Llanos
This complex ecosystem is an amphibian world, permanently ordered by an intense regimen of rain and drought, incredibly beautiful and by far one of the most rewarding places to visit in Venezuela. Fish for Piranha, ride horseback and even catch anaconda in this vast and sparsely populated landscape of 300.000 kilometers of beauty, which is home to an enormous range of plants reptiles, birds, insects and mammals. Welcome to the Venezuelan Llanos.
Itinerary
Day 1. Barinas to El Cedral
Early departure from Barinas where you will meet your guide and 3 hours car transfer to Hato El Cedral. After lunch we go for a walk around the lodge to get familiarized with the facilities, we will easily find Buff Necked Ibis, Jabiru and Maguari Stork nests. Up in the trees you will also find Red Howler Monkeys which are always active looking for fruits; you may encounter the Venezuelan Troupial (Venezuela’s national Bird) , Great Horned owl (not very active during the day), Scarlet Macaws, Giant Wrens and many more birds species. You will also find Iguanas that are quite familiar with people and Spectacle alligators, Llanos Tortoises refreshing in the water front of the lodge.
At 330pm you will ride a truck towards south of the ranch to spot more interesting species like Capybaras, White Tailed Deers, Anacondas, Giant Anteaters, Savanna Fox, Pumas and Orinoco Crocodiles. We will return to the lodge enjoying the sunset on the savanna.
Dinner and overnight at Campamento Matiyure in Hato El Cedral.
Day 2. El Cedral
Wake up with the sounds of birds who live around the lodge and enjoy a walk on your own with the sunrise. After breakfast we will go by truck to explore the west side of Hato El Cedral to spot anacondas, Crab eating racoons, Whistleing ducks, Red Scarlet Ibis, Glossy Ibis among other interesting species.
After a tasty lunch we will relax and get ready for the most exciting part of the tour which is the boat ride onto Matiyure river. We will go south to spot the rare Agami Heron in the gallery forest, we may also find the Giant Potoo sleeping on the top of a dead branch, the fascinating Hoatzin, Sunbitters and their flashy feathers, we will surely be followed by the Black Collared Hawk which expects to be fed with fresh piranhas that we will catch along the river, a few Yellow Headed Caracaras and the superb Black Buzzard Hawk. The Llanos Tortoises and Spectacle alligators will observe us from a distance and get fresh meat from us. The piranha fishing is just amazing as well as a mini Aligator’s feeding show.
We will return with an amazing sunset on the Matiyure river and wetlands while observing thousands of birds returning to their nests.
Dinner and overnight at Campamento Matiyure in Hato El Cedral.
Day 3. El Cedral to Barinas
After breakfast you will have leisure time to relax or / and go out in search of more wildlife. We can get you the boat trip in the morning which allows great shots with a different light. After lunch we will drive back to Barinas to complete this amazing Llanos experience.
Extra Day in El Cedral? Are you a photographer? Serious Birdwatcher?
No problem! Let us know and we will make the itinerary to fit your needs.
Tour info
Includes
Excludes
-
Accommodation
2 night(s) in Lodge / shelter camps with hammock
Transportation
Travel by Private vehicles, foot, boat, Flights x 2
Meals
As outlined in the itinerary (B,L,D)
Excursions & Activities
Angel Falls River Expeditions+ Canaima Lagoon + Sapo Falls and/or Hacha Falls + All Transfers IN & OUT -
Gratuities
Porters
International and domestic air tickets to the gateways of Canaima
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks,
limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
