Pangea: Travel Registry

Venezuela Fact Sheet

Updated January 2009

Current time in Venezuela:

Venezuela lies at the top of South America, nestled between Colombia, Brazil and Guyana – with the Atlantic Ocean above it. One of our favourite destinations, Venezuela offers some truly unforgettable scenery such as South America’s largest lake and third longest river, the highest waterfall in the world (Angel Falls) and breathtaking landscapes.

The Orinoco Delta is a vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a simmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco to the Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco branches off into over 60 caños (waterways) and 40 rivers which diffuse through 41,000 square kilometers of forested islands, swamps and lagoons. Between the rainforest of the Amazon Basin and the watershed of the Orinoco River is a rugged wall of remote mountains and deep, heavily forested canyons protected by the Canaima National Park. Many of the mountains have precipitous rock walls that rise to over 1800 meters (6000 feet) where they end in an almost perfectly flat top. These formations are known by their Indian name: Tepuis. The most famous of these tepuis is the Auyan-tepui, from which plummets the world’s highest waterfall – Angel Falls. The waterfall is more than twice as high as the Empire State Building and three times higher than the Eiffel Tower. The eastern part of Canaima National Park is known as the Gran Sabana, a special landscape of clear rivers, waterfalls and endless Tepuys which tower above rolling Savannah and forest

The Llanos are an incredible place to see wildlife. Apart from more than 300 species of birds (including scarlet ibis, hoatzin, screamers, soldier storks, spoonbills and many more) you may be lucky enough to spot jaguars, ocelots, anteaters, honey-bears, capybaras and alligators, in an environment still relatively undisturbed by man. The caribbean islands off the coast of Venezuela include Los Roques and Margarita – two beautiful destinations offering sandy beaches and turquoise waters, with great nightlife for the younger travelers.

When to go

Venezuela has two seasons – wet and dry. The dry season is better for traveling, although if your main attraction is the waterfalls they are most impressive just after the rains, and are sometimes impossible to get to by boat during the dry season. The dry season runs from late November to early May, and the wet season runs through the rest of the year. Peak season is over Christmas, Carnaval (February – lots of fun!) and Easter (March), and over these times you have to book accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

Notable Events in Venezuela for 2009

Visa and Health Requirements for Venezuela

Visa – none required for South African passport holders when going on holiday, but you must apply for a DEX 2 card at the airport you fly to Venezuela from. The DEX 2 card allows you to stay in Venezuela for 90 days.

Vaccination – Yellow fever is compulsory if coming from/stopping over in an infected area; Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.

Posted in South America, Venezuela | No Comments »

Venezuela UNESCO World Heritage Sites

from R11,995 per person sharing (single supplement applies)

For more information at Pangea Tours click here.

This 8 day tour focuses on UNESCO World Heritage Sites and visits the following destinations:

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas: (by UNESCO) The Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas, built to the design of the architect Carlos Raul Villanueva between 1940 and 1960, is an outstanding example of the Modern Movement in architecture. The university campus integrates the large number of buildings and functions into a clearly articulated ensemble, including masterpieces of modern architecture and visual arts such as the Aula Magna with the “Clouds” of Alexander Calder, the Olympic Stadium, and the Covered Plaza.

Canaima National Park: (by UNESCO) Canaima National Park is spread over 3 million ha in south-eastern Venezuela along the border between Guyana and Brazil. roughly 65% of the park is covered by table mountain (tepui) formations. The tepuis constitute a unique biogeological entity and are of great geological interest. The sheer cliffs and waterfalls, including the world’s highest (1000m), form a spectacular landscape.

Coro: (by UNESCO) With its earthen constructions unique to the Caribbean, Coro is the only surviving example of a rich fusion of local traditions with Spanish Mudejar and Dutch architectural techniques. One of the first colonial towns (founded in 1527), it has some 602 historic buildings.

Included: 7 nights accommodation; Meals, transfers, excursions and local flights as stated in detailed itinerary; Overflight of Angel Falls; Guided excursions with English-speaking local guide; International return flight from Johannesburg to Caracas; Free Pangea International Tours gift

Terms & Conditions: Accommodation is subject to date restrictions and availability. Prices are subject to change without prior notification. Unless otherwise specified holiday packages are per person based on twin share, and do not include transport to and from the place of accommodation. Only meals stated above are included in the package. Local airport taxes and porterage are not included.

Posted in Itineraries on offer | No Comments »

Haciendas in the Llanos, Andes and Paria Peninsula (Venezuela)

from R29,262 per person sharing

For more information at Pangea Tours click here.

A stunning 12 day tour through Venezuela, focusing on wildlife and nature and close interaction with Venezuelan hacienda owners. Starting in Caracas at the foot of Avila mountain, this tour takes you to Llanos where you will be warmly welcomed by the Concha family on their working ranch. The Llanos extends from Bolivia, Peru and Columbia, through 1000km of Venezuela to the Orinoco Delta, the vast plains of the Llanos cover an area of about 320,000km. The Llanos is an incredible place to see wildlife, apart from more than 300 species of birds (including Scarlet Ibis, Hoatzin, Screamers, Soldier Storks, Spoonbills and many more) you may be lucky enough to spot jaguars, ocelots, anteaters, honeybears, capybaras and alligators.

