Western Venezuela
7 days
Western Venezuela
Western Venezuela offers the most comprehensive experience on the country’s western side. In just 7 days, you’ll explore Lake Maracaibo, with the possibility of witnessing the mesmerizing Catatumbo lightning, and then journey to the heights of Mérida, home to spectacular mountains and hikes in National Parks. Along the way, you’ll pass through coffee plantations and waterfalls before reaching the expansive plains of Apure, where you’ll embark on an exhilarating wildlife safari to spot anacondas, anteaters, caimans, and much more.
Itinerary
Day 1. Maracaibo Lake
We journey southwest to the flatlands of the Maracaibo Depression, passing cattle ranches, plantain groves, and fruit farms. After lunch en route, we take a 5 km boat trip through the dense, flooded forests of Ciénagas de Juan Manuel National Park, observing howler monkeys, iguanas, and various bird species. By late afternoon, we reach a stilt lodge on Lake Maracaibo. After dinner, we embark on a night boat tour to spot caimans, snakes, and more, before relaxing in hammocks and enjoying the mesmerizing Catatumbo lightning display. (D)
After breakfast, we take a boat ride further into the lake to observe local fishermen at work. Blue crabs, a key product of the region, are even exported internationally. On the return trip to the pier, we’ll continue spotting wildlife before heading back to Mérida.
Optional: Enjoy an evening paragliding session at sunset.
Overnight in Mérida City in a centrally located hotel. (B,L)
Day 3. Merida- La Musuy
After breakfast, we will visit the highest and second-longest cable car in the world, reaching an altitude of 4,765 meters. You’ll experience all four stations and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Andean cloud forest in Sierra Nevada National Park and the city of Mérida. Upon our return, we’ll explore various Andean highland villages before arriving at La Musui. From there, we’ll begin a hike to the natural hot springs, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra de La Culata National Park. We’ll spend the night camping, surrounded by nature, and enjoy stargazing under the clear night sky. (D)
After breakfast, we’ll visit Mucubají Lagoon (3,600 meters above sea level) and hike 8 kms downhill to Victoria Lagoon (3,250 meters above sea level) in Sierra Nevada National Park. From there, we’ll drive to Calderas (879 meters above sea level), a charming village nestled in the Andean foothills and surrounded by lush, small coffee plantations. Here, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and take a refreshing swim at the stunning Las Monjas waterfall. Later, we’ll visit a coffee plantation to learn about the coffee-making process from local farmers. We’ll spend the night at a local posada (All meals)
Day 5. Barinas- El Cedral
Departing early from Barinas, you’ll meet your guide for a 3-hour drive to Hato El Cedral. After lunch, take a stroll around the lodge, where you may encounter Scarlet Ibises, Jabiru Stork nests, Red Howler Monkeys, Scarlet Macaws, and Spectacled Alligators. Around 4 PM, embark on a truck safari to spot Capybaras, White-Tailed Deer, Anacondas, and more. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Campamento Matiyure. (All meals included)
Day 6. El Cedral
Start your day with the soothing sounds of local birds and a tranquil sunrise walk. After breakfast, embark on a truck safari to explore the western side of Hato El Cedral, where you may encounter anacondas, Crab-Eating Raccoons, Whistling Ducks, and Scarlet Ibises. Following lunch, set out on an exciting boat ride along the Matiyure River to discover rare species such as the Agami Heron, Giant Potoo, and Hoatzins. Try your hand at piranha fishing and enjoy a mini alligator-feeding show. Conclude the day with a breathtaking sunset and birdwatching. Dinner and overnight stay at Campamento Matiyure. (All meals included)
Day 7. El Cedral- Barinas
After breakfast, take some leisure time to relax or go on a final wildlife-spotting excursion. A morning boat trip can be arranged for exceptional photo opportunities in the gentle morning light. After lunch, we’ll drive back to Barinas, wrapping up your unforgettable Llanos adventure. (Breakfast}
When planning your trip:
While we present a 7-day itinerary, it can be adjusted to 6 or extended to 8 days. Please note that schedule changes may occur due to weather conditions or flight availability, so it’s essential to plan with flexibility. Our team will provide the best options to ensure your visit to Venezuela is an unforgettable experience.
Tour info
Transport
- Maracaibo Lake & Andes: The size of the vehicles will be adapted based on the number of participants.
- Llanos: Open-air trucks will be used to provide the best wildlife observation experience.
Meals
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
The food is simple but delicious. If you are vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, please inform us in advance.
Professional Guides
Professional guides are available at each destination, fluent in both Spanish and English.
- Tips
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- Laundry and other personal expenses
- Transfers to/from Maiquetía Airport before and after the tour (available as an optional service)
- Cable car ticket: $40 USD per person, payable on-site only
Accommodation
- Maracaibo Lake: 1 night in hammock with share bathroom.
- Mérida: 1 night in a standard, centrally located hotel with private bedrooms and bathrooms.
- La Musui: 1 night in tents with shared bathroom facilities.
- Calderas: 1 night in a local posada with shared bathroom facilities.
- Hato El Cedral (Campamento Matiyure): 1 night in standard rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning.
Suitability
This itinerary is suitable for everyone. The most challenging part is the Cable Car’s final station, as it is located above 4,000 meters, and some visitors may experience altitude sickness.
The hike to Laguna Victoria is approximately 8 km and involves walking downhill.
The rest of the program is easy and manageable for most participants.
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 15 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.
- Maracaibo Lake & Andes: Open to visitors all year round.
- Llanos: The best time to visit is during the dry or less rainy season, from December to June.
Important Notes:
During the wet season in the Llanos, wildlife disperses throughout the region, making it harder to spot animals at their best. For this reason, we recommend combining a visit to the Andes with a trip to Catatumbo, which is ideal during the rainy season in western Venezuela.
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.
Weather in Western Venezuela
Expect a mix of weather conditions, including cold, heat, sun, and rain, sometimes all in one day and within minutes. Be prepared for varying temperatures and conditions.
- Andes Highlands: Nighttime temperatures can drop to as low as 4°C (39°F).
- Llanos: Daytime temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F).
Recommended Packing List
Remember that every kilogram counts, as you will carry all personal items.
– 40 liter Travel backpack + smaller essentials backpack
– Raincoat or poncho
– Waterproof pants and jacket
– Hiking boots and sandals (preferably waterproof)
– Plastic bag to protect clothes and electronics from moisture
– Small plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
– Long-sleeve UV-protection shirt
– Walking pants
– Headlamp
– Biodegradable shampoo, soap, toothpaste, mosquito repellent, deodorant, sunscreen
– Disposable wet wipes
– Water purifier
– Phone or camera for photos + power bank
– Swimsuit
– Socks (4-5 pairs)
– Underwear (preferably polyester or nylon for quick drying)
– Water bottle (1-2 liters, refillable)
– Personal medications
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