Gran
Sabana # 4
12 Days
/ 11 Nights
Auyantepui, Kavak, Guayaraca
Daily
itinerary
Bolivar State, in southern Venezuela, is home to the Guayana Shield, an
archaic and pleasantly bizarre landform from which gigantic sandstone
mesas, known as the Table Mountains or "Tepuis", rise. Being
almost inaccessible, Auyantepui is the largest and most impressive of
them all. The expedition through the humid jungle and hot dry savannah,
is a forceful and breathtaking natural experience. Previous knowledge
of mountain climbing is not required. However, the traveler should be
in excellent physical condition.
Note: Auyantepui entrance subject to local weather conditions and government
restrictions. Exact expedition itinerary subject to change.
Day 1 - US / Caracas
Welcome to Venezuela! Upon arrival at Caracas' Simon Bolivar International
Airport, you will claim your luggage and clear immigrations and customs.
You will be then be met and assisted by our local representatives and
transferred to your hotel. Currency exchange is available in the airport
lobby.
Venezuela ("Little Venice" in Spanish) was inhabited mostly
by Carib and Arawak Indians before the Spaniards landed here in 1498 on
Columbus' third voyage. The first permanent settlement was established
at Cumana in 1520. The country was relatively poor and predominantly agrarian
until 1914 when oil was discovered near Maracaibo. Caracas (elevation
3,105 ft) was founded in 1567 and has become the fastest growing capital
in Latin America since World War II.
Overnight accommodations at hotel Caracas Hilton includes continental
breakfast served in the Tower Lounge. The Hilton is located at the city's
center and is within minutes from the city's cultural and commercial districts.
The Hilton offers tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a health club with
gym, sauna, and massage. Dining options include three restaurants, a lobby
lounge, sushi bar and a gourmet bar.
Day 2 - Caracas / Ciudad Bolivar / Kavak
Hotel pick up and transfer today to Caracas' national airport. Pay domestic
airport tax (around $1 US) and check in for your flight.
From Ciudad Bolivar you'll set off on a charter flight to the Pemon Indian
settlement of Kavak. Weather and pilot discretion permitting, you'll have
a bird's-eye view of Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall. On arrival
in Kavak, meet the Pemon Indians who will be your hosts and porters throughout
the expedition. Then it's off to explore the dark, narrow canyon and hidden
waterfall of Kavak. Enjoy the surroundings by bathing in a stone-bordered
natural pool and swimming through a gap the width of a human body, whose
walls reach up to 90 feet in height and are covered with moss and lianas.
The goal of this swim is to reach a cave that has a waterfall plunging
into it from the top of the entrance --it is a fairytale backdrop, and
truly a dream of an experience. In the afternoon return to Kavak. Dinner
and overnight in hammocks at the Kavak camp. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Kavak / Guayaraca
An early departure will be required to undertake the first monumental
stage of this expedition with the Indians. You will walk on narrow paths
until midday along the base of the table mountain, sometimes in the treeless
savannah and other times through tropical rain forests. You'll cross the
Rio Yuruan and, during the rainy season, up to five other small streams
on this leg of the journey. Extreme pressure will be placed on all footwear,
as absorption of water occurs not only in streams and rivers but also
in the morass. After hiking about six hours the group arrives at the base
of the first pedestal of the Auyantepui, where you will remain at the
riverside Guayaraca camp. Refresh yourselves in the cool, clean water
of the river and enjoy the fading day in this . (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Guayaraca / El Peñon
Early in the morning, with the mist still hanging in the trees, you will
leave Guayaraca on an Indian trail leading out of the Tepui forest and
across the savannah. Grass as tall as a man, orchids and other rare flowers
in fantastic sorts and sizes border the way. To reach the second pedestal
of the mesa, you will have to cut your way through green thickets with
a machete. With a 1,200-foot wall looming in sight, you cross the pedestal
and overnight underneath a huge overhanging cliff at the base of the third
level. The Indians call this point El Peñon. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - El Peñon / High Plateau of the Auyantepui
The last stage of the climb lies before you. Approaching the wall, you
may not believe that a previous knowledge of mountain climbing is not
required. However, the Indians will lead you to a point where erosion
has partially disturbed the mountain. Between huge stone entrances, rocks
and gravel have created a stairway of sorts, which you will climb. You'll
make use of ropes to carry bags and to help keep your balance.
Around midday arrive at the high plateau. The moment when you lift your
head over the edge of the plateau and look out on the panoramic view of
the mesa is truly unforgettable. The scene, which almost appears unreal,
evokes the moon with clusters of flowers. Memories of the of Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle are brought to mind. After locating a safe camping spot, disperse
into smaller groups for excursions. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Exploring the Plateau
You will spend the whole day exploring the Auyantepui plateau. Here, bromeliads
and carnivorous plants grow between grotesquely shaped stone sculptures.
The latter have existed from the beginning of time and continue to do
so only in this isolated region of the world. Under clear skies, Auyantepui
is a strange, natural playground waiting to be discovered. But when fog
sets in, the summit's mood transforms to that of an eery inhospitable
planet. For reference see: National Geographic, May 1989. "Tepuis-Venezuela's
Islands in Time." (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Descent to El Peñon
Bidding farewell to this unique scenery is difficult, but the descent
awaits. In the afternoon you'll again arrive at El Peñon. Caution.
The trail here can be very slippery and ropes must be used in several
spots. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - El Peñon / Guayaraca
A long, sometimes slippery, descent to Guayaraca. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Guayaraca / Yuruan
Today continue down to the Yuruan Camp. Close to this delightful spot
are numerous caves and waterfalls, and you'll enjoy your last day in the
just relaxing and resting up after your long adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Yuruan / Kavak
You'll spend all the morning here. You can choose between visiting the
canyon or simply swimming and relaxing. In the afternoon hike back to
Kavak. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Kavak / Ciudad Bolivar / Caracas
After breakfast you'll set off on a charter flight back to Ciudad Bolivar
to take your scheduled flight to Caracas. Upon arrival to Caracas, airport
reception, assistance and transfer to your hotel. Overnight accommodations
at Hotel Caracas Hilton. (B)
Day 12 - Caracas / US
Hotel pick up and transfer to the International Airport. Pay Venezuela's
departure tax (approximately $33 US); check in at airline ticket counter
to depart. (B)
***
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