northern amazonia & venezuela - southbound

Itinerary

Day 1 Caracas

Set off from Venezuela's urban metropolis. Arrive early to discover the colonial architecture in El Hatillo, or visit the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, the South American hero who liberated half the content from Spanish rule.

Days 2-4 Puerto Columbia

Stay in the heart of Henri Pittier National Park, which stretches from the Caribbean shoreline to the heart of the central mountains.

Day 5 Barinas

Take up the whitewater rafting challenge in the rushing rivers surrounding Barinas.

Days 6-8 Los Llanos

Discover the mythological heart of Venezuela in Los Llanos, an area of unique wildlife and century-old cowboy traditions. Venture onto the plains on a wildlife safari or spot caimans, dolphins and birds on a canoe trip down lush, snaking waterways. Sleep in hammocks, and fall asleep to the animal orchestra echoing beneath the glistening carpet of stars.

Days 9-11 Merida

Discover the jagged peaks of the Andes either hiking, rafting or by horseback. There's also plenty of adventure activities to try, including adrenaline-pumping mountain biking or even paragliding.

Days 12-17 Ciudad Bolivar

Stroll the candy-coloured streets or find a bench in Plaza Bolivar to admire the colonial streetscapes. Ciudad Bolivar is also the jumping-off point for expeditions to Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall at 979 m.

Days 18-19 Kama-Meru Waterfalls

Feel the drenching sheet of spray rising from the 50 m high waterfall. Accompany a local guide through the dense woodland to discover Jasper Falls, a legendary, glistening red-rock tower of water.

Days 20-22 Santa Elena

Escape the city for the surrounding jungle, where hiking and rafting abound. An optional hike into the tepuis, where flat-topped sandstone mountains pierce the emerald foliage, is highly recommended.

Day 23 Bush camp

Gaze out across changing landscapes before pitching a tent among scenic surrounds.

Days 24-25 Manaus

The adventure ends in the heart of the Amazon. Perhaps discover the opulence of this once mighty city with a show at the stunning Amazonas Theatre, or learn about Brazil's indigenous heritage at the Indian Museum.