Arrival at Barinas airport and transfer to Hato El Cedral in the Llanos (the plains). The spectacular plains of Venezuela are a region of extremes, with periods of draughts alternating with periods of flooding. The area boasts an incredible variety of fauna – more than 320 bird species, about 50 species of mammals and many reptile species, including the endangered Orinoco Caiman, have their natural habitat here. The llanos, covering about a third of Venezuela’s land area, are the traditional region of the immense livestock farms (Hatos). Dinner and Overnight stay in one of the most beautiful farms of the Llanos, Hato El Cedral.
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DAY 2
Today is a day of various excursions with 4-wheel drive vehicles and by boat in the surroundings of Hato El Cedral. During these excursions you will have the opportunity to observe wildlife. With a little bit of luck you will be able to spot, amongst many others, Caimans, Anacondas, Jaguars, Armadillos. With more than 320 species of birds the Llanos are a paradise for birdwatchers.
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Classic 3-day Tour:
DAY 1 (DAY 3)
Flight or drive to Barinas, located in the Venezuelan plains. From here you take the road to the Andes. You reach the picturesque village of Altamira at the foothills. The approx. 500 inhabitants live from their coffee and fruit plantations. In the afternoon you can visit the hot springs and discover the surroundings in lush vegetation. Overnight in Altamira.
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DAY 2 (DAY 4)
Drive along the Transandina road. This beautiful Venezuelan road takes you through colonial towns where you might see the mountain farmers with their oxen carts tilling the fields, to the research and breeding station for Condors and the famous stone church of Juan Felix and Epifanía Sanchez. The highest point of the Transandina road is marked by the glacier lagoon Mucubají. The stony ground of this landscape at more than 3000mts above the sea is covered by Frailejones (Espiletien) which grow up to 3mts high, some windswept dwarf-pines, ferns and lichen. We will hike through this landscape along trail from Laguna Mucubají to Laguna Negra, where it is possible to have lunch - try the fresh trout fried in garlic. Then we’ll drive up to Eagle Pass, with 4200mts the highest pass in the Venezuelan Andes, from where you can experience beautiful views over the endless mountains. In the late afternoon we reach Merida. Overnight in Hotel Belensate.
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DAY 3 (DAY 5)
After breakfast you take the highest and longest cable car in the world. The ride starts in Mérida’s city centre and brings you in approx. 20 min up to Espejo Peak (4765mts) from where you can see the highest peak of Venezuela Bolivar Peak which just across the valley. Mérida is known for its many parks and is located on a picturesque high plateau in a relatively warm valley and surrounded by snow covered peaks of the Andean mountain range. Discover Merida during the afternoon sightseeing tour. The ancient cathedral, the Bolivar square and the colonial houses with beautiful inner courts are reminders of the colonial history of this city. Many parks and sidewalk cafés give Mérida, famous for its university, its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
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