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LOST WORLD & COLOMBIA'S SECRETS TOUR ITINERARY - 27 DAYS
Day 1 Caracas
Arrive Caracas Transfer to your hotel
Caracas lies in a series of valleys 1000 meters above sea level and surrounded by majestic tree-clad mountains. Traces of the city's colonial roots are still proudly displayed in the historic buildings and contrast dramatically with the imposing modern skyscrapers of the city.
Day 2 Caracas – Canaima National Park (B,L,D)
Fly from Caracas via Puerto Ordaz to Canaima
Between the rainforest of the Amazon Basin and the watershed of the Orinoco River in central Venezuela is a rugged wall of remote mountains and deep, heavily forested canyons. Many of the mountains have precipitous rock walls that rise to over 1800 meters (6000 feet) where they end in an almost perfectly flat top. These formations are known by their Indian name: Tepuis. Originally the tops of the tepuis were joined together in a vast continuos plateau that stretched over a large part of northern South America from the Colombian Mountains into Guyana . Over the time erosion carved steep-walled valleys and crevices into the plateau leaving fragments of the plateau completely isolated. The region remains one of the most thinly settled and one of the most beautiful of all natural areas in South America .
At his desk in England in 1912 Arthur Conan Doyle read accounts of these newly discovered mountains and it inspired him to write the famous Victorian travel novel “The Lost World”. Indeed, in a sense this really is a lost world since the great elevation of these isolated tops has made them biological islands.
The most famous of these tepuis is the Auyan-tepui, from which plummets the world's highest waterfall - Angel Falls (979 meters; 3211 feet). The fall is more than twice as high as the Empire State Building and three times higher than the Eiffel Tower.
Transfer to our lodge Located in Canaima village, at the banks of Canaima Lagoon
This afternoon enjoy an excursion to the Sapo Falls
Day 3 Canaima – Angel Falls (B,L,D)
Early in the morning we board our motorized dugout canoes or “curiaras” in the Pemón Indian language. We travel up the Carrao river, and cross Mayupa lagoon and the Arautaima rapids, always surrounded by the spectacular landscape of Canaima National Park. We enter Churún river, winding its way through the spectacular Devil's Canyon. One more turn, and we see the highest waterfall on earth! We leave our canoes, and walk for an hour through virgin rainforest, until arriving at a rocky ledge. We suddenly stand before the magnificence of the Angel Falls, a few hundred meters away, becoming drenched by the frenzy of spray. A truly unforgettable and awesome sight! We can take a refreshing bath in the lagoon at the base of the fall. Lunch. In the afternoon return to Canaima.
Day 4 Canaima – Orinoco Delta (B,L,D)
Fly from Canaima to Puerto Ordaz and then transfer into the Orinoco Delta .
The Orinoco Delta is a vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a simmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco River to the Atlantic Ocean. The Delta has been forming over the course of thousands of years, as the mighty river has deposited millions of tones of sediment into the ocean. The Orinoco branches off into over 60 caños (waterways) and 40 rivers which diffuse through 41.000 square kilometers of forested islands, swamps and lagoons. The Warao Indians - the “Canoe People” - are the native inhabitants of the Delta. Family groups reside in palafitos (wooden houses raised on stilts) along the banks of the river, and spend most of their daily lives in canoes fishing the nearby caños and hunting and gathering in the surrounding forests
Day 5 Orinoco (B,L,D)
Morning and afternoon excursions are done by boats and on foot, through the endless mangroves and creeks of the Delta. A naturalist guide will explore with us the flora and fauna, and will show us how to survive in the jungle and fish piranhas!
