Adventure tourism in Venezuela

Customised English-speaking travel agency in Venezuela.

Trip to Los Llanos 4D/3N - Venezuela

On this trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Los Llanos, a vast tropical grassland plain the size of Germany. Located between Colombia and Venezuela, this savannah is very well known for its important and unique biodiversity. Here, you will be able to see several species of birds such as: scarlet ibises, herons, savannah hawks, double-striped thick-knees, spectacled thrushes; wild reptiles such as: anacondas, spectacled caimans, gold tegus, iguanas; and the largest rodent in the world: the capybara. There is a large number of majestic wide slow rivers that are home to countless species of animals such as: red ibises, white and black storks (Jabiru), kingfishers, herons, eagles, turtles, dolphins and tapirs.

- An incredible variety of animals to observe easily
- Multi activities, all included with horse, boat trip, safari during the day and the night, research of anacondas, piranhas fishing
- Night in a local family (option simple ranch). This accommodation permits you to integrate with the "llaneros"!

- Long road route to go to the Ranch during the first day and to leave it the last day.

Detailed program

Hoatzin prehistoric bird Llanos Venezuela

Day 1: An Amazing Journey from the Andes to the South American Grasslands

Our trip starts at 08:00 a.m. from Merida. We will go over the mountains to Barinas, on a paved road that reaches the 3,500 m. at its highest point (134 km, 3h 30 min). We will feel how temperatures will start rising rapidly as we go getting closer to the foothills. Depending on time schedule and weather conditions, we will make several stops and a 1-hour hike around the mountain lakes and through the pine forests. After leaving the mountains behind, we we’ll make a stop to eat lunch at a traditional restaurant where we will try “Carne en vara” (Venezuelan-style grilled beef). Later, we will continue our trip towards Mantecal. From this point on, the climate will start changing gradually, and more and more abundant wildlife can be seen as we go deeper into the Savannah. (350km, 3h 30min). Once we get to Mantecal, you are going to stay overnight with a host family.
Meals: (-L-D)
Accommodation: Viviano's family, cold water and electricity during the night.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.
Communication: No network.

Note concerning the housing facilities in the Llanos: The Llanos welcomes lots of wildlife and insects abound. Although your local family puts all their effort on keeping the sites clean (anti-insect sprays are used regularly), it is not impossible that you might eventually cross with a frog, small salamanders and insects at some place of your bedrooms.

Day 2 : Watch Caimans and Other Spectacular Wild Animals

In this region, there is a large number of majestic wide slow rivers that are home to countless species of animals such as: red ibises, white and black storks (Jabiru), kingfishers, herons, eagles, turtles, dolphins and tapirs. So, after having breakfast, we will go for a safari boat ride on one of the most well preserved rivers of Los Llanos; you will be able to enjoy bird-watching, seeing dolphins and giant river otters, and photographing wildlife in general. After this pleasant activity, you will return to your camp for an outdoor meal. You will go on safari in a 4X4 vehicle in the afternoon. You can sit on the roof of the vehicle and enjoy a 360° panoramic view. This day ends with the capture of alligators and the observation of wild anteaters.
Meals: (B-L-D)
Accommodation: Viviano's family, cold water and electricity during the night.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.
Communication : No network.

Day 3: Anacondas Search, Horse Riding and Piranhas Fishing

Horseback riding, searching for anacondas and fishing piranhas are three experiences you simply cannot miss this day. After breakfast, you'll be able to ride a horse and go even deeper into the savannah. Horseback riding is the best way to get closer enough to watch and photograph wild animals. It’s also possible to go walking in the Savannah if you wish. After finishing these activities, you will go back to your camp for an outdoor meal. The afternoon will be devoted to looking for anacondas and fishing piranhas you could eat for dinner!
Meals:(B-L-D)
Accommodation: Viviano's family, cold water and electricity during the night.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.
Communication : No network.

Day 4: Return from Los Llanos to Mérida

We leave for Barinas at 8:00 a.m. (350km; 3h 30min) and then to Mérida (150km, 04h00)
Meals:(B-L-)
Accommodation: none.
Transport: Toyota Land Cruiser model 70.
Communication: Mobile network, 3G & WiFi.

PRICES PER PERS

Double and triple accommodation: Trip 4D/3N
4 people or more : 490Euros/p
2 people :690Euros/p
high season rates: +15%

Our accomodations

Are included in this price:

- All the transports from Merida and back to Merida
- All the accommodations facilities.
- Meals when specified (B-L-D) = (Breakfast-Lunch-Diner).
- Guides speak English & Spanish.
- All the excursions and safaris mentioned in the programme.

Not included:

- International flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Meals specified free (by yourself) (--) = no meal included
- Private English-speaking guide during the whole tour.
- Personal expenses
- All sorts of insurance.
- Everything that is not mentioned above « is included in the price».

Travel organization:

Our programmes are individually organised in terms of dates and content. However, our tours are not fully private, so you could meet other travellers at different stages of your trip.

What to Bring?

Hat; sunscreen; water bottle; hike pants; insect repellent; headlamp; raincoat; passport copy; sleeping bag liner; you don’t need big, heavy or cumbersome shoes, but good trainers (orienteering shoes); plastic bags to keep water away from electronic devices; first-aid-kit; polar fleece jacket; bath towel.

Further Advice:

Don't forget your travel insurance! You can benefit from the travel cancellation insurance offered by your credit-card company when paying for your tourist package at our point of sale. You must get neither a visa nor vaccination to come to Venezuela. However, Franbrasil Tour’s C.A. recommends you should get the yellow fever vaccine and the preventive treatment of malaria. You also need to have a valid passport for at least six months before arriving in Venezuela, and you have to carry it with you when travelling within the country.

Transport:

Means of transport are mentioned as examples of the models of vehicles used most often.

Your advisor informs you: Don’t confuse the Llanos and the Orinoco Delta!

These 2 places are far of each other and are totally different. The traveler visits the Llanos because he wants to observe many animals as possible. However, the landscapes are monotonous and totally flat! You will visit the Delta in order to observe an exuberant nature and understand the native’s culture. Conversely, you won’t visit the Delta to observe animals! There are many animals but difficult to see. In the Delta, you travel by boat, in the Llanos by 4*4.