Merida Catatumbo
4 days
Catatumbo & Angel Falls
8 days
Merida Catatumbo: Join a thrilling 4-day excursion through Western Venezuela, unveiling the wonders of Catatumbo Lightning and exploring the captivating Los Nevados in the Andes mountains. This journey seamlessly harmonizes nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure, offering an engaging, authentic, and visually striking expedition.
4 days
Day 1. Catatumbo
Departure from El Vigía in Merida.
Our journey starts with a 2 hours drive to Puerto Concha for a boat ride through Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park to Maracaibo Lake. As South America’s largest and a 36-million-year-old Andes-originated lake spanning 13,512 sq km, it offers wildlife and Catatumbo Lightning Phenomenon views. We will venture deeper into the lake to witness the skilled local fishermen catching the prized blue crabs. After approximately an hour and a half, we’ll arrive at Ologa, a remarkable village of stilt houses that serves as home to about 300 residents, seemingly isolated from the world. Brace yourself for an engaging encounter, sure to be one of Venezuela’s most captivating experiences.
Rest for the night awaits at a local shelter, nestled within an Ologa stilt house, where hammocks provide our accommodations. As night falls, the skies open up to an electrifying spectacle – an observation of lightning phenomena. Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 2. Catatumbo-Merida
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off on a boat excursion to visit local houses in Ologa and see how the fishermen live and learn about their life in the Lake.
We will go driving to Merida for about 3 hours with different stops along the way, including an interesting visit to a Coffee plantation and also we will have the opportunity to take a Paragliding flight as optional. Overnight at local posada, no lunch, no dinner included.
Day 3.
Our journey starts with the Cable Car, taking us to Pico Espejo Station (4900m). From here, vistas of Bolivar peak Glaciar (5007m) and our forthcoming trail to Los Nevados (2400m) unfold. Descending to Loma Redonda (4045m), we embark on a 13km trek via diverse climatic zones in Sierra Nevada National Park. After a 6-hour hike, we arrive at Los Nevados. Enjoy hot soup, dinner, and rest at a posada with spectacular mountain views.
Day 4.
After breakfast we will return to Merida (1600 masl) by jeep for about 5 hours. We will drive downhill along an adventurous route over rock and sticks. Only experienced-four wheel drivers go along this road without problems. We will arrive in Merida city at about 1pm. End of tour.
Merida Catatumbo
Thanks for showing interest in one of my favorites combinations in Venezuela
In this unique journey, we will witness the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon over the Maracaibo Lake and head from there to the highlands of the Venezuelan Andes full of beautiful landscapes, national parks, outdoor activities and authentic people that live in this region of the country. After the reopening of the Merida's cable car, the city has become again a top attraction in Venezuela and a must- do destination for all travelers who are interested in unique nature, it becomes even more interesting when combined with the superb Catatumbo Lightning. Don't miss this unique combination only offered by Osprey Expeditions. This is another Old School expeditions that we love giving to all our clients.
Will you join us?
Tour info
Includes
Excludes
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Accommodation
Los Nevados: local posada with private bathroom + great views of Sierra Nevada National Park
Catatumbo: 1 night in rustic stilt houseTransportation
Travel by Private vehicles, foot, boat, Flights x 4Meals
As outlined in the itinerary (B,L,D)Excursions & Activities
All Transfers IN & OUT Catatumbo lightning. Andes hikes.Horseback riding to Los Nevados
Cable car ticket not included: US$ 40 per person payable only on spot
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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