Day 6 Orinoco –Choroni (B)
Return to Puerdo Ordaz and connect by air to Caracas and transfer to Choroni .Tucked between the cloud forest of Henri Pittier National Park and the Caribbean coast, is a small fishermen’s village with a beautiful palm fringed beach and a paradise for bird watchers and naturalists. For a long time, one of the world-best sorts of cacao was produced in the area of Choroní.We stay in a lovely little pousada in the village of Puerto Colombia (commonly known as Choroní), a few minutes on foot away from Puerto Colombia beach, and the harbour from where fishing boats are taken to the beautiful neighbouring beaches
Day 7 Choroni (B,L)
We will explore the diverse landscape and biodiversity of Henri Pittier National Park, covering 107,800 ha of scrub and mangrove forests near the coast, changing into semi-deciduous forests with the higher humidity of the mountain slopes, giving way to evergreen rain forests and finally dense cloud forests along the mountaintops. The park is internationally known for its high biodiversity, and the avifauna is of particular importance. About 43% of Venezuela's bird species, including six globally threatened bird species and the harpy eagle, live within the park. In addition to resident species, there is a migration corridor that supports seasonal birds and butterflies from North America. Populations of vulnerable and endangered species, such as the American crocodile, tapir and Hercules beetle are well represented in Henri Pittier. The park hosts the green beetle, a rare insect species, and a large variety of mammal species such as the bush dog, long-haired spider monkey, jaguar, puma and ocelot. The flora is also extremely diverse: in an area of 0.25 ha of cloud forest, 150 arboreal species can be found including the giant tree locally known as "El Niño" (Gyranthera caribensis). Endemic species to the park include the aquatic rat Ichtyomys pittieri, the nocturnal butterfly Eudaemonia semiarimis ranchograndensis and the grass Gunnea pitteriana.
Day 8 Choroni – Llanos (B,D)
Early morning departure for a overland trip through the heart of Venezuela.Extending from Bolivia , Peru and Colombia , through 1.000km of Venezuela to the Orinoco Delta, the vast plains of the Llanos cover an area of about 320.000 sq.km. Arrive at Hato El Cedral later afternoon
Day 9 Llanos (B.L,D)
Hato El Cedral is a working cattle ranch, with the mission of protecting the spectacular wildlife of the Llanos. Morning and afternoon animal-watching excursions are done by open trucks, boat, or on foot. A true paradise for naturalists, birdwatchers and everybody who wants to discover nature from close up with the guidance of professional naturalist guides. The Llanos are an incredible place to see wildlife . Apart from more than 300 species of birds (including scarlet ibis, hoatzin, screamers, soldier storks, spoonbills and many more) you may be lucky enough to spot jaguars, ocelots, anteaters, honey-bears, capybaras and alligators, in an environment still relatively undisturbed by man.
Day 10 Llanos –Merida (B)
After breakfast we head for the Andes ! The highest part of the Venezuelan Andes is characterized by the páramos (high plains). The name of páramo is given to an area of the equatorial heights over 9.184 feet above sea level and only found in Venezuela , Ecuador , Colombia and Africa close to the Kilimanjaro. The páramos are an austere landscape brightened by the flowers of low-lying plants and dwarf shrubs. With few insects at this altitude, plants must resort to showy colors to attract pollinators. The distinctive yellow “frailejón” is common here - named after the shape of a monk's habit!
Mérida, perched on a mesa between two ranges. It has a spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks known as “The Five White Eagles” - the tallest, Pico Bolívar , reaches 5.007 meters. On our way we will pass by streams full of trout and deep blue lakes, and small Andean villages only accessible on foot or by mule, seemingly hanging on the mountainsides
Day 11 Merida (B)
We will visit Mérida´s colourful "Mercado Principal", where artisans display the best in local handicrafts, regional delicacies such as smoked cheese, “dulces abrillantados” (crystallized guava chunks wrapped in leaves), flowers, all kinds of fruits and vegetables, weavings, and pottery. We will also visit Merida´s beautiful Cathedral and the Government Palace on Plaza Bolívar. We can also make a stop at “Helados Coromoto”, the ice cream shop that claims the world record for the most flavors. You can taste garlic, meat or spaghetti ice cream, or the more conservative chamomile and rose petal flavors.
This afternoon we will explore the lower Andes around Mérida. We will drive along the winding streets of the Andes, through cloud forest, until arriving at the small Andean village of Jají. After exploring its beautiful colonial streets, we continue to the old coffee plantation Hacienda El Carmen, with its small museum. This excursion is a nice complement to the higher Andes Páramo tour.
Day 12 Merida – Maracaibo (B)
Today we travel by bus to Maracaibo which is the largest urban center after Caracas and the most important port of Venezuela . It lies at the banks of the Maracaibo Lake , one of the biggest petroleum sources in the world. Maracaibo(B)
Day 13 Maracaibo (B)
Visit the Laguna de Sinamaica near Maracaibo which is a lagoon spotted by small islands, and whose inhabitants live in “palafitos”, houses built on stilts in the water. The discovery of Sinamaica in 1499 by Americo Vespucci, an Italian geographer, originated the actual name of Venezuela, derived from Venecita (Little Venice).
