General Information :
About a third of all Venezuela can be described as Los Llanos ('the plains'). This vast area is typified by extremely flat savanna scenery, isolated woodland, and thin strips of jungle along the edge of a network of rivers and streams. Human population is sparse, but animal life is abundant - 350 bird species, more than 50 types of mammal, in addition to thousands of insects, reptiles and fish. Compared to the Andes it could be a different planet.
Day 1 :
The jeep safari begins at our office in Merida at 8:00 am. From Merida our tour travels up the valley and over the mountains to Barinas, a city on the edge of Los Llanos. The scenery of the Andes en route is not to be missed. There are optional stops to show you some highlights along the way - the stone church of Juan Felix Sanchez at San Rafael, and a chance to relax at Laguna Mucubaji in the Sierra Nevada Nacional Park.
Through thick forest the altitude declines but the temperature rises until Barinas where the flatlands begin. It's a slow drive over rough roads towards a village called Mantecal. During this portion of the trip you'll have your first glimpse of the endless savanna and varieties of bird life. Our days´ journey ends at the camp. Here there are small huts equipped with mosquito netting and hammocks.
Day 2 - 3 :
Here we have two days to enjoy what the camp offers. Our goal is to see the variety of wildlife this region has to offer. The different activities this trip includes are: canoeing down river to see fresh water dolphins, fishing for pirahnas that you may choose to have for dinner, looking for caimans or anacondas and horseback riding. Some of the birds we may see are the red, white and black ibises, storks and white egrets. Other animals we will have the opportunity to see are anteaters, monkies, capybaras, anacondas, snakes, iguanas, turtles and the typical cows and buffalos. The days in Los Llanos end with spectacular sunsets. On the third day, after lunch, we will leave the camp heading to our adventure camp, located in Barinas State. Other small paradise for bird watching! Dinner and overnight in our nice posada, enjoying the river and our chill-out areas.
Day 4 :
Let's make the activities available in our adventure camp! Rafting / Kayaking / Tubing level III in rio Acequia, a canopy trip o zip-line and the climbing wall of 12 m.. After lunch it will be time to drive back to Merida
The tour includes :
guide, transport, food, basic accommodation and activities.
We need a minimum of 4 persons to form a group and organize a departure. Please contact us, we constantly have groups leaving.
What to bring :
original passport! Towel, soap, shampoo, sun protection and repellent. Sweater for the first day, crossing the highlands. Long pants and trainers for the day you do horseback riding. Hat or cap, light clothes like shorts, t-shirt and sandals. It might be a bit cold early in the morning, please bring a light sleeping bag o blanket and a torch. Swimming suit for the rafting.
