Catatumbo
Lightning
Witness one of the most interesting atmospheric phenomenon that occurs only over the mouth of the Catatumbo River in Maracaibo Lake especially between July to November.
The Catatumbo Delta, with its wildlife, tropical forest and the largest lake in South America, stilt villages and the incredible Catatumbo lightning, is an absolute must while travelling in Venezuela.
Itinerary
Day 1. El Vigia- Catatumbo
We depart from Merida and head southwest to the flatlands of the Maracaibo depression, surrounded by cattle, plantain, and fruit farms. After lunch en route, we begin a 5 km boat trip through dense flooded forests in the Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park, spotting howler monkeys, iguanas, and birds. By late afternoon, we reach a stilt lodge on Maracaibo Lake. After dinner, we take a night boat tour to see caimans, snakes, and the Giant Potoo, followed by hammock rest and the mesmerizing lightning show.
Day 2. Catatumbo
Upon waking and after breakfast, we will take a two-hour boat ride across Lake Maracaibo to the remote fishing village of Ologa. Along the way, we’ll stop to learn more about Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch and explore the village to see how the fishermen live. At night, we may witness the spectacular Catatumbo Lightning. We’ll spend the night in hammocks in a stilt house on the lake.
Day 3. Catatumbo- El Vigia
After breakfast we ride the boat to head a bit further in the Lake to observe the local fishermen in their activities. The blue crabs are one the main products of this region which is even for exportation. We will ride the boat back to the pier with more wildlife observation on the way and heading back to El Vigia. Our tour ends by 12pm.
Catatumbo is no walk in the park!
When planning your trip, it’s essential to leave an extra day after the tour in case you have other plans. The area's weather conditions and complex logistics can sometimes cause changes. It’s important to plan your trip with flexibility. Our team will provide you with the best options to ensure your visit to Venezuela is a truly unforgettable experience.
Tour info
Includes
Excludes
Accommodation
Difficulty
Luggage & More
When to go?
What to pack?
Interesting posts
Includes
Transport
By boat: we will use a fiberglass boat with Yamaha 48 HP for 6-8 passengers.
Space is limited, you can only take a maximum 12 kilos per person of luggage.
By car IN & OUT El Vigia: We will use different types of vehicles like Toyota SUV or similar.
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Meals
As indicated in the itinerary. (B, L, D / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The food is simple and very good.
If you are vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, please let us know in advance.
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Professional Guides
Professional guides are available at each destination, all fluent in Spanish and English.
Excludes
- Tips
- International airfare
- Air tickets from Caracas IN & OUT ( we can help you arrange this)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- Laundry and other extras
- Transfers to/from Maiquetía Airport before and after the tour (available as an optional service)
Accommodation
Basic Accommodation Only!
We exclusively offer hammocks.
Chamita:
An excellent spot for nighttime wildlife observation, featuring hammocks, three toilets, and showers. It is located 20 minutes away from the pier by boat.
Ologa:
A very rustic option with only hammocks and limited space. It has toilets but no showers. Ologa is situated approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from the pier by boat.
Important Note:
None of these locations can be booked online!
Difficulty
Suitable for all, very easy. The longest walk is from the boat to your room, around 5 meters.
Expect over 80% humidity, with high temperatures at between 9am and 4pm.
Luggage & More
We recommend NOT bringing hard-shell suitcases. Handling them can be very difficult and may incur additional costs at your expense.
Your luggage should not exceed 12 kg. Extra weight may incur extra charges, and airlines cannot guarantee transporting additional weight on the same day.
Take a photo of your luggage and label it for identification.
You are solely responsible for your personal belongings. If you forget something at any camp, waterfall, or natural location, retrieving it may require additional costs for fuel, logistics, personnel, etc., which will be exclusively covered by you in cash and on-site.
When to go?
July to November is the best time to see Catatumbo Lightning. October is the best month as it produces the highest concentration of lightning strikes. These months all fall within the wet season in Venezuela. During October, visitors to Catatumbo can see up to 28 lightning flashes per minute! The months of January and February tend to have the least amount of lightning.
What to pack?
Recommended Packing List
Remember that every kilogram counts, as you will carry all personal items.
– 20 liter trekking backpack + smaller essentials backpack
– Raincoat or poncho
– Waterproof pants and jacket
– Plastic bag to protect clothes and electronics from moisture
– Small plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
– Long-sleeve UV-protection shirt
– Headlamp
– Biodegradable shampoo, soap, toothpaste, mosquito repellent, deodorant, sunscreen
– Disposable wet wipes
– Water purifier
– Phone or camera for photos + power bank
– Swimsuit
– Socks (3 pairs)
– Underwear (preferably polyester or nylon for quick drying)
– Water bottle (1-2 liters, refillable)
– Personal medications
Interesting posts
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https://ospreyexpeditions.com/salto-angel-preguntas-comunes/
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https://ospreyexpeditions.com/7-cosas-interesantes-delta-del-orinoco/
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https://ospreyexpeditions.com/salto-angel-datos-interesantes-que-no-sabias/
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https://ospreyexpeditions.com/mount-roraima-interesting-facts/
Can I take my drone to Venezuela?
https://ospreyexpeditions.com/can-i-take-my-drone-to-venezuela/
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https://ospreyexpeditions.com/angel-falls-tour-most-frequently-asked-questions/