Plunge straight into your explorations of this exotic country with a jeep tour along forest trails to the peak of Mount Ávila, just outside the capital, Caracas.
Pop on your safari hat and feast your eyes on the dazzling wildlife in the llanos, Venezuela’s wide emerald prairies enlivened by brilliant scarlet ibises, alligators, howler monkeys and anacondas. Stay at a friendly family-run working ranch, explore by truck, canoe and on horse-back, and go piranha fishing!
Paddle through the creeks and mangroves of the labyrinthine delta of the River Orinoco, a jungle wilderness of islands, swamps and lagoons, home to the native Canoe People. Learn about the thriving wildlife and rainforest survival on adventures from your simple wooden riverside lodge.
A brief stop to probe the famous 10km Guácharo cave then a wind-down at a luxury hotel with all the trimmings in the Mochima National Park, lounge on the beach, snorkel on the coral reef, spot sea turtles, or visit a buffalo farm…
We’ve been there
"The prolific wildlife and the ease with which it can be spotted in the open grasslands of the Llanos is astonishing. This, combined with the cowboy culture that defines the region, makes a stay a real adventure." Ben Line, Travel Consultant.
A bit more time?
Take a flight over the Angel Falls, the world’s highest, with a dizzying 979m drop crashing down into the Devil’s Canyon from a near-vertical cliff in the Lost Word tablelands, which rise above the savannah of Canaima National Park.
Where do you sleep?
2 nights tourist class hotel close to Caracas; 3 nights Hato Cristero, working ranch; 2 nights Orinoco jungle lodge, 1 night Caripe, 2 nights in low-key hotel Cumanagoto, Caribbean beach resort, Cumaná.
What do you eat?
Venezuelans are very proud of their arepa - a doughy scone-like confection which is served packed with fabulous fillings. Regional specialities include goat or fish in coconut sauce, and fried ants in the Orinoco basin.
Top Tip
On the whole, Venezuelans dress very smartly, and frown upon scruffy travellers.
Did You Know?
That the tablelands of central southern Venezuela were the original inspiration for Conan Doyle’s adventure story The Lost World. | 
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