Day 14 Maracaibo – Santa Marta (B)
By bus around the Maraciabo lagoon and then cross the border into Colombia.Arrive in Santa Marta late afternoon
Santa Marta, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, boasts a fine natural harbor and splendid views, but that's only part of the reason the Spaniards chose it for their first settlement. Their choice was influenced by gold. The local Tairona indigenous communities were known for their goldsmithing work. Some of their products, what didn't get shipped back to Spain via the new port of Santa Marta, is on view in Bogota, as part of the Treasures from the Museo del Oro. Now, the Tairona Heritage Studies Centre is devoted to the study of the indigenous groups which inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Santa Marta has warm, clean beaches, many in Tayrona National Park.
Day 15 Santa Marta (B)
Day to relax and enjoy Redondo beach or we would suggest a day trip into the spectacular Tayrona National Park
Day 16 Santa Marta – Cartagena (B)
Visit of the house of San Pedro Alejandrino where Simon Bolivar died in 1830. Visit the old section of the city and the beautiful bay, surrounded by mountains. This afternoon transfer by shuttle for the 2&1/2 hour journey to Cartagena de Indias , a lovely walled city which has preserved its colonial heritage . Cartagena was the major trading port from South America to Spain and saw numerous battles for control as its key position as a trading port . Its captivating streets move to a laid back Caribbean rhythm
Day 17 Cartagena (B)
Day free to explore Cartagena or we would suggest a trip to the beautiful Rosario Islands
This evening sample the atmosphere of Cartagena on a Chiva Bus -a 3 hours night drive through the Modern and Colonial City in a typical bus; national drinks, snacks and music included.
Day 18 Cartagena – Medellin (B)
Visit to the most important monuments of the colonial city, such as Saint Philip’s Fort, La Popa Hill, the Walled City, as well as the residential districts, Bocagrande y Castillo Grande. Later this afternoon we travel by overnight bus to Medellin
Day 19 Medellin
Arrive Medellin this morning .
The city of Medellin sits in a narrow valley originally inhabited by the Aburras Indians. It is the second largest city in Colombia and is said to be, "One of the most beautiful cities in South America." by experienced travelers who have discovered the magic of Colombia.
Medellin's pleasant spring-like climate year round makes it known as 'La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera' or "City of the Eternal Spring". Medellin is a safe, modern city filled with sophistication and charm from its Spanish heritage.It is known by its cultural encounters, the warmth of its people and the amazing views that are accompanied by clear blue skies and beautiful sunsets. Explore the city today
Day 20 Medellin – Manizales (B,D)
We travel by bus into the heart of the country’s coffee production to arrive in Manizales , situated in the mountains with steep slopes all round. Continue south through the peaceful surrounds of the lush green countryside to arrive at our converted finca ( coffee farm) with its wonderful character accommodation . These 'Fincas' were old coffee farms reformed and converted into hotels.Learn about the coffee production and time to relax by the pool
Day 21 Los Nevados National Park (B,L,D)
A full day exploring the Los Nevados National Park which provides access to some of the highest peaks in the Colombian Andes . Driving up into the national park ,then we have a walk to the glacier del Ruiz and explore this stunning landscape on foot . Return to our relaxing finca .
Day 22 Manizales (B,L,D)
Tour the coffee plantation and a insight into the coffee processing to discover everything relevant to the cultivation, culture, harvesting and the trade of coffee.
Day 23 Manizales - Bogota (B)
Return to the city of Manizales and connect by bus through the fertile valleys to the capital of Bogota , set at an altitude of 2600m with the high ranges of the Cordillera Mountains lying to its east . It is sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the Americas”due to the Bogotanos’ reputation for politeness and civility
Day 24 Bogota (B)
This morning a tour of the city. Visit the Plaza de Bolivar encountering some excellent examples of colonial architecture , such as the Catedral Primada de Colombia and San Bartolome College . We visit the Gold Museum , which is regarded as housing the finest collection of gold from pre- Hispanic times
We head to the colourful streets of La Candeleria, something not to be missed are the“chocolaterias “where you can sample the famous Bogotano hot chocolate .
This afternoon you might like to head out of town and take the cable car up Mount Monserrate for magnificent views of the city ( optional)
Day 25 Bogota (B)
Morning visit the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira . This immense structure , carved out of solid salt , can accommodate over 8000 people. Curving and twisting tunnels descend into the Catholic Church , passing 14 smaller chapels representing the stations of the cross .
For those taking the Ecuador Extension , transfer to the airport this afternoon for your flight to Quito ( Itinerary on request)
Day 26 Depart Bogota (B)
Transfer to the airport
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