A labyrinth of channels and islands prolific in forest and mangroves, the delta of the Orinoco River is the second largest in South America after the delta of the Amazon River. Generated by Venezuela’s biggest river, it is made up of 40 main canals and several secondary ones. Its formation dates to hundreds of years of sedimentary deposits and the continuous sedimentation keeps the delta growing.

The Moriche palm, (growing in this region) is the main staple food and raw material for the Warao Indians, the local inhabitants, whose current population is of 24.000 people. The typical Warao dwelling is the “palafito”, a pile house perched on the trunks of Moriche palms sunk in the mud. The Warao live mainly on fishing, and they are good craftsmen, their masterpiece is the “curiara”, a dugout boat made from the trunk of the palm, which is also the main means of transport between channels and islands. Riding the channels on board of a curiara and walking knee-deep in the mud through the forest guided by a Warao Indian, you will discover amazing fauna including parrots, alligators, herons, monkeys, piranhas and an incredible variety of insects.

The name “Tierra de Gracia” (Land of Grace), given by Christopher Columbus to this corner of Venezuela on his third trip, responds to the incredible beauty of the Paria Peninsula, abundant in cocoa plantations that made up the riches of the whole region in the past. Some of the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean coast are hidden in spectacular bays, protected by lush coconut trees, while the tropical forest covering the hills is home to the highest concentration of hummingbirds in South America.

Caracas was founded by the Spaniard Diego de Losada, sacked by the English in 1595 and by the French in 1766. It gained independence in 1821, when Simón Bolívar freed the country from Spanish domination. The colonial heritage can be found in the city center: departing from Plaza Bolívar which has a classic Spanish symmetrical layout, the Libertador’s equestrian statue in the center and National Guards posted on four sides. Modern Caracas houses a number of skyscrapers built in glass, iron and reinforced concrete that overlook houses and neighborhoods immersed in the green hills which contrast with the “barrios” (shantytowns) where the “ranchos” (shacks) form a huge illuminated nativity-type landscape at night.

Canaima National Park houses the world’s tallest single waterfall, the 3,212 feet high Salto Angel (Falls), named after the pilot Jimmie Angel, who discovered it in 1937. The adventurous North American pilot over flew it on the Flamingo in October, and the airplane’s mechanical problems forced him, his wife and two other passengers on a lucky landing on the top of the Auyantepuy (8,202 ft). Unscathed, they decided to descend the course of the river and after 11 days managed to return to civilization.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe hotels. The Deluxe option is with Marriot or the Tamanaco Intercontinental in Caracas.

Additional information on this trip:

• Days of Week the Trip can Start:
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Visited Cities:
  Caracas, Canaima (Angel Falls), Ciudad Bolivar, Orinoco Delta, Paria Peninsula