parrots and alligators to herons, monkeys and piranhas….

You’ll stay at Posada Rancho San Andrés. Located on a 1,000 hectare dairy farm, this posada has well-decorated cabins with traditional-looking tiled bathrooms, hot water, ceiling fans and screened windows with no glass.

San Andrés also has a swimming pool by a large hut with a bar and restaurant.