We will then take a drive (with wonderful panoramic views!) to the Venezuelan Andes, passing through the Santo Domingo valley. The Venezuelan Andes are characterized by the paramos, or high plains, an austere landscape brightened by the flowers of low-lying plants and dwarf shrubs. This is a region with streams full of trout, deep blue lakes and small Andean villages only accessible on foot or by mule, seemingly hanging on the mountainsides!

After a couple of nights in the Andes we continue to Paria Peninsula, which consists of beautiful beaches, thickly lined with swaying coconut palms. Our time in the Peninsula will be spent on locally owned and managed buffalo ranches and cozy posadas near cacao plantations.

Our final destination is Mochima National Park, where you will have two days to explore the park, visit Guacharo Cave and the old town of Cumana, as well as the option of snorkeling in the National Park.

Included: 11 nights accommodation based on two people sharing (single supplements apply); Meals, transfers, excursions and local flights as stated in detailed itinerary; International return flights from Johannesburg to Caracas; Local English-speaking guide; Free Pangea International Tours gift

Terms & Conditions: Accommodation is subject to date restrictions and availability. Prices are subject to change without prior notification. Unless otherwise specified holiday packages are per person based on twin share, and do not include transport to and from the place of accommodation. Only meals stated above are included in the package. Local airport taxes and porterage are not included.

Posted in Itineraries on offer | No Comments »

Venezuela Nature & Beaches – Deluxe

from R27,845 pp

For more information at Pangea Tours click here.

This luxurious Venezuela trip takes you through Caracas, Canaima and Margarita Island, staying in beautiful 5* hotels, luxury lodges and superior posadas.

Canaima National Park is situated between the rainforest of the Amazon Basin and the watershed of the Orinoco River, surrounded by rugged mountains and deep, heavily forested canyons. Many of the mountains have precipitous rock walls that rise thousands of meters where they end in an almost perfectly flat top. These formations are known by their Indian name: Tepius. From one of these Tepuis plummets the world’s highest waterfall: Angel Falls.

The tour includes a guided excursion to Sapo Falls – we board our dugout canoes at Canaima beach and cross Canaima lagoon with impressive views of its seven waterfalls. A short walk through savannah and we start walking behind the impressive water curtain of the falls! It is a truly exhilarating experience; a cliff to the right, the roaring falls to the left, and water spray everywhere!

Margarita Island is located in the Southern Caribbean Sea and has 244 km of sea-coast, two national parks and three nature reserves, severl castles, fortresses, cathedrals and churches, and beautiful beaches for every taste: quiet crystalline beaches where you can only hear the rolling of the waves; beaches bordered by small restaurants and offering water sports; and Playa El Yaque, the best beach for windsurfing.

Included: 7 nights accommodation; Meals in Canaima, transfers, excursions and internal flights as stated in detailed itinerary; International flight from Johannesburg to Caracas return; English-speaking guide for the first 4 days; Free Pangea International Tours gift

Terms & Conditions: Accommodation is subject to date restrictions and availability. Prices are subject to change without prior notification. Unless otherwise specified holiday packages are per person based on twin share, and do not include flights or transport to and from the place of accommodation. Only meals stated above are included in the package. Local airport taxes and national entry fees are not included.

Posted in Itineraries on offer | No Comments »

Adventurous Venezuela

from R25,835 pp

For more information at Pangea Tours click here.

The main focus for this trip is nature and adventure. From Caracas we will fly on to Ciudad Bolivar for our first night. The following day we will head south, making a stop at the beautiful tropical Cachamay Park, on the banks of the Caroni River. We then head towards the Gran Sabana, through the rubber-seeking and gold mining towns of El Callao and Tumeremo. En route to Rapidos de Kamoiran we will visit the Los Molinos underground mine, El Dorado prison camps, and wind our way up the “Escalera”. Our two nights in Gran Sabana will include a visit to the Pemon Indian village of Liworibo, and from there we take a 30 minute dugout-canoe ride to beautiful Chinak Meru, the highest waterfall in the Gran Sabana. We will stop at the waterholes of Pozo Escondido and Pozo de Los Enamorados.

Day 4 will see us heading south to the Brazilian border. We will stop at the waterfalls of Kawi and Kama Meru, the lookout point El Oso, and Arapan and Soroape Falls. We continue further south, stopping at Jaspe Falls, before arriving at the border town of Santa Elena de Uairen. After one night in Santa Elena we fly to Canaima village, in the middle of Canaima National Park which is situated between the rainforest of the Amazon Basin and the watershed of the Orinoco River, surrounded by rugged mountains and deep, heavily forested canyons. Many of the mountains have precipitous rock walls that rise thousands of meters where they end in an almost perfectly flat top. From one of these “Tepuis” plumments the world’s highest waterfall: Angel Falls.

