VENEZUELA ... An adventure To begin with some information about the country ... Venezuela contains all of the diversity that the continent as a whole offers. Beautiful Caribbean beaches, snow covered Andean mountains, tropical rainforests, vast prairies and other "extras" like the highest waterfall in the world (Angel Falls, 1.000 meters of freefalling water), the mysterious Tepuys or table mountains in the Gran Sabana, the highest and longest (12,5 km) cable car in the world on Pico Espejo (4.765 m) in Merida (in the Andes), and on the way to Merida the 4.007 m high mountain pass called Pico El Aguila - and much more. The country is found on the map between the 1st and the 12th northerly longitude and between the 60th and 73rd westerly latitude, placing it directly in the tropics. There are about 1.500 km from the eastern border to the western and about 1.300 km north to south for a total of about 912.050 square km with a population of about 22 million people. Approximately 83% live in the cities with the remainder living in the countryside. Much of the land is almost unpopulated as for example in the states of Apure, Bolivar and Amazonas, where there is less than 5% per square km. As far as variety in landscape, Venezuela doubtless possesses one of Nature's most varied examples on earth. It lies between two oceans, the Caribbean and the Atlantic, contains vast savannahs and high mountains, tropical rainforests and dry desert areas, with the Orinoco river has the third largest river system of the subcontinent and in the region of the table mountains (Tepuys) of the Gran Sabana one of the strangest and wonderful natural sceneries on the planet. Venezuela's location in the tropics and the above mentioned variety of landscapes allows for an even greater variety of tropical flora, especially with regards to the orchids. Botanists have discovered over 45.000 different flowering plants and more than 1000 types of ferns in Venezuela. It is assumed that in the verdant rainforest or on the plateaus of the table mountains more species exist still unknown to scientists. The zones of vegetation reveal to every specialist, regardless of where they come from, what awaits them in Venezuela: DRY AND THORNY SAVANNAHS, FOGGY AND CLOUDY FORESTS, PARAMOS (above the tree line at about 3.000m in the mountains of the Andes), TRADEWIND FORESTS, PRAIRIES and tropical RAINFORESTS! The best-known fish of the tropics, the piranha (in Venezuela it is called the Caribe) lives in the rivers of the southerly rainforests and the prairies, found primarily in the state of Apure. Another fish peculiar to Venezuela is the Orinoco Dolphin (Tonina). Of course Trouts, Peacock Basses and Catfishes are also to be found in the region as well. With regard to the tropical flowers, it behooves us to mention the large variety of orchids - and with special mention of the CATTLEYAS, which is not to be found anywhere else in variety and uniqueness. Venezuela is one of the few countries that still offer the enterprising tourist the freedom to explore and experience an adventure in the most positive aspects. It would take up far too much space to name all of the things available to the tourist, but we would like to point out some of the most interesting things for the nature lover, photographer, cinematographer, botanist, angler, etc. ... Important informations ... We specialize in small groups, giving personal attention to the needs of our guests. We are the organizers, the drivers and the guides, if necessary 24 hours a day. Our guests travel at their own risk, the beginning and the end of the excursion is usually the Barquisimeto airport. We are also open to special arrangements, for example for tours to the GRAN SABANA the beginning and the end of the excursion can be either Caracas or Puerto Ordaz. The tourist himself must organize the round trip to and from Venezuela. There are no special visa requirements for Germans other than an application that is available at the travel agency which when filled out is valid for 60 days. This must be carried around in the passport. The passport itself must be valid for at least 6 months and a round trip ticket is required. We strongly suggest that you buy health, accident and lost luggage insurance for the trip. Vaccinations are not required, however we suggest that you consult your physician before beginning the trip. As far as money is concerned, we suggest that you bring U.S. dollars in cash. At present the exchange rate into 'Bolivares' (Bs.) is fixed by the government as follows: Buy > 1 $ = Bs. 2.144,50 / Sale > Bs. 2.150,-- (please inform yourself independently)! Often International Credit Cards can also be used. We base our tours on the wishes of the client and we are nothing if not flexible - the descriptions mentioned in the individual tours are only one of a lot of possibilities! A few observations as to our tours ... Discipline is very important as we will be spending a large part of the tour in the jungle or countryside. We travel only by day, therefore there will be no night tours. Overnights are in hotels/inns or when necessary, tents (for example on fishing trips). The participants should have an open mind know what their interest is. Our Specialties ... "Botanical tours" ... "Photographers" and "Cinematographers" are usually independent of the different regions and fit in with any tour group. Tours for "Fishermen" are also possible - in the Plains and in Amazonas - still more nature and more adventure. "Bird watchers" and "animal lovers" are welcome. In the months of April, May and June on weekends, "hunting for wild ducks" is allowed and can easily be arranged. "The nature lover", the "Adventurer" and the "Off-Roader" are welcome at all times and must only let us know in which area of interest their visit lies. |
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| CONDITIONS - Type of travel : Adventure Tourism. - Length : At least 5 days, a longer stay is possible with previous arrangements - these are excursion days in Venezuela. - Participants : Minimum 3. - Execution : The day before and after the excursion transfer to and from the airport of Barqisimeto or Caracas whichever the case may be by previous arrangement. Included in the arrangement are travel, german guides (english speaking) and drivers, up to three all terrain vehicles completely equipped and in best condition. - DATES : Individual arrangements. - PRICE : Depending on the type of Tour, etc. - please send us your request (see our HomePage). Including transportation in our vehicles, daily breakfast and 1 hot meal, all nonalcoholic beverages, overnight stayings depending on the circumstances in hotels, lodges, tents or hammocks. - ADDITIONAL : The airline flights to and from Venezuela, as well as local flights (we can assist with these arrangements), any alcoholic beverages and special provisioning are the responsibility of the participant. - OBSERVATIONS : Longer stays to visit the Caribbean coast are possible on request. |