This itinerary will take you from the turquoise waters and white sands of Venezuela's Caribbean islands to the snowcapped peaks of Los Andes. In between you'll marvel at the amazing biological diversity of Los Llanos and swim at the foot of Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall. Some travelers opt to extend their time in any one of the destinations listed below, or have less than 2 weeks budgeted. If so, you'll have to make some tough choices, but you'll want to use this route as a reference point.
Day 1: Arrive & Head Immediately to Los Roques
Venezuela's principal airport is right on the Caribbean coast, in Maiquetia. Don't even leave the airport. You'll visit Caracas later. Instead, hook up with a local commuter flight to Los Roques and settle into your posada in time for a sunset cocktail overlooking the sea at Bora El Mar.
Day 2: Commandeer an Island for the Day
Have your posada arrange for a morning transfer to your own private cay. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen and a shade umbrella, in addition to your packed lunch. Spend the day beachcombing and snorkeling, until the motor launch comes to pick you up in the afternoon.
Day 3: Head to Canaima
Fly from Los Roques down to Canaima and check in to Jungle Rudy Campamento. You should have time to take an afternoon boat tour of Canaima Lagoon, with views of Hacha, Golondrina, and Ucaima Falls. Be sure also to allow time for a visit to Makunaima Arte Indígena, an excellent gift shop filled with local and regional arts and crafts.
Day 4: Visit Angel Falls
This entire day will be devoted to visiting Angel Falls. Be sure to insist on some good quality time at the foot of the falls, for bathing and soaking in the sights. On the return trip you'll probably visit Sapo Falls. Be prepared to get wet again on the hike behind and under the waterfall.
Days 5-6: Spot Anaconda, Caiman & Capybara in Los Llanos
Take an early morning flight out of Canaima to Ciudad Bolívar or Puerto Ordaz and connect with a subsequent flight or land transfer to Hato El Cedral. You should arrive in time for an afternoon tour. If not, settle into your room and prepare to wake up early for a full day of intense wildlife viewing. In addition to the animals listed above, you'll see scores, or more, of bird species, and probably fish for piranha.
Days 7-10: Get High in Mérida & the Venezuelan Andes
Head from Los Llanos to Mérida either by land or air, and check in to Posada Casa Sol. Spend your time here taking advantage of the high mountain scenery and numerous tour options. Those who are physically fit and adventurous should definitely take a canyoning trip with Arassari Treks.
Days 11-12: Isla Margarita
You've earned a little more beach time, so take a commuter flight to Isla Margarita and decompress on the beaches of this Caribbean island. Be sure to reserve a table at Casa Caranta for dinner one night. On the other evening, have dinner at Catabar, and afterwards have a nightcap at Guayoyo Café.
Days 13-14: Caracas
Return to Caracas and take a crash course in this capital city. Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and the Iglesia de San Francisco. Be sure to schedule a trip to El Hatillo, which will include a shopping excursion to the Hannsi Centro Artesanal. After dinner, be sure to cap everything off with a drink at 360°, taking in the view of the city from the uppermost rooftop bar here.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