The second last day of your tour will be spent at your own leisure in Canaima, with a wide choice of activities on offer such as half-day Sapo Falls, an overflight of Angel Falls and much more! On your final day we end in Canaima and you have the option of flying straight home or going on to Margarita Island for a beach extension.

Included: 6 nights accommodation; Meals, transfers, excursions and flights as stated in itinerary; International flight from Johannesburg to Caracas return; Free Pangea International Tours gift

Terms & Conditions: Accommodation is subject to date restrictions and availability. Prices are subject to change without prior notification. Unless otherwise specified holiday packages are per person based on twin share, and do not include flights or transport to and from the place of accommodation. Only meals stated above are included in the package. Airport taxes and national entry fees are not included.

Posted in Itineraries on offer | No Comments »

Venezuela Jungles to Beaches

from R25,930 pp

For more information at Pangea Tours click here.

This 8 day tour through Venezuela starts off in Caracas for one night before flying to Gran Roque, the only inhabited island of the spectacular Archipelago Los Roques. After arrival we’ll head straight to the beach where we’ll board our Catamaran for a full-day excursion to the islands of the archipelago. After two nights in Los Roques and exploring the islands, we’ll transfer to the Orinoco Delta where we will spend two days exploring the Delta by boat and visiting the Warao Indians (“Canoe People”). Excursions in the Delta include survival training in the jungle and piranha fishing!

From the Orinoco Delta we will fly to the beautiful Canaima National Park, situated between the rainforest of the Amazon Basin and the watershed of the Orinoco River, surrounded by rugged mountains and deep, heavily forested canyons. Two nights here will give us the opportunity to take boat trips along the Antabares river to Guariche Falls, hike to the Nonoy Tepuy, boat and hike to Las Babas Falls, visit the Pemon Indian community of Antabares and an excursion to the Miso rapids.

The tour finishes with a spectacular flight over Angel Falls! We land in Canaima village and make an excursion to Sapo Falls, where we can walk behind its curtain of water. After lunch you will have the opportunity to visit some local shops or relax at Canaima Lagoon. The trip ends in Margarita Island, where you have the choice of flying home, or extending your stay on the white beaches.

Included: 7 nights accommodation; meals, transfers, excursions and flights as stated in itinerary; International flight from Johannesburg to Caracas return, free Pangea International Tours gift

Terms & Conditions: Accommodation is subject to date restrictions and availability. Prices are subject to change without prior notification. Unless otherwise specified holiday packages are per person based on twin share, and do not include flights or transport to and from the place of accommodation. Only meals stated above are included in the package.

Posted in Itineraries on offer | No Comments »

Venezuela Nature & Wildlife Tour

from R23,845 pp

For more information at Pangea Tours click here.

This 6 day tour focuses on nature and wildlife in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Andes are characterized by the paramos, or high plains, an austere landscape brightened by the flowers of low-lying plants and dwarf shrubs. This is a region with streams full of trout, deep blue lakes, and small Andean villages only accessible on foot or by mule, seemingly hanging on the mountainsides. The city of Merida is perched on a mesa between two ranges and has a spectacular backdrop of the snowy peaks known as “The Five White Eagles” – the tallest, Pico Bolivar, reaches 5007 meters – and the famous Teleferico, the world’s highest and longest cable-car.

The trip includes the Paramo region of the higher Andes where we will visit the Andean villages of Tabay, Mucuruba and Muchuchies (where a special type of large and fluffy mountain dog is bred). We will also hike for 2 hours to Laguna Negra, a beautiful glacial lagoon at 3000 meters, whose dark waters mirror the surrounding landscape. This area is also dedicated to protecting the endangered Frontino Bear and reintroducing the Condor to the Venezuelan Andes.

We will end with two nights in the Llanos which extend from Bolivia, Peru and Columbia through 1000 kilometers of Venezuela to the Orinoco Delta, the vast plains of the Llanos cover an area of about 320,000 square kilometers. The Llanos is an

incredible place to see wildlife – apart from more than 300 species of birds (including Scarlet Ibis, Hoatzin, Screamers, Soldier Storks, Spoonbills and many more) you may be lucky enough to spot jaguars,

ocelots, anteaters, honeybears, capybaras and alligators, in an environment still relatively undisturbed by man.

Included:

5 nights accommodation; Meals, transfers, excursions and flights as stated in detailed itinerary; International return flight from Johannesburg to Caracas; Professional English speaking guide; Free Pangea International Tours gift

Terms & Conditions: Accommodation is subject to date restrictions and availability. Prices are subject to change without prior notification. Unless otherwise specified holiday packages are per person based on twin share, and do not include flights or transport to and from the place of accommodation. Only meals stated above are included in the package. Price does not include airport tax and porterage.

Posted in Itineraries on offer | No Comments »