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….

As if that weren’t enough, after that, you’ll wrap up your tour on Paria Peninsula. Given the name Tierra de Gracia, or Land of Grace, by Colombus on account of its untellable beauty, Paria Peninsula is known for its historic cocoa plantations, remote beaches, tropical forests and high concentration of hummingbirds (the highest in all of South America).

In Orinoco River Yampu offers accommodation at Posada Rancho San Andrés. Part of a 1,000-hectare dairy farm, Posada Rancho San Andrés boasts a swimming pool by a large churuata with a bar and restaurant as well as well-decorated cabins with bathrooms (and hot water), ceiling fans, and screened windows (with no glass).

In Paria Peninsula Yampu offers accommodation at Posada Playa de Uva, set in a lemon plantation in a narrow valley, close to the village of Changuramas de Loreo and the beach.

Additional information on this trip:

• Days of Week the Trip can Start:
  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday